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At the 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Colombia, Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, showcased Egypt’s significant strides in achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Speaking on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Fouad emphasized Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity under the theme “Peace with Nature.”
This year’s COP16, running from October 21 to November 1, marks the first major gathering since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal GBF in 2022. The conference draws together scientists, government officials, and civil society to confront the pressing challenges facing global biodiversity.
Fouad highlighted Egypt’s proactive measures through updated national biodiversity plans that prioritize ecosystem restoration, sustainable agricultural practices, and the expansion of protected areas. Notably, she emphasized initiatives that engage local communities, integrating nine indigenous tribes into conservation activities, thereby preserving cultural heritage while enhancing environmental stewardship.
One of Egypt’s landmark initiatives is the designation of the Red Sea’s Great Fringing Reef as a protected area, a move that reinforces the nation’s dedication to marine conservation. “Egypt has integrated nature-based solutions (NBS) as a cornerstone of its national biodiversity strategy,” Fouad stated. Projects focused on coastal areas, desert restoration, and urban green spaces demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to addressing both biodiversity loss and climate change.
A Call for Global Cooperation and Funding
On the international front, Fouad urged collective action to restore trust in multilateral cooperation, particularly in light of ongoing environmental challenges, including the destruction of natural resources in Palestine. She pointed out the urgent need for substantial financial support, highlighting that current funding levels fall short of the ambitious targets set by the GBF, which seeks to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore ecosystems by 2050.
Fouad’s remarks also underscored Egypt’s leadership within the Programme for the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), where it is working to bolster natural resource protection. Initiatives such as designating the Red Sea as a Special Area and establishing the Peace Centre in Hurghada to address oil spills exemplify Egypt’s proactive approach.
During COP27, which Egypt hosted, the nation launched the Enhancing Nature-based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation (ENACT) initiative in collaboration with Germany and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This initiative has successfully fostered a network of over 18 countries committed to integrating biodiversity into climate action.
Fouad concluded with a strong commitment to embedding biodiversity considerations into Egypt’s updated climate action plans across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. With the opportunity to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in February, Egypt aims to solidify its role as a regional and global leader in conservation.
As the world grapples with the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, Egypt’s comprehensive and community-focused approach offers a compelling model for other nations. By prioritizing sustainable development and inclusive policies, Egypt is setting a powerful example of how to navigate the complexities of environmental stewardship in the 21st century.
