9 Biodiversity    

Introduction duction in the current loss rate of biodiver- sity. The parties agreed on an action frame- Biodiversity is the basis of life on the earth work for evaluating the progress accom- planet, a source of human wellbeing and plished to this effect in various . culture. However, the loss rate in biodiver- sity is progressively increasing as a result of the human activities influencing it. Con- Strategy for the Conservation of sequently, biodiversity was one of the five Biodiversity pillars of sustainable development in the National Strategy for Biodiversity Sustainable Development Summit held in Conservation (1997-2017) Johannesburg, 2002, which are water, en- This strategy was incorporated in the State ergy, health, agriculture and biodiversity. National Plan by the Ministry of Planning This Summit recognized the Biodiversity as a basis for sustainable development of Convention adopted in the Earth Summit natural resources. held in Rio de Janeiro, 1992, as the princi- Strategy's objectives are: pal mechanism for achieving the three ob- 1. Management of natural resources on jectives: biodiversity conservation, using sound scientific bases to strike natural its elements on a sustainable basis, and eq- ecological balance and maintain the eco- uitable sharing of benefits resulting from systems to prevent their deterioration. using genetic resources. In addition to what the 7th Biodiversity Convention Parties in 2. Development of scientific and techno- Kuala Lumpur, 2004, adopted as an inter- logical capacity in areas of biodiversity national objective of achieving visible re- conservation and natural resources de- 123 Biodiversity

velopment. local legislations – establishing, sup-

3. Mobilization of national effort to con- porting and modifying legislation en- serve biodiversity to ensure sustainable forcement mechanisms – supporting non viability and optimal use of its compo- governmental organizations and popular nents. institutions – mobilizing material sup- port of national and international re- 4. Participation of the civil society in bio- sources for conservation projects. diversity conservation programs.

5. Establishment of legislative basis and Principles on which strategy implemen- social-economic incentives to support tation is built: biodiversity conservation and natural 1. Biodiversity conservation is a tool for resources development sustainability. developing current and future natural resources to the interest of comprehen- 6. Benefiting from academic and techno- sive development plans. logical knowledge resulting from na- tional, regional and international inte- 2. Biodiversity is part of the natural heri- grated work to conserve biodiversity. tage and maintaining it is a national and international commitment.

Elements of the National Action Plan 3. Biodiversity is an ecological and eco- include the following: nomic value being a pillar of sustainable 1. Research, studies, monitoring and development. evaluation programmes: (natural re- sources conservation economics – on 4. Biodiversity conservation is based on site "field" surveys – establishment of scientific studies and ecological monitor- ing. biological monitoring stations – quanti- tative and qualitative content of heredi- 5. Building national capacity, implement- tary heritage – occurrence of variations ing biodiversity conservation programs, on species and ecologies – inherited and launching educating and awareness knowledge of local people – competi- programs on it.

tion of reference collections and classi- 6. Activating environmental legislations fying researches). and committing to international conven- 2. Applied projects programs: tions and agreements. National Museum for Natural History – Hereditary materials Bank – Raising and Third National Report on Biodiversity Reproduction stations – Data and Infor- adopted in 2005, was based on the avail- mation Network – Natural able information and data on natural pro- Network. tectorates activities in including ex-

3. Support and Assistance projects Pro- ecutive programs, projects funded by the grams: donating countries and organizations and Manpower rehabilitation and training – the obstacles hindering the implementation education and awareness – upgrading of natural protectorates program of action performance efficiency and reforming/ adopted by the 7th Conference of Parties modifying government institutions con- in February 2004, Kuala Lumpur, Malay- cerned with conservation – completing sia. Further to the other official reports re- ceived by the Ministry of State of Environ- 124 Biodiversity

