The Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) is collaborating with the International Union for Conservation of Nature – Regional Office for West Asia (IUCN ROWA) to implement the project “Effective Management of Wadi El Rayan and Lake Qarun Protected Areas” during the period 2022–2024.

The project is being carried out in partnership with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). It aims to enhance the integrated management of Wadi El Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) and Lake Qarun Protected Area (LQPA) to safeguard biodiversity by addressing various environmental threats. Additionally, the project focuses on community engagement, capacity building, and gender equality as key strategies to improve the effectiveness of protected area management.

Project Scope

The project primarily focuses on Wadi El Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) and Lake Qarun Protected Area (LQPA) in Fayoum Governorate, aiming to enhance their management efficiency through a range of interventions at both the protected areas and surrounding communities.

Project Components

The project consists of several key components, including:

1. Developing a compliance monitoring and environmental law enforcement program.
2. Supporting the operation of an environmental education center to promote environmental awareness within the community.
3. Supporting the development of community-based ecotourism infrastructure to enhance the economic sustainability of local populations.

RAED’s Role in the Project

RAED is responsible for implementing the following two key components:

1. Establishing and operating a community-based environmental education center to promote environmental awareness.
2. Renewing the nomination of Wadi Al-Hitan for the IUCN Green List and improving environmental interpretation mechanisms in Wadi El Rayan Protected Area.