Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, reviewed on Saturday the executive and investment plan for Nabq Protected Area, the outcomes of the Green Sharm project and proposed investment opportunities.
The review is part of the ministry’s strategy to develop Egypt’s protected areas while balancing environmental conservation with sustainable economic use.
During a high-level meeting, which was attended by senior state and ministry officials, the minister said the ministry is positioning Egypt’s protected areas as leading sustainable ecotourism destinations through environmentally responsible investment that safeguards biodiversity, preserves natural resources and supports the transition to a green economy.
For his part, Green Sharm Project Director Mohamed Aliwa presented the consultant-prepared master plan for Nabq Protected Area, built around environmental protection, sustainable tourism and economic activities compatible with the reserve’s ecological character.
The plan aims to facilitate ecotourism and sustainable investment while protecting the reserve’s unique ecosystems.
It also reviewed Nabq’s environmental, cultural and geological significance, biodiversity, local communities, current conditions, environmental challenges, legislative framework and tourism demand.
The proposed development programme includes eco-lodges, sustainable accommodation, camping facilities, educational, cultural and community experiences, eco-adventure activities and around 41 environmentally compliant investment opportunities designed to generate sustainable economic returns without compromising the reserve’s environmental integrity.
In this respect, the minister directed the rapid preparation of a comprehensive infrastructure plan before launching investment opportunities.
The plan will include external parking areas, electric transport within the reserve, integrated environmental monitoring, advanced waste management systems and the selection of environmentally responsible investors capable of meeting sustainability standards, the ministry said in a statement.
The meeting also reviewed waste management systems operating in Nabq and planned for Abu Galum and Ras Mohammed Protected Areas.
In such a scope, Minister Awad instructed officials to expand dedicated waste collection facilities, establish integrated waste management systems for marinas and harbours, strengthen environmental monitoring in Ras Mohamed and contract a specialised company to install and maintain marine buoys, protecting coral reefs, marine biodiversity and water quality from the impacts of uncontrolled vessel mooring.
