Egypt releases three endangered green sea turtles back into natural habitat

CAIRO- 29 January 2026: Coinciding with the Ministry of Environment’s celebrations of National Environment Day, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, announced the release of three endangered green sea turtles back into their natural habitat after being rescued in the governorates of Dakahlia and Suez. The initiative comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity.

Dr. Awad explained that one of the rescued turtles was handled by the East Delta Regional Branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) in Mansoura, in cooperation with Dakahlia Governorate, the West Mansoura District, and the governorate’s General Directorate of Environment. The turtle was transferred to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center at the Ashtoum El-Gamil Reserve, where it received the necessary medical and veterinary care for fractures. Following treatment, the turtle was tagged with identification number 85 and named “Irene” before being released back into the sea.

The other two turtles were rescued by the Suez Regional Branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency, in cooperation with civil society organizations. All three turtles were released after confirming their full recovery and ability to survive in their natural marine environment.

The Minister affirmed that the turtle rescue operation represents a comprehensive model of institutional environmental action and effective coordination among various stakeholders. She noted that these efforts reflect the state’s commitment to protecting endangered species, supporting a sustainable blue economy, and promoting nature-based solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

In a related context, Dr. Awad stated that the Alexandria and West Delta Regional Branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency implemented a large-scale awareness campaign under the slogan “Together to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags.” As part of the campaign, 1,000 eco-friendly cloth bags were distributed at malls, shopping centers, and supermarkets, aiming to raise environmental awareness and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives to plastic bags.

It is worth noting that this year’s National Environment Day is being held under the slogan “Sustainable Blue Economy and Nature-Based Solutions (Renewable Energy and Supporting the Path to Sustainability).” The day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the issuance of Egypt’s first environmental protection law, Law No. 4 of 1994.