Egypt intensifies fishing regulations to protect migratory birds

Egypt's Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, has initiated new measures to regulate fishing activities and protect migratory birds. During a community dialogue at the New Administrative Capital, the Minister outlined plans to create a unified database for tracking migratory birds, permits, and violations to support science-based decision-making. The strategy includes online training for environmental officials and a total ban on hunting within natural protectorates.

To support local economies, the Ministry aims to promote bird-watching tourism as an investment source. In a practical application of these regulations, an extensive enforcement campaign was conducted in the Wadi El Rayan Protectorate in Fayoum. Coordinated with local security and administrative authorities, the operation resulted in 80 violations being recorded, including illegal fishing nets, unauthorized fishing boats, and the removal of illegal fishing shelters. The Ministry emphasized that protecting biodiversity is a shared international responsibility and will continue to intensify monitoring and awareness efforts.