Egypt to Designate Its Great Coral Reef as a Protected Natural Reserve

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held a high-level meeting to review the progress toward officially designating the Great Egyptian Coral Reef as a protected natural reserve. The meeting, attended by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Yumna El-Bahar, and other senior officials, focused on the economic, environmental, and cultural significance of the reef and the necessary steps to finalize the declaration.

Madbouly emphasized the Egyptian government’s commitment to showcasing the country’s unique natural features and enhancing their economic value to attract tourism and promote Egypt’s environmental achievements on the global stage. He stressed that the declaration of the coral reef as a protected area aligns with Egypt’s broader efforts to preserve biodiversity and strengthen its reputation as a responsible steward of natural resources.

During the meeting, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad outlined the actions taken since President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the initiative to protect the reef at the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. Following the announcement, the Egyptian Cabinet approved the preservation of the Red Sea’s coral reef ecosystems, establishing a high-level committee to set the conditions and requirements for the reef’s formal recognition as a natural reserve.

The steps toward the official designation were highlighted in several international forums, including the COP28 Climate Summit in the UAE, where the initiative was warmly received by global organizations. Workshops and consultations involving key stakeholders were also held to align the project with local laws and international agreements on environmental protection.

Fouad emphasized that declaring the Great Egyptian Coral Reef a natural reserve would have significant economic and scientific benefits. The reef, located in the Red Sea, boasts biodiversity unique to Egypt, offering opportunities for ecotourism, scientific research, and international collaboration. This initiative will not only boost tourism but also promote Egypt’s commitment to global environmental standards by preserving a crucial ecosystem.