Egypt's natural heritage is rich with a wide diversity of ecosystems, rendering it unique worldwide. In this respect, and within the context of sustainable development, the Government of Egypt, through the MSEA, accords a particular importance to maintaining this heritage for future generations. This is carried out through the declaration and sustainable management of natural protected areas, in accordance to Law 102 for 1983. Currently, there exist 21 protected areas in Egypt, covering about 8% of the total national surface, with plans to have this extended further to 17% by 2017. With the objective of protecting, promoting and maintaining the natural heritage of Egypt, a large number of activities and initiatives are being carried out.

On the national level, a National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation has been prepared, covering the period form 1997 till 2017. The strategy sets the main goals towards the protection of ecosystems and the management of natural resources and its various components. Moreover, a national system for protected areas is being developed, along with investigations of the local economic values of these areas and their possible contribution to the national economy, particularly through eco-tourism. In this regard, and with the purpose of elevating the economic profile of conservation, the national protected areas of Egypt were included in the investment and land-use map of Egypt.

As for the immediate policy of the MSEA in the field of nature onservation, it includes actions aimed at the strengthening of the existing capacities for the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and a drive towards the self-financing of conservation projects in protected areas.

More specifically, a primary line of action entails the effective and sustainable management of the existing protected areas. In this respect, programs for 9 protected areas, covering 15000 km2,. have been carried out, and visitors centres established in 11 protected areas along with access roads, offices, and staff accommodation. Moreover, a world class visitor centre containing displays of cultural, historical and natural features of South Sinai, is under construction at Saint Catherine protected area, expected to be inaugurated in 2002. One crucial aspect of these management programs is financial sustainability. Accordingly, entrance fees have been introduced in a number of protected areas to raise revenue for their management.

Capacity building activities, having been recognized as a primary driving force to nature conservation, present a cornerstone of the strategy MSEA and EEAA in this regard. With support from the European Union, a focus area has been the South Sinai Governorate where 40% of its surface area is protected. Local Bedouin communities were introduced to conservation management activities, and sustainable development activities of associated urban areas were conducted particularly on issues targeting solid waste management, cleanup campaigns and urban landscaping. In addition, Sharm El Sheikh training centre, established in 2000, is playing a central role in the organization of national and international training programs.

Other activities include the ongoing implementation of a long-term monitoring program of coral reefs, investigating the influence of diving activities on the marine environment, as well as the initiation of a program for the restoration of Acacia trees, with an initial focus on South Sinai. In addition, within the framework of the GEF-supported Strategic Action Program for the Mediterranean Sea, initiatives are implemented, aiming at protecting wetlands along the Mediterranean coast in Egypt, focusing on the areas of Zaranik, Burullus, and Ommayed. In partnership with the Government of Italy, initiatives have been successfully implemented for the environmental management and development of the Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert, as well as the protected area of Wadi El Rayan. For Siwa Oasis, the initiatives encompass the conservation and sustainable use of the natural resources, as well as the protection of the cultural heritage of the oasis, with a focus on the participation of the local community. As for Wadi El Rayan, support for the development of the park infrastructure, management plan, and necessary competent personnel, present the principal lines of action, highlighted in 2000/2001 with the completion and official inauguration of the park's visitors center.

Plans underway include the establishment of a Natural History Museum, a National Gene Bank and a Captive Breeding Program for rare and endangered animals destined for re-introduction to their natural habitats.

Priorities during 2001/2002 include the establishment of a Marine Park along the coastal and marine area of the west coast of the Red Sea, within the context of the Egyptian Environmental Policy Program. Another initiative scheduled for 2001/2002 is concerned with the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants and development of local knowledge in this regard, to be supported through GEF.