The event aimed to “emphasise that development does not counter environmental protection, but rather promotes it," a statement by the Ministry of Environment said on Saturday. It was held in cooperation with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), in the presence of different governors and representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Egypt and the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, in addition to a number of ambassadors and investors in the eco-tourism sector.

World Earth Day urges citizens to enhance harmony with nature and the earth, stop the illegal trade in wildlife, confront climate change, clear forests,  and preserve biological diversity, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad stressed  in the statement.

World Earth Day, which falls on 22 April every year, is the world's largest environmental movement.

The event was first launched in 1970 after three million gallons of oil spilled off the coast of California the year before.

Several landmarks and buildings in Egypt, including Cairo University, lit up in green on Friday in celebration of the day.

The slogan “Invest in Our Planet” is pertinent since investing in the planet and protecting the environment and natural resources do not mean a decline in the economy of countries amid the current eglobal crisis, Fouad stressed.   

“Investment and environment are two sides of the same coin,” Fouad added.

On the occasion of World Earth Day, Fouad called on everyone - especially industry, economy and investment people - to work hard and strive to save the planet by reducing the effects of climate change.

She also stressed the importance of supporting the state's ongoing efforts in transitioning the country towards a green economy.

The minister highlighted the importance of the optimal investment of natural resources to reduce the effects of climate change, as Egypt prepares to host the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

During its presidency of COP27, Egypt is adopting a comprehensive and environmentally-friendly approach, as the conference aims to support efforts to reduce emissions and provide funding for developing countries to deal with climate change.

And ahead of COP 27, Egypt launched major environmental projects and climate-focused programmes in its endeavor towards a green economy.

Sharm El-Sheikh and Alexandria have recently banned single-use plastic bags from their beaches and announced their plans to become green sustainable cities.