Egypt is seeking to expand sustainable environmental investments in its nature reserves as part of a broader push to support the green economy and promote ecotourism, Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, Manal Awad, said on Wednesday.
Awad made the remarks during a meeting on Wednesday with a group of investors to discuss opportunities for environmentally compliant projects in protected areas. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and the ministry’s Nature Protection Sector.
Sustainable investment in nature reserves is a priority on the state’s agenda, Awad said, citing its role in rationalising the use of natural resources, supporting economic development, and creating new investment opportunities while safeguarding the environment.
She hsd said the ministry adopts a balanced approach that integrates economic growth with environmental protection by encouraging projects that comply with environmental standards, follow sustainability principles, and use eco-friendly designs, enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness in green investment.
Minister Awad also underscored the importance of an integrated management model for protected areas, saying proposed projects should reflect Egypt’s environmental identity and cultural heritage, improve service quality and increase economic value without harming natural resources.
All proposed projects are subject to technical and environmental assessments, including environmental impact studies, sustainable management plans and risk mitigation measures, before any approvals are granted, she added.
The ministry is working with the private sector to develop policies and institutional frameworks that support sustainable investment and improve the environmental business climate, Awad said, noting that Egypt welcomes private sector partnerships in nature reserves as long as environmental regulations are fully respected.
The investors presented project proposals for several protected areas and submitted technical and environmental studies, affirming their commitment to environmental standards and praising the ministry’s role in promoting ecotourism through private sector participation.
