Egypt is deepening its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection through high-level engagements and strategic partnerships. Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, participated today in a formal luncheon hosted by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) at Al-Azhar Park in Cairo. The event was held in honor of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Chairman of the AKDN, during his official visit to Egypt.
The luncheon was attended by key government leaders, including Minister of Housing and Urban Communities Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber, and Aswan Governor Maj. Gen. Ismail Kamal, as well as representatives from the AKDN and the ministries of local development and housing.
In her remarks, Minister Awad welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan, applauding the long-standing role of the AKDN in Egypt’s development landscape. She emphasized Egypt’s appreciation for the Network’s contributions to sustainable urban and cultural development, particularly in improving socio-economic conditions, enhancing public services, and preserving Islamic architectural heritage in key historical areas.
Prince Rahim expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reiterated the AKDN’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Egyptian government, particularly in areas of community development, urban renewal, and heritage conservation.
Environmental Sustainability and Natural Reserve Reform in Focus
Later in the day, Minister Awad chaired a pivotal meeting to review and accelerate reforms in Egypt’s natural reserves management system. The session gathered high-level officials, including Dr. Ali Abou Sena, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and senior representatives from the ministries of environment, finance, and local administration.
Dr. Awad issued several key directives:
- Reform of the governance model for Egypt’s nature reserves, with an emphasis on transparency, protection, and efficiency.
- Strengthened oversight and monitoring mechanisms to prevent illegal activities and ensure environmental compliance.
- Implementation of electronic payment systems for entry and service fees to improve operational efficiency and resource allocation.
- Mandatory use of certified dive guides from the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports for all snorkeling and diving activities, to safeguard coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
She further called for enhanced cooperation with civil society and the private sector, noting the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Egypt’s natural resources. In particular, she praised the work of HEPCA, an environmental NGO in the Red Sea region, for its role in environmental monitoring and public awareness.
A joint committee was also established to evaluate investment requests and proposed activities within protected areas, ensuring all actions align with environmental conservation principles.
Dr. Awad directed the immediate convening of the Environmental Affairs Agency board to assess current operational challenges and identify innovative, sustainable management models. She also emphasized the urgent need to replace and install mooring buoys in South Sinai to protect fragile marine ecosystems from overcrowding by tourist vessels.
