Egypt modernises nature reserves and ports along Red Sea to protect coastal and marine ecosystems

A package of projects for the sustainable development of the Red Sea has been approved by Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad. This was reported by Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS.

Eco-friendly mooring buoys, navigation systems and environmental monitoring equipment will be installed in protected waters. All coral reefs will be mapped. Special mooring areas and safe waiting zones will be created for yachts and diving vessels. Reserve inspectors and skippers will be trained in new operational standards.

A green ports programme will be launched in Red Sea ports. It includes environmental audits, the implementation of ISO 14001 standards (the international standard for environmental management systems – ed.), round-the-clock monitoring of air and water quality, and the modernisation of waste management systems. This will help reduce pollution and cut carbon emissions.

A marine spatial planning project has also been presented to improve the management of economic activities along the coast and to preserve protected areas.

The decision was taken following regional meetings in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). At a meeting attended by Sherif Abdel Rahim, head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, the outcomes of the meetings of the regional committee of the "Sustainable Blue Economy in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden" initiative (HESBERSGA) and the meeting of national coordinators of the Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). Increased cooperation was noted in combating pollution, emergency response and the exchange of information via an early warning system.

The minister instructed officials to draw up a national plan to combat illegal fishing and to reduce the use of plastic bags in coastal tourist areas.

It was noted that the HESBERSGA initiative aligns Egypt’s strategy with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and the priorities of the Global Environment Facility. The projects aim to protect marine ecosystems whilst fostering economic growth.