Climate Heritage Retreat with the Egypt Exploration Society

In September 2024, Julie’s Bicycle delivered a week-long Climate Heritage Retreat in partnership with the Egypt Exploration Society (EES) at SEKEM, a prize-winning eco-lodge near Cairo. The retreat built upon the Creative Climate Leadership (CCL) programme, focusing on locally led adaptation in the context of Egyptian heritage sites. Facilitated by Julie’s Bicycle’s Chiara Badiali, Music Lead and Creative Climate Leadership facilitator, and Taghrid Choucair-Vizoso, Head of Programmes, the retreat also drew on insights from a shorter heritage-focused CCL delivered during COP28 in 2023.

The programme convened 14 participants from local NGOs, research institutes, and organisations such as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, alongside representatives from Jordan, Sudan, and Kenya. It was designed to foster knowledge exchange and practical insights, featuring training sessions, group discussions, and site visits. Experts like Salma Sabour, an adaptation specialist, contributed to discussions on integrating climate action into heritage site management, balancing community needs, and addressing tensions between preservation and modern development.

Key themes included locally led adaptation strategies, such as Megawra’s work introducing greenery in urban spaces and preserving water resources, and exploring the value of both tangible and intangible heritage in the face of climate change. Participants grappled with challenging questions around prioritising heritage preservation, stakeholder engagement, and justice in adaptation efforts.

Watch the video below for an inside look at the retreat.