As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources and promoting the principles of sustainable development, the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), along with the Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE), both members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Egypt, affirm their continued close follow-up of the environmental situation in the Hankorab area, located within the Wadi El Gemal Protected Area in the Red Sea Governorate. This is being carried out in coordination with relevant stakeholders and based on the outcomes of the first community dialogue session, which was held with the participation of H.E. Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad, and Dr. Ali Abou Sena, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and Chair of the IUCN National Committee in Egypt.

Dr. Emad Adly, RAED General Coordinator and Vice Chair of the IUCN National Committee, emphasized that the community dialogue session, being the first of its kind to address the environmental situation in Hankorab, witnessed broad participation from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, legislative councils, environmental experts, and media professionals. This reflects the importance of striking a balance between efforts to preserve the unique biodiversity of Wadi El Gemal and the rights of local communities to have developed and dignified living, in full compliance with environmental standards and legal requirements.

Dr. Adly noted that the session concluded with several key recommendations, including:

• The formation of a specialized scientific committee to review development projects within protected areas.
• Inviting experts to submit technical proposals on sustainable development mechanisms for the Wadi El Gemal Protectorate, to ensure the conservation of its natural resources.
• Organizing a field visit to the protectorate with representatives from all stakeholder groups.
• Preparing a nationwide media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of protected areas and the dangers of encroaching upon them.
• Launching a series of community dialogue sessions to discuss the status of other protected areas across Egypt.

RAED General Coordinator also expressed appreciation for the participation of the Minister of Environment in the first session of the community dialogue and her dedication to correcting misconceptions and reiterating that no development projects within protectorates will proceed without thorough environmental impact assessments and comprehensive scientific review. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to responsible management of natural reserves and the promotion of environmentally sound investment.

Both RAED and the AOYE reaffirm their dedication to working closely with government bodies, civil society organizations, and local communities to safeguard Egypt’s natural treasures and to promote community engagement as a vital tool for environmental protection and sustainable development.

RAED and AOYE welcome the initiative of the Minister of Environment to issue a ministerial decree for the establishment of a technical committee to ensure that all environmental requirements and legal conditions are fully met before implementing any activities in the Hankorab Bay area. Both organizations also reiterate their full support for the appeal made by participants in the community dialogue, calling on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to intervene decisively and suspend all construction activities in the Hankorab area until the necessary scientific evaluations are completed. This measure is vital to safeguarding this exceptional natural heritage and reinforcing Egypt’s global reputation in the field of biodiversity conservation.