Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe

What Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe does

CEDARE (Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe) is an intergovernmental not-for-profit organization established in 1992 under the Damascus charter adopted by the 3rd Arab Ministerial Meeting on Environment Affairs. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, CEDARE addresses regional environmental challenges by promoting sustainable development and resource management across the Arab region, Europe, and Africa. Its primary stakeholders are Arab League member state governments, European institutions, and UN agencies, which it serves through five thematic programmes—Environmental Governance (EGP), Knowledge Management (KMP), Land Resources (LRP), Sustainable Growth (SGP), and Water Resources Management (WRP)—alongside a portfolio of regionally-funded projects such as Waste2Fashion, Smart Villages, Almuruna, HERD, and Al-Murunah.

CEDARE's operational technology stack includes AI, GIS, remote sensing, and decision support systems applied to climate risk assessment, vulnerability mapping, environmental monitoring, and SDG progress tracking. Specialized tools encompass Integrated Water Resources Management instruments, climate risk and vulnerability mapping models, environmental information networks, and user-facing SDG dashboards. The Water Resources Programme alone has served more than 70 countries and delivered over 160 projects, while the broader portfolio supports more than 50 regional initiatives in sustainable water and land management. CEDARE also contributed to establishing significant regional networks including the Arab Water Council, the Africa Environment Information Network, and the Arab Network for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.

CEDARE does not operate a commercial pricing model. Its funding flows from intergovernmental member contributions, project-based grants (notably from the EU through programmes like Interreg NEXT MED), and technical assistance mandates from UN agencies and bilateral donors such as USAID, GIZ, and the Italian Development Cooperation. For example, the Waste2Fashion circular economy project carries a €2.8M budget with the EU contributing 88.5%, delivered in consortium with partners across Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Tunisia. Its go-to-market is event-driven and community-led, leveraging intergovernmental status, ministerial-level board access, and approximately 140 funding partners to extend influence through international forums, UN processes, and regional networks.

Name

Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe

Legal name

Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe

Website

https://2025.cedare.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CEDARE is an intergovernmental non-profit founded in 1992 in Cairo, Egypt. It advances environmental sustainability, water management, and climate resilience across the Arab region, Europe, and Africa via policy support, capacity building, and project implementation for governments and multilateral institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Cairo

HQ country

Egypt

HQ region

Africa

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Intergovernmental Membership and Funding Contributions: CEDARE is funded by more than 140 funding partners including governments, international organizations, and development agencies. The organization operates with support from member country contributions and development cooperation funding.
2. Project-Based EU Funding: CEDARE receives funding through EU-funded programs such as the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. For example, the Waste2Fashion project has a budget of 2.8M € with EU contributing 88.5% of project costs.
3. Technical Assistance and Consulting Services: CEDARE provides technical assistance for member countries in developing and implementing IWRM plans, water visions, climate strategies, and environmental assessments on a project-by-project basis.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CEDARE is an intergovernmental not-for-profit organization that delivers regional programmes and projects on environmental sustainability, water resources management, climate change adaptation, land resources, and sustainable growth across the Arab region and Europe. Its core offerings are five thematic programmes (Environmental Governance, Knowledge Management, Land Resources, Sustainable Growth, Water Resources Management) executed through policy support, capacity building, technical assistance, and consortium-based projects such as Waste2Fashion. The organization is funded by member contributions and over 140 development partners rather than selling products commercially.

Product overview

CEDARE offers a portfolio of intergovernmental programmes and regional projects focused on environmental sustainability and sustainable development across the Arab region, Europe, and Africa. The core offerings include five thematic programmes: Environmental Governance Programme (EGP), Knowledge Management Programme (KMP), Land Resources Programme (LRP), Sustainable Growth Programme (SGP), and Water Resources Management Programme (WRP). These programmes are complemented by project-specific initiatives such as Waste2Fashion (circular textile economy), Smart Villages Project, Almuruna Project, HERD Project, and Al-Murunah Project. The organization acts as a regional hub rather than a software product company, providing policy support, capacity building, knowledge management, and technical cooperation across environmental governance, climate resilience, circular economy, and resource management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Waste2Fashion: A regional project addressing textile waste by promoting circular economy solutions in the fashion sector in five Mediterranean countries (Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Tunisia), funded through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme (2025-2028).
• Smart Villages Project
• Almuruna Project
• HERD Project

