Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, inaugurated the transformative Gharqana Village Development Project within the Nabq Protected Area in South Sinai. The launch marks a pivotal moment in Egypt’s ongoing commitment to integrating ecological preservation with socio-economic advancement, showcasing a collaborative model involving local communities, government agencies, and international partners.
The project, realized through a strategic partnership between Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), embodies a holistic approach to development. It balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection—a blueprint for future conservation and rural revitalization efforts.
Speaking at the inauguration alongside South Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Mubarak and UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracchitti, Dr. Fouad emphasized the project’s role as a testament to effective multi-stakeholder collaboration. “This initiative reflects years of close coordination and partnership, grounded in listening to and empowering the local community,” she stated. “It’s a model of integrated development that respects cultural heritage, promotes environmental sustainability, and advances economic opportunity.”
Model of Community-Centered Design
The Gharqana project reimagines rural development through the lens of sustainable architecture, employing environmentally sensitive construction methods that honor the traditional Bedouin cultural identity. Newly renovated housing units incorporate ecological building materials and techniques designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, positioning Gharqana as a destination for eco-conscious tourism.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project promotes eco-tourism and environmental awareness through ongoing campaigns, including the nationally recognized “Eco Egypt” initiative, which operates under the auspices of Egypt’s presidential environmental vision and the “Prepare for Green” national campaign. These efforts aim to differentiate eco-tourism from broader sustainable tourism by explicitly prioritizing environmental stewardship.
Community Empowerment
Alongside infrastructural upgrades, environmental monitoring technologies, such as sensors installed in Hurghada’s coastal areas in cooperation with civil society organizations like Hepca and the Diving Chamber Union, underscore the project’s commitment to data-driven conservation. This initiative exemplifies the shared responsibility ethos championed by Dr. Fouad, uniting government, private sector, civil society, and local residents as joint stewards of Egypt’s natural heritage.
Dr. Fouad reflected on her 26 years in environmental service and the personal significance of the project. “Gharqana’s development is a realization of a longstanding vision to protect Egypt’s natural treasures while integrating local communities into their sustainable management,” she remarked. “My ongoing mission is to continue representing Egypt and Africa in addressing critical challenges such as land degradation, food security, migration, and sustainable livelihoods.”
Future Prospects and Continuing Commitment
The Gharqana project represents a cornerstone in Egypt’s wider “Green Sharm” initiative, designed to foster resilient ecosystems and vibrant local economies. With strong backing from regional authorities and international partners, the initiative aims to expand replicable models of eco-friendly rural development, setting a precedent for other protected areas across Egypt.
As Dr. Fouad concluded, “We have delivered a village worthy of its people. The journey continues, driven by partnership, innovation, and respect for the environment. This is how we secure a prosperous and sustainable future for all Egyptians.”
