Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, announced the successful removal of significant quantities of illegal bird-hunting nets in the northern region of the Lake Burullus Protected Area, as part of an intensified effort to safeguard migratory bird populations.
The operation, led by the Ministry of Environment’s Nature Conservation Sector, comes at the onset of the annual bird migration season. Specialized patrols deployed across Egypt’s northern reserves have been systematically identifying and dismantling illegal traps set for migratory birds, in an effort to curb unlawful hunting and ensure the protection of avian biodiversity.
“Egypt lies on one of the most critical flyways for migratory birds globally,” Dr. Awad stated, emphasizing the country’s unique geographic position as a land bridge linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. “We are the second most important route worldwide for migratory birds, with hundreds of millions crossing our skies twice a year between Europe and Africa.”
Lake Burullus, a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, serves as a key stopover and wintering site for migratory species. The removal of illegal nets is part of a broader environmental strategy to enhance wildlife protection and enforce conservation laws across Egypt’s northern wetlands.
Dr. Awad noted that over 500 bird species are observed in Egypt annually during the spring and autumn migrations. Many of these birds rely on the country’s wetland ecosystems for survival during their seasonal journeys.
The Acting Environment Minister also lauded the continued efforts of patrol teams operating in the northern reserves and called for greater public engagement. She urged citizens to report any violations that threaten Egypt’s natural resources, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and combating illegal wildlife practices.
“These actions are not only vital for protecting endangered species,” Dr. Awad said, “but they also reflect Egypt’s dedication to international environmental obligations and the sustainable management of our natural heritage.”
The Ministry of Environment confirmed that patrol activities will be further intensified in the coming weeks, especially across critical bird migration corridors and nature reserves including Lake Burullus, to prevent further harm to migratory species.