Products and services

• Environmental Governance Programme (EGP)
• Knowledge Management Programme (KMP) CEDARE programme strengthening the science-policy interface to address environmental and climate challenges by facilitating knowledge acquisition, assimilation, and dissemination for reliable and informed decision-making in sustainable development. Targets decision-makers, researchers, and stakeholders in the Arab region and Europe.
• Land Resources Programme (LRP) CEDARE programme advancing sustainable management and utilization of land resources through research, capacity building, policy advocacy, and innovative solutions addressing land degradation, urbanization, and climate change. Targets governments, land managers, and communities in the Arab region.
• Sustainable Growth Programme (SGP) CEDARE multi-stakeholder programme tackling environmental and developmental challenges through policy support, capacity building, and project implementation across waste management, sustainable cities, climate action, and the circular economy. Targets governments, private sector, and NGOs in the Arab region and Europe.
• Water Resources Management Programme (WRP) CEDARE programme maximizing economic, social, and environmental water use benefits through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), focusing on 2030 Water SDGs, assessing the state of water in the Arab region, and advancing water technologies including desalination and water reuse. Targets governments, water authorities, and communities in 70+ countries served.
• Waste2Fashion Project Regional circular economy project addressing textile waste by establishing sustainable systems for textile waste collection, sorting, and pre-recycling in five Mediterranean countries (Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, Tunisia), funded through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme (2025-2028). Targets public authorities, textile industry stakeholders, and consumers in the Mediterranean.
• Smart Villages Project CEDARE project promoting sustainable water resources management, climate-smart agricultural practices, and strengthening adaptive capacity of rural communities to respond to climate change impacts. Targets rural communities and local authorities in the Arab region.
• Almuruna Project CEDARE project focused on sustainable water resources management and climate resilience in the Middle East and North Africa region. Targets water authorities and communities in MENA.
• HERD Project for Rangeland Management CEDARE project promoting sustainable rangeland management practices and supporting climate-smart agriculture for rural communities. Targets pastoral communities and rangeland managers in the Arab region.
• Al-Murunah Project CEDARE project strengthening climate resilience through improving water security in the Middle East and North Africa, including solar-powered irrigation system assessments. Targets rural communities, water authorities, and agricultural stakeholders in MENA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supporting over 50 regional initiatives in sustainable water and land management
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNDP is represented on CEDARE's Board of Trustees as a member. CEDARE collaborates with UNDP on sustainable development initiatives and capacity building programmes across the Arab region.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNEP is represented on CEDARE's Board of Trustees. CEDARE works with UNEP through the Mediterranean Action Plan and contributes to policy frameworks via the Barcelona Convention.
• World BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE has collaborated with the World Bank on environmental and development projects. The World Bank is part of CEDARE's global partner base.
• League of Arab StatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE is an intergovernmental organization that collaborates with the League of Arab States on environmental policy and sustainable development across the Arab region.
• African UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe African Union is a member of CEDARE's Board of Trustees. CEDARE advances programmes across Africa in addition to the Arab region.
• African Development BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe African Development Bank is part of CEDARE's global partner base supporting sustainable development initiatives.
• World Health Organization (WHO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWHO is part of CEDARE's global partner base, collaborating on environmental health linkages.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFAO collaborates with CEDARE on food security, sustainable agriculture, and land resource management projects.
• World Food Programme (WFP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWFP is part of CEDARE's global partner network addressing food security and environmental linkages.
• International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIUCN is a member of CEDARE's Board of Trustees and collaborates on biodiversity conservation and environmental governance.
• World Resources Institute (WRI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWRI is part of CEDARE's global partner base, collaborating on environmental research and sustainable development.
• GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIZ collaborates with CEDARE on development projects and capacity building initiatives.
• European Environment Agency (EEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEEA is represented on CEDARE's Board of Trustees as a rotational member, supporting Euro-Mediterranean environmental cooperation.
• Care InternationalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare International is part of CEDARE's global partner base working on development and environmental initiatives.
• Arab Water CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE is a member of the executive board of the Arab Water Council, contributing to regional water governance.
• African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE is a member of AMCOW's executive board, contributing to African water sector development.
• Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESCWA collaborates with CEDARE on sustainable development and environmental initiatives in West Asia.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerITU collaborates with CEDARE on digital transformation and Green ICT initiatives.
• Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE contributes to the Mediterranean Action Plan through MedWaves and the Barcelona Convention framework.
