In a recent community dialogue on the environmental situation of Hankoorab Bay in the Red Sea, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, provided a clear and comprehensive explanation of the region’s environmental status, refuting misinformation circulating on social media. The event, organized by the Arab Network for Environment and Development “Raed” and the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, was attended by key stakeholders including environmental experts, civil society representatives, members of Egypt’s parliament, and media personnel.
Minister Fouad emphasized that her presence at the forum was not to defend or justify the Ministry’s actions, but rather to present factual scientific data and clarify the ongoing efforts to ensure the preservation of Hankoorab Bay, a part of the internationally recognized Wadi El-Gemal Protected Area, known for its rich biodiversity.
No Plans for Concrete Structures in Hankoorab Bay
Addressing recent rumors about the construction of large-scale concrete structures in the area, such as a hotel with 300 rooms, Minister Fouad unequivocally denied the claims, stating that the Ministry of Environment has not approved any such development. She clarified that the project in question involves a “sustainable eco-lodge,” not a hotel, designed in accordance with strict environmental standards to ensure minimal ecological impact.
The Minister further stressed that any proposed development in protected areas must undergo a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA), in compliance with Egyptian law. The Ministry, she stated, encourages environmentally responsible investments that align with global sustainability practices, provided they do not harm the area’s natural habitat.
Commitment to Environmental Protection and Sustainable Tourism
Throughout the session, Minister Fouad underscored the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting Egypt’s natural heritage, particularly within the country’s network of protected areas. She noted that since taking office in 2018, the Ministry has enacted various measures to protect biodiversity while simultaneously fostering sustainable tourism in these sensitive areas.
She cited a range of successful initiatives, including the introduction of entry fees to protected areas, which began in 2019, as well as collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Authority to promote eco-friendly tourism practices. Additionally, the Ministry has worked to support local communities and the private sector in sustainable tourism, awarding the “Green Star” and “Green Fins” certifications to over 60 hotels and 30 diving centers across Egypt’s protected regions.
Minister Fouad also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to involve local communities in environmental management. She specifically mentioned projects in the Nabq Protected Area, where local populations have been integrated into conservation efforts, including the development of sustainable infrastructure and eco-tourism activities.
Strategic Plans for Development in Hankoorab Bay
The Minister provided detailed insights into the environmental management plans for Hankoorab Bay, emphasizing that it is a high-use area for eco-tourism. While not classified as a highly sensitive ecological zone, Hankoorab Bay attracts a significant number of tourists for activities like snorkeling and diving. The Ministry’s management plan for the area aims to balance tourism demands with ecological preservation.
Fouad clarified that while the area is not subject to extreme environmental restrictions, certain activities will be closely regulated. The plan includes provisions for eco-lodges powered by solar energy, which will undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments. It also prohibits activities that could harm the ecosystem, such as the removal of mangrove trees or alterations to the shoreline.
As part of the development strategy, she outlined plans for eco-friendly services within the area, such as snorkel stations, equipment rental facilities, and local eateries that adhere to environmental standards. However, she emphasized that any proposed construction, such as an eco-lodge or visitor center, would adhere to sustainable building practices, avoiding concrete or permanent structures that could damage the fragile environment.
The Role of Environmental Investment
Minister Fouad also stressed that while the Ministry remains steadfast in rejecting any form of environmental degradation, it continues to encourage eco-investment in the protected areas, provided these ventures meet stringent environmental standards. She pointed out that the number of eco-tourism projects in Egypt’s protected areas has grown significantly, from just 10 projects in 2016 to nearly 150 by 2024.
In particular, the Minister highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of such investments, including job creation for local communities and the promotion of environmental awareness among tourists. These projects, she explained, are designed to create a sustainable balance between environmental conservation and economic development, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy Egypt’s natural treasures.
Future Development Plans for Egypt’s Protected Areas
In her concluding remarks, Minister Fouad outlined several major initiatives aimed at expanding Egypt’s sustainable tourism infrastructure. These include the development of eco-friendly campsites, visitor centers, and scientific research facilities within Egypt’s premier protected areas such as Ras Mohammed and Wadi El-Rayan. She also pointed to plans for expanding investment in key regions, such as the Red Sea islands and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Dr. Imad Adly, head of the Arab Office for Youth and the Environment, praised the event as a crucial step in clarifying misconceptions surrounding the environmental status of Hankoorab Bay. He commended the Ministry’s efforts to promote transparency and public engagement, asserting that Egypt remains a global leader in conservation, with its successful environmental policies being modeled by other nations.
With ongoing investments in sustainable tourism and local community engagement, Egypt is poised to set an example for the world in protecting biodiversity while fostering eco-friendly economic growth.
