Ecosystem Research Center
Ecological research that brings sustainable communities in the desert to life in Egypt & MENA Region

Heliopolis University’s Ecosystem Research Center, HU-ERC is dedicated to studying the sustainable development tools in regard to climate, water, plants & animals, and the possibility of community development for harsh desert environments.
With SEKEM Vision to transform the desert by bringing life, and sustainably developing communities, to it through agricultural activities, HU-ERC plays a pivotal role in the success of currently developed ecosystems in the Oasis Development Project & 13 Villages Initiative.
It is also responsible for studying the possibilities of creating new successful ecosystems both locally & globally.
Vision
Provide ecological knowledge, in terms of research, applied studies, consults & training, in the desert areas; which consequently help provide necessary conditions for ecosystems to develop in the desert, thus creating sustainable communities
Mission
Provide ecological knowledge, in terms of research, applied studies, consults & training, in the desert areas; which consequently help provide necessary conditions for ecosystems to develop in the desert, thus creating sustainable communities.
Development
Tracks
- SEKEM Vision Goals
- SVG 5: Biodynamic & organic agriculture
- SVG 6: Sustainable water management
- SVG 7: Renewable energies
- SVG 8: Rich & resilient biodiversity
- SVG 9: Active climate change mitigation
- List Item
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6: Clean water & sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable clean energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities & communities
- SDG 13: Climate action
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
our services
Custom marketing solutions
Field Training
HU-ERC facilitates the field training of
interested parties, whether from HU or other organizations, in the ecological
development of the currently developing communities in the desert, as well as
the exploration of new communities.
Technical Consulting
HU-ERC provides technical consultations that
aim to cooperate with and transfer knowledge & experience to interested
organizations, beneficiaries, as well as local & scientific societies.
It also organizes workshops, seminars &
conferences that discusses the development of desert areas in Egypt & MENA
region, in terms of organic agriculture, water consumption as well as energy
sources.
Community Awareness
In collaboration with HU Carbon Footprint
Center & Center for Organic Agriculture in Egypt, HU-ERC helps in raising
awareness on the transition from traditional to organic agriculture, and the
methods required for its development in desert areas.
Research & Applied Scientific Studies
Through the collaboration of faculty of
organic agriculture, HU-ERC explores plant growth and sustainable production in
desert areas, thus enabling the development of communities surrounding
agricultural activities.
Through the management, monitoring &
evaluation of field research in the Egyptian desert, HU-ERC establishes a
database for natural resources that helps identify potential growth in desert
areas.
HU_ERC is also responsible for publishing
& exchanging relevant research on non-traditional energy sources as well as
the development of water resources and the rationalization of its consumption;
consequently maintaining ecological balance & biodiversity in desert areas.
Development
Tracks
- SDG 1: No poverty
- SDG 8 : Decent work & economic growth
- SDG 9: Industry innovation & infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible consumption & production
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
- SVG 1: Lifelong learning & potential unfolding
- SVG 10 Circular economy
- SVG 12: ethical finance
- SVG 13: Responsible consumption & sustainable lifestyle
- SVG 14: Integral organizational development & Leadership
- SVG 16: Social transformation