Egypt is working with UNESCO to declare its first geological reserve in Fayoum as part of efforts to expand its natural heritage portfolio and promote sustainable development, Acting Environment and Local Development Minister Manal Awad said Tuesday. The project will provide technical support and capacity building for local communities, with a joint team from Cairo University and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency drafting the criteria for the designation. Egypt and UNESCO have long partnered on biodiversity conservation, Minister Awad said in talks with Nuria Sanz, regional director of UNESCO's Egypt and Sudan Office, citing joint work on World Heritage sites like Wadi El-Hitan and biosphere reserves including Saint Catherine. This partnership has also supported the creation and management of biosphere reserves, including Wadi El-Allaqi, El Omayed, Saint Catherine, and Fayoum, to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen environmental sustainability. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
