Egypt's environment minister has required detailed studies for private ecotourism plans in key Sinai reserves including Sharm El-Sheikh's Peace Park and upgrades at Ras Mohammed and Nabq. The move builds on earlier talks to protect natural sites while enabling investment.
Egypt's Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad directed that detailed technical and environmental studies be submitted for proposed private ecotourism developments in Sinai. The requirements cover Sharm El-Sheikh's Peace Park as well as upgrades at the Ras Mohammed and Nabq nature reserves.
Awad met with Hossam El-Shaer, chairperson of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, and Sherif Abdel Rahim of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. She stressed that all proposals must undergo review by nature protection experts before approvals.
Investments must follow strict controls to avoid harm to ecosystems and use materials and designs that fit the local environment and cultural heritage. Environmental investment supports the green economy and growing ecotourism demand, with the ministry upgrading reserve infrastructure in partnership with the private sector.