Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, held a meeting with an investor to explore opportunities for enhancing environmental investment within Egypt's natural reserves. During the meeting, Awad said that the state currently places environmental investment high among its priorities, describing it as one of the most promising avenues for developing the resources of natural reserves and advancing the green economy. She also highlighted its important role in supporting eco-tourism, which continues to see growing demand both domestically and internationally. She stressed that any investment activity within natural reserves must comply with strict controls to safeguard ecosystems and protect natural resources from pressure or negative impact. Awad explained that the ministry adopts an integrated approach that balances economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring that projects are designed in line with the unique characteristics of each reserve and use materials and architectural concepts that harmonise with the surrounding natural environment. The Minister further emphasised that proposed projects should reflect the environmental identity and cultural heritage of each reserve, while enhancing the overall visitor experience without compromising natural resources. She noted that Egypt's natural reserves possess unique features that position them as distinctive destinations for global eco-tourism. Awad underlined the importance of submitting comprehensive technical and environmental studies for any proposed project, including environmental impact assessments, sustainable management plans and measures to mitigate potential effects on natural resources. These studies, she said, are reviewed by specialists from the Nature Conservation Sector and relevant technical bodies within the ministry before any approvals are granted, to ensure full compliance with environmental standards and regulations governing investment within natural reserves. She added that the state welcomes partnerships with the private sector in eco-tourism and environmental projects, provided there is strict adherence to environmental requirements and controls that preserve natural reserves and safeguard their resources for future generations. The Ministry of Environment is currently working to upgrade environmental infrastructure within natural reserves, improve visitor services and introduce a modern system for managing tourism activities, in cooperation with private investors and the business community. This approach aims to strike a sustainable balance between development and conservation, while strengthening Egypt's position as a regional leader in the management and protection of natural reserves.
