In 1995, by decision III/19 of the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (COP3), Egypt was selected as the site for the Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer serving the Arab countries of North Africa and West Asia (BCRC-Egypt).

  From thereon, BCRC-Egypt has focused, in close collaboration with the member states on defining environmental policies, setting priorities for the current needs of the region, and implementing initiatives within the context of the Basel Convention.

  BCRC-Egypt activities started long before a framework agreement was officially signed. The activities include working with Stockholm Convention, UNEP organizations, such as UNEP-ROWA and UNEP-Chemical, and the UNDP Post Conflict Department.

  BCRC-Egypt has involved in implementation of projects, organizing and co-organizing workshops, implementation of training programs, seminars, key note and invited talks, in Egypt and abroad, in addition to multi-media interviews in newspapers, radio, and TV.

   BCRC-Egypt has successfully implement the 2005 and 2006 business plan and has submitted the 2007-2008 business plan that is based on specific country needs, thanks to the generous fund from the Finland government that is supporting the Centre activists. 

   We hope to continue working with community organizations, local and national government to encouraging the environmental benefits of waste minimization and recycling and highlight the positive impact on the economy and wider society.

   Prof. Dr. Mortada M. El Aref
             BCRC-Egypt, Director