By Abbas Nazil
Egypt’s Environment Minister, Manal Awad, held talks with representatives of the Tahya Misr Fund on expanding investment in eco-tourism across the country’s natural reserves.
The discussions focused on enhancing operational efficiency and upgrading protected areas to attract environmentally sustainable investment while preserving biodiversity and the unique ecological and geological characteristics of each reserve.
Awad highlighted the importance of establishing designated, paved routes for electric vehicles within natural reserves to enable visitor and staff movement without disrupting sensitive ecosystems.
She noted that eco-friendly routes have already been reviewed and identified in coordination with reserve administrations to maximize their effectiveness and minimize environmental impact.
The talks also emphasized the increased use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, within protected areas as a central element of sustainable management, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost reliance on clean energy sources.
Awad stressed that entrances to natural reserves should be designed to reflect each site’s environmental and geological identity, enhance visual appeal, improve visitor services, and fully comply with environmental regulations.
She directed relevant authorities to prepare comprehensive environmental impact assessments for all proposed projects, including specifications for construction materials compatible with the natural characteristics of each reserve, ensuring ecological balance and protection of natural resources.
The ministry affirmed its commitment to strengthening national partnerships, especially with the Tahya Misr Fund, to support sustainable development initiatives and position Egypt as a leading global eco-tourism destination.
Awad emphasized that protecting the country’s natural heritage for future generations is a core priority, and investment in eco-tourism will contribute to both economic growth and environmental preservation.
Officials also discussed integrating renewable energy systems into operational and visitor facilities to create model sustainable reserves that combine conservation with modern tourism infrastructure.
The ministry indicated that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote eco-friendly tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure that natural reserves serve as both educational and recreational assets while safeguarding fragile ecosystems.
By implementing these measures, Egypt aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, attracting private investment and global interest while maintaining long-term ecological integrity across its protected areas.
The government will continue monitoring and evaluating projects to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to foster sustainable growth in the country’s eco-tourism sector.