mental Affairs from the concerned agen- characterized by high biological productiv- cies, i.e., Ministries of Agriculture, Irriga- ity and their fertile environment for fisher- tion, Tourism, Foreign Trade and Industry, ies and natural life especially for birds. The Foreign Affairs and Health. Also from Sci- world paid interest to wetlands which entific Research and Technology Acad- shrank in huge rates endangering their loss. emy, universities and research centers. In Therefore, countries, including Egypt con- addition to the investment activities and cluded a Convention on Wetlands Conser- their impact on the environment, the con- vation, especially Waterfowl Habitat tinuous raids on the markets of trading the known as RAMSAR Convention, 1971. endangered extinctive species such as tur- tles. Reports of the Environment and Ma- rine Police on confiscated prohibited spe- cies as well as coordination with gover- norates of highly bio-diverse areas, na- tional societies/associations and the civil society. This national report reflects the international commitments undertaken by Egypt to international and regional agree- ments related to biodiversity (CBD), wet- Picture (9-1) Waterfowls in lands protection (RAMSAR), species mi- Zaranik gration (Bonn Convention), International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and plan of ac- The National Strategy for Biodiversity tion of the Mediterranean and the plan of Conservation and National Action Plan action of both the Red Sea and Gulf of 1997-2017, gave special attention to wet- Aden (PERSGA). lands conservation in coastal boundaries offshore and onshore water. In 2005, a na- The report included the following points: tional strategy and Action plan for wet- a. Conserving biodiversity in site/location. lands conservation in Egypt was declared b. Biodiversity in dry and sub dry lands. as a supplement to conventions and strate- c. Sustainable use of biodiversity compo- gies of conserving nature in general. It is nents. intended to be a cornerstone in programs of d. World Strategy for Conserving Plant. national development plans which all gov- e. Alien & invasive species and genetic ernment institutions, public and private types. sectors as well as the civil society are in f. Ecotourism. charge of. g. Capacity building and participation of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency is native and local communities. the government body in charge of coordi- h. Education and public awareness. nating these efforts, in addition to its ex- ecutive role in this national work. Wetlands Conservation The ecological importance of wetlands is due to their hydrological properties being the intermediate ecological system between inland earth and water. The wetlands are 125 Biodiversity

community. This is in addition to upgrad- ing basic technical and environmental ca- pacities of the coastal protectorates on the Mediterranean for ecotourism, bird watch- ing sites, receiving visitors, and developing endemic plants as well as raising ecological awareness and regional coordination with Mediterranean countries with the aim of exchanging information and expertise.

Picture (9-2) Developing Planta- Al-Omayed Protectorate has been studied tions at Al-Omayed Protectorate as a model for dry and sub-wetlands and a

plan was made for managing this protector- The Environmental Affairs Authority dedi- ate that could be replicated in the north cated its activities to conserve wetlands in coast to enhance coordination among the coastal ecosystems of the Mediterranean activities of conventions on biodiversity, during the last five years concentrating on desertification and environmental changes. protectorates of Al Zaranik in North Sinai, Burullus in Kafr Al-Sheikh at middle Delta Conservation outside the Natural and Al-Omayed in Matrouh. A comprehen- Site/Location sive field diagnosis of these areas took Procedures of protection and conservation place and plans were drawn to manage, of endangered terrestrial and marine biome monitor and follow them up. Consequently, and their genetic resources are concen- implementing pastures management pro- trated in their original habitats and natural grams, rehabilitate those which have dete- locations of life and growth. This is the riorated and provide alternative fodders, kind of protection provided in the natural resulting in raising the level of pastures protectorates in all parts of Egypt. Protec- capacity in 2005 by 20% with an effective tion activities in these areas take place un- and aware participation of the local com- der the law No. 102 of 1983 concerning munities. They received an adequate train- natural protectorates. ing and made aware of the needed require- ments and were supported by veterinary services together with reviving and devel- oping the handicraft artisanship of women living in these communities.

Al-Zaranik Strait of El-Bardawil Lake was rehabilitated to reinvigorate water move- ment from and to the Mediterranean Sea. This reflected an increase of fishery wealth in the lake and encouraged fishermen to Picture (9-3) Hunting and Trad- organize rational fishing which raised their ing are Banned/ Prohibited incomes. In 2005, weeds were removed from one thousand feddans in Burullus Complementing to this work is the provid- Lake, thus adding more viability to fishing ing of care and protection to the biological potentials and their return on the local species and genetic resources existing out-

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side their natural locations in coordination (6) in 2002) and the total number with the concerned authorities and local reached (36) in 2005. communities according to law No. 4 of 2. Nubian deer/stag (pilot program started 1994 on Environment Protection, stipulat- with 3 females and a male) resulting in ing for prohibiting hunting, seizing, de- addition of (4) in 2003, (3) in 2004 and stroying or trading of endangered species (6) in 2005 and thus the total number or harming their shelters/refuge. Also, law reached 17. No. 53 of 1966 on agriculture and its re- sulting decisions prohibit shooting, killing 3. Arrowed ram (pilot program started or harming animals useful to agriculture. with 3 females and 3 males), adding (4) Furthermore, law No. 124 of 1983 on in 2003, (4) in 2004 and (6) in 2005, catching fish and aquatic creatures. Besides making the total number of (20). implementing the national commitments stipulated in the related international con- ventions.

