Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, held a meeting with an investor to explore opportunities for enhancing environmental investment within Egypt’s natural reserves. Awad stated that the state prioritizes environmental investment, viewing it as a promising avenue for developing reserve resources and advancing the green economy. She emphasized strict controls to protect ecosystems.
In the meeting, Awad highlighted the role of environmental investment in supporting eco-tourism, which is experiencing growing demand both domestically and internationally. She explained that any investment activity within natural reserves must adhere to strict controls to preserve ecosystems and protect natural resources from negative pressures. The ministry adopts an integrated approach that balances economic development with environmental conservation, designing projects according to the unique characteristics of each reserve and using materials and architectural concepts that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
Awad stressed that proposed projects should reflect the environmental identity and cultural heritage of each reserve, while enhancing the visitor experience without compromising natural resources. She noted that Egypt’s natural reserves possess unique features that position them as distinctive destinations for global eco-tourism. She also underlined the importance of submitting comprehensive technical and environmental studies for any proposed project, including environmental impact assessments, sustainable management plans, and measures to mitigate potential effects on natural resources.
These studies are reviewed by specialists from the Nature Conservation Sector and relevant technical bodies within the ministry before approvals are granted, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards and regulations governing investment in natural reserves. Awad added that the state welcomes partnerships with the private sector in eco-tourism and environmental projects, provided there is strict adherence to environmental requirements. The Ministry of Environment is currently working to upgrade environmental infrastructure within natural reserves, improve visitor services, and introduce a modern system for managing tourism activities, in cooperation with private investors and the business community. This approach aims to achieve a sustainable balance between development and conservation, strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional leader in the management and protection of natural reserves.