This year the celebration of WED, June 5th 2010, focused on the “central importance to humanity of the globe’s wealth of species and ecosystems” under the theme; "Many species, one planet, one future". The event is an initiative by the United Nations Environment Programme and invites people all over the world to reflect on how many modern societies stand to gain by integrating the environment and nature’s biodiversity.

Following last years' attendance at Cairo House, the Medicinal Plants Conservation Project (MPCP) took part in the celebration once again at the same location. From morning to afternoon the public attendants could browse around and enjoy informative stands with local products from various protected areas in Egypt, prepared in an organized and community based participative way the day before, there among the Saint Katherine Protectorate presented by members of the MPCP. Other local community stands included: Siwa Protected Area that presented local specialties such as dates, olives and olive oil, and traditional handmade textile products; Elba Protected Area, known for their handicrafts, such as baskets, bags and other accessories made from local leather, for instance camel skin; the Soaring Birds Project, and other EEAA participants.   

Among the visitors was the Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, H.E. Eng. Maged George; Dr. Nadi Makram Ebeed; the Director of the Nature Conservation Sector, Dr. Wafaa Mahros; and the CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Dr. Mwaheb Abo Elazem. The above mentioned had the privilege to witness firsthand the quality delivery of the event in terms of organization, publication, the quality of the programme of activities and the public attendance that happened through the day.

(Above photo: The Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, H.E. Eng. Maged George; the former Minister of Environment, Dr. Nadia Ebeed (in white); and the Director of the Nature Conservation Sector, Dr. Wafaa Mahros being informed about the MPCP's activities and products by MPCP staff member Eng. Khaled Mogahed and Saint Katherine Protectorate representative Mr. Mohamed Hemied (with blue t-shirt at the back).