Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, recently met with Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, to discuss cooperation between the two ministries in addressing climate change impacts, promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and enhancing ecotourism across the country. This meeting was part of a series of ongoing discussions aimed at strengthening environmental collaboration between the two ministries.
Egyptian Airports as Ecotourism Promoters
During the meeting, Minister Fouad highlighted that Egyptian airports serve as a significant platform for promoting the country’s ecotourism products. Airports are being utilized to showcase promotional videos that introduce visitors to Egypt’s natural reserves and the stunning islands of the Red Sea. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to replace plastic cups with paper ones and plastic food utensils with wooden alternatives to reduce the ecological footprint in aviation.
Supporting Egypt’s Natural Reserves
Minister Fouad also shared a notable achievement regarding the country’s natural reserves. In 2024, the total revenue from Egypt’s protected areas increased by 40% compared to 2023, reflecting the country’s commitment to boosting ecotourism and enhancing the infrastructure of these reserves. This marks an outstanding growth of 1900% since 2017-2018, a significant indicator of the success in attracting more visitors and investments in ecotourism.
The Ministry of Environment has focused on improving visitor services while preserving the integrity of these sites. New developments include the introduction of eco-friendly infrastructure such as the creation of new visitor centers, eco-lodges, and the development of trails that showcase Egypt’s unique biodiversity. Moreover, the ministry has invested in promotional materials, such as films and interactive media, to educate tourists about the country’s natural treasures, including its marine ecosystems and protected islands.
Addressing Climate Change through Collaborative Action
Minister Fouad emphasized the crucial role of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under Egypt’s climate strategy. This includes integrating climate adaptation priorities, particularly for coastal airports vulnerable to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the two ministries are working together to develop interactive maps that track the effects of climate change.
The discussion also included initiatives such as the project aimed at “Enhancing Climate Ambition in Land Use and Agriculture,” which focuses on improving climate resilience through early warning systems to support small-scale farmers. The ministries also highlighted their ongoing coordination with the Egyptian Meteorological Authority and the World Food Program to tackle climate change challenges.
Enhancing International Aviation Sustainability
Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to adhering to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to achieve environmental sustainability. He also stressed the importance of continuous collaboration with the Ministry of Environment to adapt to climate change and boost local production of sustainable biofuels, which play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
Waste Management Collaboration in Airports
Minister Fouad and Minister El-Hefny also discussed the potential for a pioneering waste management model at Egyptian airports, beginning with Cairo or Sharm El-Sheikh airports. This model could serve as a template for other airports across the country, supporting sustainability efforts in the aviation sector.
Continued Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability
In conclusion, Minister Fouad expressed her eagerness to continue the collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, particularly in achieving sustainable goals in the aviation industry. She noted that the world is facing significant climate challenges, and it is crucial to unite efforts in preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable development in Egypt.
Development and Protection of Natural Reserves
On the other hand, Dr. Fouad also provided an update on the Ministry’s efforts to protect and develop Egypt’s network of natural reserves. In 2024, significant progress was made in the management and conservation of several critical reserves, including Wadi Degla, Wadi El-Rayan, Wadi El-Jamal, and the Northern Red Sea Islands. Plans for these sites include enhancing infrastructure, improving visitor facilities, and ensuring long-term conservation.
For example, the Wadi El-Jamal Reserve in the Eastern Desert saw the completion of a new eco-lodge and the introduction of sustainable tourism practices, such as guided tours that promote environmental awareness. Likewise, in the Wadi El-Rayan and Wadi Degla reserves, the Ministry has worked on new management plans, and some areas have received upgraded facilities to provide visitors with an educational experience without compromising the reserves’ ecological balance.
The Ministry is also focusing on the protection of endangered species within these reserves, including efforts to protect the Egyptian gazelle and the sea turtle. In 2024, plans for these species’ conservation were updated, with the development of detailed action plans for monitoring populations and restoring habitats.
The ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Civil Aviation represents a significant step toward achieving Egypt’s climate goals and promoting sustainable practices across sectors. By integrating climate adaptation into aviation and leveraging the ecotourism potential of Egypt’s natural reserves, these efforts play a key role in enhancing the country’s environmental sustainability. The joint initiatives are expected to continue driving positive change, positioning Egypt as a frontrunner in ecological conservation and climate action on the global stage.
