Rawya has been named one of Africa’s most influential leaders for 2019 in recognition of her environmental conservation efforts crystallised in her entrepreneurial business projects in organic farming and waste recycling showcased at a number of events and panels during the COP27 climate conference last month.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, established in June 2006, focuses on pioneering efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development, acting on both local and international scales. Through its activities across the world, the foundation aims to unite scientists, political leaders, economic stakeholders and civil society behind one goal: the conservation of land and oceans.

##

Commenting on the award, Mansour said she was “pleased and proud to be the first Egyptian woman to be awarded the membership of the Planetary Health Pledge Club alongside laureates such as Dr. Anges M. Kalibata, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for 2021 Food Systems Summit and Dame Jane Francis, the first female director of the British Antarctic Survey.”

“Women played a visible role across fields during the UNFCCC’s Conference of the Parties in Sharm El-Sheikh. The Gender Day at COP27 in particular showcased endless achievements that underscored the importance of women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality on the road to SDG fulfilment,” she added.

Mansour participated in a number of panels during the Gender Day as an Egyptian entrepreneur, explaining the core of her projects and how they indirectly empowered women in their communities. To date, Rawya’s projects have focused on organic farming and food waste recycling using “green coal”, a unique method developed to end GHG emissions. The projects are proved to enhance soil performance and decrease water consumption while providing healthy, nutritious food without the use of chemical fertilisers.

Her projects obtained international patents for the production of green coal and soil enhancers, in addition to European quality certifications enabling the export of her project’s organic food produce. The project stands as a model of circular economy, channelling agricultural waste towards achieving the global net zero goal.