Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad mandated the prompt submission of detailed technical and environmental studies for proposed private sector ecotourism developments in Sharm El-Sheikh’s Peace Park and the Ras Mohammed and Nabq nature reserves.
Awad held a meeting with Hossam El-Shaer, chairperson of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, to discuss sustainable investment opportunities. The meeting was attended by Sherif Abdel Rahim, chief executive of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, alongside ministry assistants, advisors, and officials.
The minister stipulated that development proposals for the Peace Park, an upgrade to the Ras Mohammed Reserve visitor centre, and an environmental project in the Nabq Reserve—which must align with its specific investment map—are required to be presented to ministry nature protection experts and technical bodies for rigorous review before any approvals are issued.
Awad stated that any investment in natural assets must adhere to strict controls to protect ecosystems from negative impacts. She emphasised that proposed projects in the Peace Park must align with the city’s environmental identity and cultural heritage, improving the tourist experience without harming natural resources, to qualify the site as a global ecotourism destination. The ministry’s approach, she noted, merges economic development with nature conservation by ensuring projects use materials and designs harmonious with their surroundings.
Environmental investment is currently a state priority, Awad said, characterising it as a promising pathway to develop resources, boost the green economy, and support growing local and international demand for ecotourism.
Awad directed the ministry’s investment committee to expedite decisions on investor offers once submitted. She affirmed the state welcomes private sector partnerships in ecotourism projects, provided there is full compliance with environmental standards to preserve natural resources for future generations.
The Ministry of Local Development and Environment is currently upgrading environmental infrastructure and visitor services at nature reserves, implementing a modernised system to manage tourist activities in cooperation with the private sector. The ministry states these efforts are designed to balance development with nature protection and enhance Egypt’s regional position in nature reserve management.
