Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, stated that the state welcomes partnerships with the private sector in ecotourism projects, provided there is full compliance with environmental standards and regulations to ensure the protection of nature reserves and the preservation of their natural resources for future generations.
The minister held a meeting with an investor to discuss opportunities for enhancing environmental investment within Egypt’s nature reserves.
During the meeting, Dr. Awad emphasized that environmental investment is a top priority in the current phase, describing it as a promising pathway for developing the resources of nature reserves and promoting the green economy. She also highlighted its role in supporting ecotourism, which is witnessing growing demand both locally and internationally.
Dr. Awad stressed that any investment within nature reserves must adhere to strict regulations to protect ecosystems and prevent negative environmental impacts. She explained that the Ministry adopts an approach that integrates economic development with nature conservation by implementing projects that respect the unique characteristics of each reserve and rely on environmentally compatible materials and designs.
Dr. Awad further underscored that proposed projects should reflect the environmental identity and cultural heritage of each reserve, while enhancing the quality of the tourist experience without harming natural resources. She noted that Egypt’s nature reserves possess unique features that position them as distinguished global ecotourism destinations.
The Minister also emphasized the necessity of submitting comprehensive technical and environmental studies for any proposed project, including environmental impact assessments, sustainable management plans, and mechanisms to mitigate potential effects on natural resources.
These studies will be reviewed by experts in nature protection and relevant technical bodies within the Ministry before any approvals are granted, to ensure full compliance with environmental requirements and investment regulations.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Environment is working to develop environmental infrastructure in nature reserves, improve visitor services, and implement a modern system for managing tourism activities in cooperation with the private and investment sectors.
These efforts aim to strike a balance between development and nature conservation, while strengthening Egypt’s position as a leading regional country in the management of nature reserves.
Source: Egypt Today
