Abu dhabi: Egypt is committed to expanding its network of protected areas and strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts, Acting Minister of Environment and Minister of Local Development Manal Awad said on Friday.

According to State Information Service Egypt, this commitment includes seeking inclusion in the IUCN Green List, re-evaluating key biodiversity zones, and updating conservation assessment standards to ensure long-term sustainability. Speaking during a session titled “Advancing the 30×30 Initiative in West Asia and Aligning Regional Action with the Global Biodiversity Framework,” Awad announced Egypt’s plans to update its National Biodiversity Strategy 2030 in collaboration with national experts and partners, with an expected launch by the end of 2025.

The strategy will integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable development goals. The session took place during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from October 9 to 15, where Awad represented P
resident Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Awad has been working on strengthening cooperation with international organizations such as the EU and World Bank, to attract investments and develop strategies for climate resilience in governorates. During the session, Awad discussed mechanisms for integrating biodiversity protection into national climate and development strategies, particularly in protected area management and marine conservation, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 related to biodiversity preservation.

She highlighted Egypt’s leadership in placing biodiversity at the heart of the global climate dialogue.