Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the environmental and tourism sectors in enhancing Egypt’s tourism experience. She highlighted that this cooperation plays a vital role in preserving the environment and strengthening Egypt’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination. This was discussed during an extensive meeting with the Environment Committee of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, chaired by Mr. Hossam El Shaer, Chairman of the Federation, to review ongoing and future efforts to support eco-tourism investments and promote environmental investments in nature reserves.
Collaboration Between Environment and Tourism for Sustainable Development
At the start of the meeting, Minister Fouad stressed that the partnership between the environmental and tourism sectors is key to achieving sustainable development. She pointed out that eco-tourism has become a major driver for attracting visitors to nature reserves while also boosting the national economy and preserving natural resources and biodiversity. She also emphasized the Ministry of Environment’s commitment to coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector to ensure the implementation of environmental sustainability standards, such as reducing pollution and improving the efficiency of natural resource use. She added that the synergy between both sectors contributes to offering a unique tourism experience that preserves the environment and supports local communities, thereby enhancing Egypt’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.
Review of Past Efforts and Future Vision
During the meeting, Minister Fouad presented an overview of the efforts made by the Ministry of Environment in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism over the past five years and outlined the future vision for this vital sector. She noted that these efforts and initiatives could be leveraged to promote eco-tourism, which is considered a strategically important sector for Egypt. She also mentioned that eco-tourism is a product the ministry is working to create a market for, which requires specific legislation, standards, and conditions, all of which the ministry has worked to establish in recent years.
Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Minister Fouad also listened to the challenges and obstacles facing the sector and discussed proposed solutions to overcome them. Among these solutions, she emphasized the need for intensified efforts to educate tourism companies about the importance of adhering to environmental preservation standards in various fields, such as reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and conserving water and energy. She also stressed the importance of providing technical support to hotels in applying green certification standards.
Support for the “Green Star” Program
The Minister confirmed the Ministry’s full support for the “Green Star” program, which is designed to assess and promote sustainability in hotels and tourist facilities according to specific environmental criteria. The program aims to promote sustainable practices, reduce the environmental impact of hotels, and improve their operational efficiency. Additionally, she discussed the possibility of collaborating with non-governmental organizations to train local communities in environmental activities.
Solar Energy Projects in Eco-Tourism
Minister Fouad and the committee members discussed the possibility of utilizing some sites in Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam for establishing solar energy generation plants to be used in tourist hotels. This proposal aligns with the goal of transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into a green city. She welcomed the suggestion, noting that it could contribute to fulfilling Egypt’s commitments in the field of renewable energy and supporting foreign investments in this sector, thus promoting sustainable tourism.
Investment Opportunities in Nature Reserves
The meeting also reviewed several proposals for expanding investment opportunities in nature reserves, which the Ministry of Environment is currently working on within several reserves, including those in South Sinai, Wadi El Rayan, Lake Qarun, Wadi Degla, the Ashmoun El-Gemel Reserve, and the White Desert. Minister Fouad emphasized that all investment projects being carried out in these reserves, such as eco-lodges and campsites, support nature-based eco-tourism and contribute to sustainable tourism. She also mentioned that the Ministry is working on setting regulations to define the types of constructions, services, and activities allowed in eco-lodges and reserves.
Eco-Tourism vs. Sustainable Tourism
Minister Fouad made a clear distinction between eco-tourism and sustainable tourism. Eco-tourism is a type of tourism focused on visiting natural areas responsibly, with the goal of enjoying nature while preserving it and supporting local communities. Sustainable tourism, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses all types of tourism, provided it is managed in a way that minimizes negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. She highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to integrate local communities into the management of nature reserves, ensuring their participation in environmental and tourism activities, which has helped improve their economic conditions while preserving natural resources. This approach aligns with the principles of eco-tourism and sustainable development.
Tourism Sector’s Role in Promoting Eco-Tourism
Mr. Hossam El Shaer expressed his sincere appreciation to the Minister for her continuous engagement with the tourism sector. He praised the Ministry of Environment’s effective role in supporting eco-tourism investments and promoting investment in nature reserves. He emphasized that the Ministry has made a real shift in eco-tourism concepts in Egypt, which has increased awareness among many tour operators about the importance of this type of tourism, which has become a promising global trend. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the tourism sector and the Ministry of Environment to boost tourism in all its forms, particularly eco-tourism and cultural tourism, in alignment with global market requirements and the ongoing development of Egypt’s tourism industry.
