Fayoum Geopark: Egypt-UNESCO Environmental Talks Highlight
- Egypt is initiating the establishment of its inaugural geopark in the Fayoum region,signaling a strengthened commitment to geological heritage preservation.
- This initiative builds upon Egypt's existing network of UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves, including Wadi El Rayan, El Omayed, Saint Catherine, and Wadi El-Hitan, all of which are actively managed...
- the plans for the Fayoum geopark and broader environmental initiatives were discussed during a meeting on Tuesday between Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of...
Egypt Advances Biodiversity Efforts with UNESCO,Plans First Geopark
Table of Contents
Updated September 5,2024
New Geopark in Fayoum Region Under Growth
Egypt is initiating the establishment of its inaugural geopark in the Fayoum region,signaling a strengthened commitment to geological heritage preservation. A collaborative working group, comprised of experts from Cairo University and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, has been formed to define the specific criteria for this new designation.
This initiative builds upon Egypt’s existing network of UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves, including Wadi El Rayan, El Omayed, Saint Catherine, and Wadi El-Hitan, all of which are actively managed to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Expanded Collaboration with UNESCO
the plans for the Fayoum geopark and broader environmental initiatives were discussed during a meeting on Tuesday between Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, and Nuria Sanz, UNESCO’s Regional Director for Cairo and Sudan. Senior officials from both the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and UNESCO’s Cairo office were also in attendance.
Beyond the geopark, Egypt intends to designate additional areas as national marine parks and formally recognize Saint Catherine as a cultural reserve, further bolstering its conservation efforts.
International Engagement and Regional Leadership
Egypt has been invited to participate in the Fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, scheduled for late September in China.This congress, expected to draw approximately 3,000 experts from 136 nations, will focus on establishing a new global action plan for the next decade, aligning with international biodiversity goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda.
UNESCO highlighted Egypt’s crucial role in environmental diplomacy, particularly following its accomplished hosting of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in November 2022. Egypt’s involvement will also support the development of UNESCO’s Geoparks program nationally and its preparations to host the Barcelona Convention meeting on Mediterranean marine protection in December 2024.