Egypt is exploring new ways to boost environmental investment in its natural reserves as part of a broader push to develop eco-tourism while safeguarding fragile ecosystems, officials said.
Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, held talks with a private investor to examine potential projects aimed at enhancing sustainable investment in protected areas, according to a government statement.
Awad said environmental investment has become a priority for the state, describing it as one of the most promising pathways for developing the economic value of natural reserves and advancing Egypt’s green economy strategy. She said eco-tourism, in particular, is witnessing rising demand from both domestic and international visitors.
“Natural reserves represent a unique opportunity to combine environmental protection with sustainable economic returns,” Awad said, adding that carefully managed investment could help create jobs, diversify tourism offerings and generate income while preserving biodiversity.
Strict safeguards
The minister stressed that any investment activity inside protected areas must adhere to strict environmental controls designed to prevent ecological damage. She said the government follows an integrated approach that balances development needs with conservation priorities.
Projects, she explained, must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each reserve and employ building materials and architectural designs that blend with the surrounding natural landscape.
Awad said proposals should also reflect the environmental identity and cultural heritage of the areas in which they are located, enhancing visitor experiences without placing additional pressure on natural resources.
Egypt is home to more than 30 natural reserves, ranging from desert and mountain ecosystems to marine and coastal environments, many of which are considered globally significant for biodiversity and eco-tourism.
Approval process
The minister underlined that all proposed projects must be supported by detailed technical and environmental studies before receiving approval. These include environmental impact assessments, sustainable management plans and mitigation measures to address potential risks to ecosystems.
Such studies are reviewed by specialists from the Nature Conservation Sector and other technical bodies within the Ministry of Environment to ensure full compliance with environmental laws and investment regulations governing protected areas, she said.
“No project is approved unless it meets the highest environmental standards,” Awad said.
Private-sector partnerships
Awad said the government welcomes partnerships with the private sector in eco-tourism and environmental projects, provided investors comply fully with environmental requirements designed to preserve reserves for future generations.
The Ministry of Environment is currently working to upgrade infrastructure within natural reserves, improve visitor services and modernise systems for managing tourism activities, in cooperation with private investors and business groups.
Officials say the approach aims to strike a sustainable balance between development and conservation, allowing reserves to contribute to economic growth while maintaining their ecological integrity.
Broader strategy
Environmental investment is a growing component of Egypt’s development agenda as the country seeks to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable tourism and conservation management.
Authorities have increasingly promoted eco-tourism as an alternative to mass tourism, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Red Sea coast, desert oases and mountainous regions of Sinai.
By encouraging carefully regulated private investment, the government hopes to attract capital and expertise while reinforcing long-term protection of natural assets, officials said.
Awad said Egypt’s natural reserves possess distinctive features that give them strong potential as world-class eco-tourism destinations if managed responsibly.
“Our goal is development that respects nature, protects resources and benefits local communities,” she said.
