Egypt officially launched the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative during World Environment Day 2026 celebrations in the Red Sea Governorate.
Minister Manal Awad unveiled the national programme designed to protect coral reef ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable tourism and green investment along the Red Sea coast. Awad said the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative is a purely Egyptian initiative that translates national priorities into practical action to protect one of the country’s most valuable natural assets. The programme includes strengthening protected area management, expanding monitoring and establishing long-term financing mechanisms. Awad announced plans to create an Egyptian Coral Reef Fund as a sustainable financing tool. Red Sea Governor Walid El-Barqi, UNDP Resident Representative Chitose Noguchi and Global Fund for Coral Reefs Deputy Head Yabanex Batista also spoke at the event held with government, private sector and international partners.