In a meeting aimed at balancing Egypt’s renewable energy expansion and environmental sustainability, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, the Minister of Environment, chaired a session with the committee responsible for studying the potential impacts on migratory bird pathways in the Gulf of Suez region. This session, attended by several prominent environmental and energy experts, was crucial for aligning Egypt’s green energy goals with the protection of biodiversity.
Addressing Environmental and Renewable Energy Challenges
Dr. Yasmine Fouad emphasized that wind energy projects differ significantly from other environmental issues due to their close association with climate change and biodiversity. The Ministry’s key priority, she explained, is to maintain a delicate balance between development demands and environmental protection, ensuring that Egypt meets its international commitments while advancing its national sustainable vision for large-scale projects.
The committee discussed one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in Egypt—the southern part of the Zait Mountain—which serves as a critical migratory corridor for birds. In the fall, the region witnesses the migration of approximately 850,000 birds, and in the spring, the number soars to about 2 million. The scale of bird migration through the Gulf of Suez makes the area a high-risk zone that demands precautionary measures to safeguard the birds while also promoting renewable energy projects.
Strategic Environmental Assessment to Safeguard Migratory Birds
The committee agreed on the urgent need for a comprehensive strategic environmental study of the region, aimed at evaluating the potential risks to migratory bird populations and developing sustainable solutions. This study is expected to be completed by February 2026. It will provide valuable data to ensure that renewable energy projects, particularly wind farms, do not disrupt vital migratory pathways.
Dr. Fouad also acknowledged the existing challenges in the decision-making process related to halting wind turbines when necessary to prevent bird collisions. The complexity of coordinating between the various involved agencies to ensure minimal disruption to both bird migration and energy generation was noted. In response, she proposed the formation of a technical committee to ensure decisions regarding turbine shutdowns are based on accurate, scientific data.
Proposed Measures for Ensuring Bird Protection and Renewable Energy Development
Among the key recommendations from the meeting was the establishment of a specialized unit within the Ministry of Environment, dedicated to the protection of migratory birds. This unit will oversee environmental inspections, monitor bird fatalities, and ensure compliance with environmental protocols by companies operating in the area.
Additionally, Dr. Fouad highlighted the importance of completing the environmental impact assessment for migratory bird paths, which will categorize areas based on their environmental sensitivity. The Ministry will also explore the possibility of adding migratory bird consultants to the environmental advisory register, further enhancing expertise in this crucial area. Another proposed action is the training and certification of specialized teams to monitor and safeguard bird migration patterns effectively.
Ensuring the Future of Renewable Energy and Biodiversity in Egypt
Dr. Fouad concluded by stressing the importance of the decisions made during this meeting in fostering both sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity preservation. These decisions will ensure that Egypt’s renewable energy projects are developed in alignment with global environmental standards, while continuing to protect migratory bird populations and advancing the country’s goals for clean energy. Ongoing collaboration between governmental bodies, environmental experts, and energy stakeholders will be essential to achieving these dual objectives.
The initiatives discussed during this meeting mark an important step towards achieving a sustainable future where Egypt can pursue renewable energy projects without compromising its biodiversity. By integrating scientific studies and practical measures to protect migratory bird routes, the Ministry of Environment is taking a proactive approach to ensure that Egypt’s green energy transition remains environmentally responsible.
