Egypt Prioritizes Marine Ecosystem Protection, Says Local Development Minister

Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment, along with Dr. Walid Al-Barqi, Governor of the Red Sea, conducted an extensive maritime tour of the Red Sea reserves to assess the status of tourism and environmental activities within these protected areas. This visit coincided with World Environment Day and aimed to evaluate efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable eco-tourism in the region.

The tour was attended by Magda Hana, Deputy Governor, Major General Hassan Mowafi, Secretary-General of the Governorate and Head of Hurghada City, along with several leaders from the Red Sea Governorate. Also present were Major General Khaled Abbas, Head of the Nature Conservation Sector at the Ministry, Chitoshi Noguchi, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, and representatives from the UNDP program. Dr. Ahmed Ghalab, Director-General of the Red Sea Reserves, and members of the Egyptian Coral Reef Initiative were also part of the delegation.

Dr. Manal Awad began her maritime tour with a visit to the Red Sea Reserves building, where she reviewed operations related to preserving natural resources and biodiversity. She emphasized coordinating efforts with environmental police and urged for swift implementation of an electronic booking system for marine excursions in protected areas. Additionally, she inspected the environmental monitoring unit and coastal follow-ups.

The Minister stressed the need to enhance the infrastructure at the Red Sea Reserves in collaboration with relevant authorities through the ministry’s investment plan while accelerating digital transformation initiatives within the facility.

During a boat trip to Giftun Island, Dr. Awad highlighted the importance of adhering to environmental standards for marine activities to protect natural resources. She listened to an investor’s experience on the island and praised day tourism initiatives aimed at reducing pressure on coral reefs and safeguarding natural reserves for future generations.

Furthermore, Dr. Awad reviewed the fee collection system for visiting natural reserves and discussed ways to improve visitor services to ensure optimal financial resource use in supporting conservation efforts.

She also called for implementing a solid waste management system within Red Sea reserves to prevent marine pollution and ensure waste is disposed of in designated areas. She proposed creating a framework that incentivizes tourist boat operators to properly dispose of their waste in designated containers while ensuring monitoring for safe waste disposal practices that protect marine ecosystems.

During her maritime tour, Dr. Awad engaged with representatives from the Egyptian Coral Reef Initiative project team and UNDP officials regarding final arrangements for coral reef protection projects and associated activities planned in cooperation with Red Sea reserves aimed at supporting marine ecosystem conservation efforts.

She advocated for developing community-based eco-tourism experiences within Wadi El Gemal Reserve in partnership with private sectors and local communities under its management. Additionally, she urged for expediting the establishment of an Egyptian Coral Fund aimed at attracting public and private investments to support coral reef protection while promoting positive economic activities related to these reefs.

Dr. Awad emphasized that Egypt places significant importance on protecting marine ecosystems as vital natural and economic assets. She noted that the Red Sea is one of the world’s premier destinations for eco-tourism and diving, necessitating ongoing efforts to balance resource conservation with sustainable economic benefits.