Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, met with Dr. Nuria Sanz, Regional Director of UNESCO Cairo and Sudan Office, at the Environment Ministry headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
The meeting brought together senior officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and UNESCO to discuss strategic initiatives across biodiversity protection, marine conservation, environmental sustainability, and local capacity building.
Egypt’s First UNESCO Geopark in Fayoum
A key outcome of the talks was the announcement that Egypt is moving forward with the declaration of its first UNESCO Geopark in the Fayoum region.
Dr. Awad confirmed that a joint working group—including experts from Cairo University and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)—is currently developing the technical criteria and governance frameworks required for the designation.
The initiative, she explained, involves technical support and capacity building for local communities, with the goal of integrating natural heritage protection with sustainable economic opportunities through ecotourism and education.
She also noted ongoing plans to designate additional marine protected areas as national marine parks, and a long-term effort to declare Saint Catherine as a UNESCO Cultural Reserve due to its environmental and spiritual significance.
Expanding UNESCO Cooperation: Global Forums and Marine Protection
Dr. Sanz extended a formal invitation to Egypt to participate in the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, taking place in China later this month. The event will gather over 3,000 experts and officials from 136 countries to define the next 10-year action plan for biosphere reserves and their role in global biodiversity, climate policy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Awad welcomed the invitation, confirming Egypt’s attendance and expressing support for UNESCO’s global frameworks, including the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The meeting also addressed Egypt’s preparations to host the upcoming Barcelona Convention Conference in December 2025, which will focus on efforts to protect the Mediterranean Sea from pollution. Dr. Sanz reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s role as regional leader in environmental diplomacy and sustainable marine management.
“Egypt has consistently demonstrated leadership on environmental issues, most notably through hosting COP27. We see Egypt as a key partner in shaping a regional vision that aligns with UNESCO’s environmental solutions,” said Dr. Sanz.
Strengthening the UNESCO-Egypt Environmental Partnership
The discussions underscored Egypt’s pivotal role in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Network, which includes iconic natural sites such as Wadi El Hitan, Wadi Al Allaqi, El Omayed, and Saint Catherine.
These protected areas are not only vital for biodiversity but serve as living laboratories for conservation, education, and community development. The Ministry of Environment and UNESCO have previously collaborated on the sustainable management of these reserves and will continue to expand the network.
