In a meeting on May 13, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who also serves as the head of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, and Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Minister of Environment, met with Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo, along with a delegation from the regional office. The meeting focused on reinforcing Egypt’s partnership with UNESCO to support the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and foster sustainable practices for the conservation of natural resources, protection of biodiversity, and achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Higher Education’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, marking another significant step in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to integrate environmental protection into national development strategies.
Collaborative Efforts to Achieve SDGs
Dr. Ashour emphasized the critical role that UNESCO and its Cairo office play in supporting Egypt’s educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between Egypt and UNESCO, which spans over 75 years. He also emphasized the importance of joint cooperation to achieve Egypt’s Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation, natural resource preservation, and sustainable development.
“The Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO is pivotal in coordinating Egypt’s contributions to preserving biodiversity and managing biosphere reserves,” said Dr. Ashour. “We are committed to increasing the number of UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves and creating more geological parks that will contribute to a sustainable future, particularly for our youth by creating ‘green jobs’.”
Advancing Environmental Stewardship
Dr. Yasmin Fouad discussed Egypt’s strategies for managing its natural resources, focusing on biodiversity conservation and the expansion of protected areas. Currently, Egypt has 30 protected areas that cover 15% of its land area, including UNESCO-designated sites such as the Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales). She highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role in advancing multilateral environmental governance, referencing the country’s leadership during the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP14) in 2018. During this time, Egypt played a significant role in shaping the global biodiversity framework, which led to the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework at the following conference.
Dr. Fouad also discussed Egypt’s efforts to promote blue economy initiatives, creating economic value from the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources, and expanding ecotourism. The government has invested in transforming Sharm El Sheikh into a green city and is expanding environmentally friendly tourism opportunities in other regions. Notably, Egypt has also developed the first national guidelines for eco-lodges and established a private-sector-driven Environmental Tourism Committee.
Focus on Local Communities
A key highlight of the discussions was Egypt’s approach to involving local communities in the management and development of natural reserves. By creating opportunities for local employment and supporting the preservation of cultural heritage, Egypt is integrating environmental stewardship with social development. For example, initiatives like “Stories from the Tribes” aim to preserve traditional knowledge and practices of 13 local tribes, thereby promoting cultural sustainability alongside environmental efforts.
Minister Fouad also pointed to green jobs as a catalyst for economic development, especially for youth. She explained how Egypt’s approach to environmental tourism has fostered a surge in startups and investors in the sector. Additionally, partnerships with environmental NGOs have led to initiatives like the birdwatching site in Galala, which provides eco-tourism experiences and engages local communities in sustainable practices.
Promoting Green and Blue Economies
Dr. Fouad underscored the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for green investment. The Egyptian government, through the Ministry of Environment, is facilitating the establishment of over 40 eco-friendly activities in protected areas, including activities such as sand dune surfing and nature walks. Additionally, the Ministry is working to create research centers within protected areas to promote scientific innovation and sustainable tourism practices.
She also noted the importance of Egypt’s role in shaping regional cooperation in environmental conservation. Egypt will host the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea later this year, a vital event for addressing marine pollution and creating a roadmap for sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
Looking Ahead: A Global Commitment
The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and UNESCO in the fields of environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and biosphere reserve management. Dr. Sanz expressed UNESCO’s full support for Egypt’s leadership in the Man and the Biosphere Programme, noting that Egypt’s international efforts to conserve natural heritage and promote sustainable economies have earned global recognition.
The partnership between Egypt and UNESCO will also focus on advancing Egypt’s geopark initiatives, with the potential inclusion of the Wadi El Gemal Nature Reserve in the Red Sea as a new model biosphere reserve. Discussions also explored the establishment of a Geopark in Fayoum, which is home to rich natural and cultural heritage resources ideal for eco-tourism development.
Conclusion: Collaborative Vision for the Future
A shared regional vision will be developed under the leadership of Egypt, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and unified approach to biosphere management across the Arab region. This vision will be presented at the 5th World Biosphere Reserves Congress in China in September 2025. The conference will focus on advancing international cooperation, conservation priorities, and fostering partnerships to address global environmental challenges.
Dr. Sanz reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Egypt and other countries in achieving sustainable development by preserving biodiversity, fostering sustainable economies, and promoting a green, blue, and circular economy that prioritizes future generations.
The meeting underscored the strategic importance of Egypt’s partnership with UNESCO in advancing the global environmental agenda, particularly as the world faces unprecedented ecological challenges. Through strengthened collaboration, Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