• Union for the MediterraneanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Union for the Mediterranean is part of CEDARE's partner network supporting Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
• Regional Center for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (RCREEE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRCREEE collaborates with CEDARE on sustainable energy and green economy transition initiatives.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIWMI partners with CEDARE on water resources management and agricultural water use projects.
• International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerICARDA collaborates with CEDARE on agricultural research and dry area development.
• UN HabitatmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN Habitat partners with CEDARE on sustainable cities and urban environmental initiatives.
• Paris Committee on Capacity-buildingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE is a member of the Paris Committee on Capacity-building, contributing to climate capacity building efforts.
• Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and EnergymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE collaborates with the Global Covenant of Mayors on climate and energy initiatives.
• Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAOAD is part of CEDARE's global partner base working on agricultural development in Arab states.
• University of SalfordminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Salford is part of CEDARE's global partner base contributing academic expertise.
• Egyptian Water PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE is a member of the Egyptian Water Partnership and supports its activities.
• North African Ministers Council on WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE collaborates with the North African Ministers Council on Water for regional water management.
• The Cyprus InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDARE signed an MoU with The Cyprus Institute and became a member of the Regional Scientific Alliance for Climate Change.
• MedWaves (UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for SCP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedWaves is the Lead Partner of the Waste2Fashion project, hosted by the Waste Agency of Catalonia. CEDARE works with MedWaves on circular economy and sustainable consumption and production.
• Egyptian Clothing BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEgyptian Clothing Bank is the Egyptian partner in Waste2Fashion, implementing pilot activities for textile collection, sorting, and reuse.
• Next Technology Tecnotessile (Italy)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian partner in Waste2Fashion providing technical expertise for textile recycling and circular economy solutions.
• Fondazione Museo del Tessuto (Italy)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian partner implementing the Eco Design Academy and Circular Economy Accelerator under Waste2Fashion.
• Fédération Tunisienne du Textile et de l'Habillement (FTTH)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTunisian partner implementing the Tunisian pilot for Waste2Fashion including Living Lab activities.
• FabricAID (Lebanon)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebanese partner in Waste2Fashion working on textile waste management and social impact.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• International Water Management Institute (IWMI): IWMI is a research-for-development organization focused on water resources management. CEDARE partners with IWMI on agricultural water use and water security; both address MENA water challenges with research and policy advisory outputs.
• Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI): GGGI is an intergovernmental organization supporting green growth in developing and emerging economies. Comparable as an intergovernmental advisory body on sustainable economic development, climate, and green finance with a MENA presence.
• Mediterranean Action Plan / UNEP-MAP: UNEP/MAP is the Mediterranean region's intergovernmental environmental cooperation framework. CEDARE collaborates through MedWaves on circular economy and Barcelona Convention processes; both address Mediterranean sustainability governance.
• Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE): RCREEE is an intergovernmental organization serving the Arab region on renewable energy and energy efficiency. CEDARE is a partner; both share regional intergovernmental mandate, Arab member states, and Cairo operational footprint.
• Arab Water Council (AWC): AWC is a regional Arab platform on water governance with CEDARE on its executive board. Both target Arab-region water security policy and operate as intergovernmental knowledge networks serving the same member states.
• African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW): AMCOW is a specialized institution of the African Union for water and sanitation. CEDARE holds an executive board seat; both operate as intergovernmental platforms driving water policy in their respective regions.

Broad incumbents

• World Resources Institute (WRI): WRI is a global environmental research organization and CEDARE partner. Comparable as a knowledge-driven environmental organization producing data, tools, and policy analysis on sustainability topics overlapping CEDARE's Knowledge Management Programme.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP is the global UN system designate for environmental matters and a core CEDARE Board partner. Comparable as the apex intergovernmental environmental body that CEDARE supports at regional level in the Arab states.
• Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI): SEI is an independent international research organization on environment and development policy. Comparable to CEDARE's Knowledge Management and Climate Programmes in delivering science-policy interfaces and environmental analytics.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): IUCN is a CEDARE Board member and global authority on biodiversity conservation and natural resource governance. Comparable as an intergovernmental/membership-based environmental organization with overlapping biodiversity and ecosystem services mandates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CEDARE_ORG
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTFfWbQ9anyPWJyJ8yRp78g
• Facebookfacebook.com/cedare.int
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/center-for-environment-&-development-for-the-arab-region-and-europe-cedare-
• Instagraminstagram.com/cedare_organization

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe