Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad,, announced the involvement of the private tourism sector in monitoring the marine environment through advanced digital applications designed to enhance and regulate tourism activities in Egypt’s natural reserves. This collaboration, involving the diving sector, marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its natural resources.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad emphasized that this initiative is the first of its kind in Egypt, with the private tourism sector now playing a vital role in marine environmental monitoring. This is part of an ambitious strategy to balance sustainable tourism with the preservation of the country’s rich biodiversity.
“Natural resources are our capital, a gift from God, and we will continue to preserve them in collaboration with the private sector,” said Dr. Fouad. “For the first time in Egypt, the tourism sector is a key partner in marine environmental monitoring, contributing to the protection of natural resources and alleviating pressure on these resources.”
The initiative, which includes the launch of the “Eco Monitor” app and an electronic system for permits and tickets for tourists in nature reserves, was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Egyptian Tourism Federation, and several other stakeholders. The app aims to provide a system to monitor marine species and activities, helping manage and protect Egypt’s marine ecosystems.
The collaboration began six years ago, initially focusing on balancing increased tourist numbers with environmental protection. Over time, it evolved into a successful partnership between the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, and the private sector, specifically the diving industry. This partnership highlights Egypt’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Dr. Yasmin Fouad: A Vision for Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
Dr. Yasmin Fouad described the application launch as the culmination of years of teamwork, especially in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the diving community played a crucial role in cleaning the sea floors and maintaining the environmental infrastructure during the tourism halt.
“The purpose of these applications goes beyond just issuing permits and tickets; they provide us with the ability to monitor environmental pressures on natural resources, helping to protect them for future generations,” added Dr. Fouad. She also announced that the Ministry of Environment would continue its work with or without external support, emphasizing the importance of preserving Egypt’s natural wealth through sustained collaboration.
The Minister also stressed that while enjoying Egypt’s marine environment is encouraged, it is crucial to regulate the activities that impact its natural resources. “We do not forbid enjoyment of our marine environment, but we must organize practices to protect our natural heritage and preserve biodiversity,” she concluded.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Dr. Yomna Al-Bahaar, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, spoke of the significance of these applications in promoting sustainability within Egypt’s tourism industry. She stated that the integration of these tools into the tourism sector is part of a broader strategy to support responsible tourism, adding that these innovations aim to protect both Egypt’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
“The apps contribute not only to attracting tourists but also to preserving the nation’s natural and cultural assets,” Dr. Al-Bahaar explained. “They enable us to manage protected sites, regulate visitor numbers, and ensure sustainable use of these resources.”
Hossam El Shaer, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, praised the new system’s ability to enhance the management of Egypt’s protected areas. “These applications contribute significantly to preserving our natural resources and support eco-tourism,” he said.
Training and Collaboration with Divers
The initiative will involve training 1,000 professional divers in the first phase, with plans to extend this to 3,000 divers in the future. These divers will play a key role in environmental monitoring, ensuring the integrity of Egypt’s marine ecosystems.
Mohamed Aliwa, Director of the “Green Sharm” Project, shared that the newly launched “Eco Monitor” app allows divers to document marine life sightings, contributing to a comprehensive database that will aid in informed decision-making for environmental protection.
Easy Access to Environmental Monitoring Tools
Huda El-Shwadfi, Assistant Minister of Environment for Environmental Tourism, noted that the app is designed to be user-friendly, available in both Arabic and English. “The system allows tourists and divers to easily book activities and access nature reserves, enhancing the overall experience while ensuring that environmental regulations are upheld,” she said.
In addition to the launch of the app, a workshop was held for journalists to present the ongoing work of the “Sharm El Sheikh – Green City” project. This project aims to transform Sharm El Sheikh into a model for sustainable tourism, with various green initiatives, including renewable energy projects, waste management systems, and biodiversity conservation efforts.
A Green Future for Sharm El Sheikh
The “Green Sharm” project, supported by the Ministry of Environment, the European Union, the Japanese Embassy, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to make Sharm El Sheikh a global leader in sustainable tourism. It includes the development of solar energy projects, waste recycling programs, and biodiversity preservation efforts, with a focus on integrating the local community into these initiatives.
As part of the project, significant investments have been made in solar energy, with several hotels and public buildings now equipped with solar panels. The project will generate over 6 MW of renewable energy, contributing to Sharm El Sheikh’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral city.
The project also involves promoting sustainable tourism practices, preserving Egypt’s natural beauty, and ensuring that both locals and tourists benefit from these efforts. “The launch of the new application is a significant step toward ensuring that Sharm El Sheikh remains a top global destination for eco-tourism,” Aliwa concluded.
About “Eco Monitor” App
The “Eco Monitor” app, launched as part of the “Sharm El Sheikh – Green City” project, supports marine conservation efforts by allowing professional divers to report sightings of marine life, contributing to a real-time database that helps protect Egypt’s marine biodiversity. The app is a critical tool in the ongoing effort to balance tourism and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Sharm El Sheikh remains a leading destination for responsible tourism.
The app also integrates an electronic permit system that streamlines the process for tourists wishing to visit Egypt’s protected marine reserves, offering a more efficient and transparent way to manage eco-tourism activities. This initiative highlights Egypt’s commitment to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technological innovation and collaboration across sectors.
