Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, chaired the 65th meeting of the Environment Affairs Authority Board to discuss key environmental topics aimed at enhancing Egypt’s environmental efforts and preserving natural resources. The meeting brought together senior environmental officials and experts, including Dr. Ali Abu Sena, CEO of the Environment Affairs Authority, Dr. Mohamed Salem, Consultant for Nature Protection, and representatives from various ministries.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
- Natural Reserves Review: The board discussed the results and recommendations from the technical committee on revising the boundaries of several natural reserves, including Wadi El-Rayan, Qaroun Reserve, and the Petrified Forest Reserve. The committee’s work involved evaluating the ecological conditions, reviewing the activities within these reserves, and assessing overlaps with other entities to ensure the environmental sensitivity of these areas is maintained.
- Reassessing Egypt’s Protected Areas: Minister Fouad emphasized the importance of reassessing Egypt’s natural reserves, noting that there are currently 30 protected areas covering 15% of the country’s land area. She explained that some areas had lost their ecological significance, while others faced human settlement challenges or were being used for activities violating environmental protection laws. The ministry is exploring how to invest in these areas through private sector involvement and community engagement to preserve geological heritage and rare plant species.
- Coral Reef Protection: The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving the coral reefs along the Red Sea coast, noting that 50% of the coral reefs have already been designated as protected areas. Efforts are underway to extend the protected areas to include the remaining 50%.
- Environmental Monitoring and Satellite Technology: The board discussed the use of satellite technology to monitor protected areas, ensuring better management and protection from encroachment.
- Proposal for a Natural Heritage Museum: A proposal was put forward to establish a natural heritage museum at the Petrified Forest Reserve to showcase Egypt’s rich environmental heritage.
- Renewal of Environmental Permits: The council approved the technical committee’s recommendations for renewing environmental permits for 9 facilities, including companies in the cement, shipping, and industrial sectors, for the use of coal and petroleum products. Some companies received two-year permit renewals, while others were granted conditional renewals, subject to addressing the committee’s recommendations within three months.
Dr. Fouad emphasized the importance of these actions in ensuring the sustainable use of Egypt’s natural resources while fostering investment in environmental conservation. The government continues to work on developing strategies to protect and enhance the country’s unique ecological assets.
