CAIRO - 25 March 2026: A roadmap was revealed Tuesday by the minister of environment to transform nine major lakes into sustainable production centers.
Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad said an overhaul of the management of Egypt’s water resources is underway, spanning from Lake Manzala in northeastern Delta and Lake Bardawil in North Sinai north, to Lake Qarun and Lake Rayan in Fayoum, southwest of Cairo.
The strategy moves beyond environmental protection to establish an "evidence-based management" system powered by digitized data, periodic water quality monitoring, and sediment analysis.
The strategy supports a robust blue economy, one that uses water assets sustainably and environmentally-friendly for economic growth.
The ministry said it is placing industrial facilities and sewage plants under intense scrutiny.
The plan provides technical support for violating facilities to reconcile their environmental status immediately, while tightening oversight to prevent illegal discharge into what the minister termed Egypt's "natural capital."
The initiative also focuses on maximizing the economic return of infrastructure works. Extensive dredging and the clearing of waterways and straits have already led to tangible results, including increased fish productivity, improved water quality, and the creation of new investment opportunities.
To ensure sustainability, Awad ordered the restructuring of the Permanent Technical Committee for Ecosystem Improvement. This body will act as a central hub linking ministries and research centers to align environmental protection with economic growth.
The Environmental Affairs Agency is currently coordinating with international development partners to adopt global best practices.
The long-term vision seeks to position Egypt's lakes on the global investment map, transitioning them from simple fisheries into integrated hubs for tourism and sustainable industry.
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