Egypt is committed to addressing desertification, a major challenge for many Arab countries due to its impact on land fertility and food and water security, Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad said.
Speaking on Thursday at the 37th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs at the Arab League headquarters, Awad said Egypt aims to turn commitments into practical action as it prepares to host the 18th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP18) in 2028.
She stressed the need to link efforts to combat desertification and land degradation with environmental, health and agricultural policies.
Egypt is also working to develop nature reserves and eco-tourism, involve local and Bedouin communities in their management, and protect biodiversity, Awad said.
She also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to establish the Great Coral Reef Reserve, develop the Blue Hole area, renew Wadi El-Hitan’s inclusion on the IUCN Green List, and operate a sea turtle rescue centre.
She said these efforts support sustainable tourism and the blue economy while creating jobs.
Awad also called for stronger Arab cooperation on the circular economy, sustainable consumption and production, chemicals and waste management, climate action, technology transfer and financing.
She reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” and to multilateral climate action.
The session also saw the presidency of the council transferred to Yemen from Mauritania, along with the presentation of environmental excellence awards.