In the field of study area, programs were designed including:

1. Care program of white stork at the Care Center of Migrating and Inhabiting Fowls established in 2003 in Sharm El- Picture (9-4) Arrowed Ram in Sheikh. A recovery of nearly 3000 birds Elba Protectorate during the migration seasons 2003-2005 and taking care of nearly 100 fowls of 4. Striped Hyena (pilot program started other species like black kite and with 1 female and 1 male); in 2005 the hawks...etc. total number reached 5.

2. Rehabilitating endangered species in 5. Wild Cat (pilot program started with 1 their natural environment under favor- female and 1 male); in 2005 the total able circumstances, including reproduc- number reached 6.

tion of the endangered Egyptian tortoise 6. Webber (pilot program started with 5 in an attempt to prevent its extinction types), in 2004 adding (7) then (8) in and transplanting many botanic species 2005 and the total number reached 20. like medicinal plants and cactus with the participation of private sector and en- 7. Fowl Reproduction Program (Egyptian couraging it to implement some trans- Gees) started with 7 mothers and plantation programs involving mammal reached 70 in 2005.

animals, reptiles, and repatriating and 8. African Ostrich started with 6 mothers reproducing acacia and mangrove trees. and the production reached 34 in 2005.

Reproduction programs outside the 9. Reptile Reproduction Program natural location 2002 to 2005 resulted in: (Sudanese and Egyptian tortoise) started with 5 mothers and the total number 1. Success of the reproduction of the Egyp- reached 212 in 2005. tian gazelles (pilot program started with

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10.Transplanting 56 feddans of Mangrove An ecotourism national strategy draft was trees on the Red Sea Coast. prepared and discussed in 2005 aiming at 11.Transplanting 20 thousand nursery me- raising the standard of living of the local dicinal plants in the Botanical Garden in population, creating job opportunities, de- Sharm El-Sheikh. veloping local industries and handicrafts

12.Transplanting 15 thousand Agava and local agro- products, raising ecological sisalana trees, more than 70% suc- awareness among tourism sector personnel ceeded after returning them to their and local population as well as applying natural habitat. protection measures of ecological physical properties, historical treatment and wild life. Efforts for Biodiversity Protection

1. An evaluation of 178 studies dealing Medicinal Plants Conservation with assessing the environmental impact of projects related to marine and coastal South Sinai was selected to be environment fields has been completed. the pinpoint of a national strategy for con- Also, a monitoring and follow up sys- serving and developing medicinal plants in tem was established for assessing the Egypt. South Sinai is distinguished for the effect of diving areas on coral reefs in richness of endemic botanical and aromatic the Red Sea and Aqaba Gulf during species. This is due to the geographical na- 2003-2005. ture of this area with its plateaus and val- leys as well as its location between the gulf 2. Field studies were prepared in 2005 to of Aqaba and Suez and the variant climate declare new marine and coastal protec- from extreme coldness in winter to high torates in Al Saloum at Matrouh Gover- heat in summer, rendering a high value to norate. Also a number of field studies these plants and the necessity of taking were made in El Gilf El Kebir in the care of them as an economic, social and Western desert as well as Northern Red genetic rule. Sea Islands, pending the declaration of these areas natural protectorates. In the medicinal plants project in St. Cath- erine, medicinal plants are transplanted to 3. Expansion of mooring buoys network in be restored to their ecological habitat the Red Sea and Aqaba Gulf, reaching which became rare and supply the nursery 1300 mooring buoy. plants needed by farmers to be cultivated in different areas. Developing the local com- Biodiversity and Tourism munity capacities and training them to ac-

Ecotourism activities were incorporated quire the best techniques for cultivation, into the National Biodiversity Strategy and harvesting on basis of medicinal plants marketing. became one of the basic principles of de- claring natural protectorates. The number Efforts of medicinal plants conservation of tourists reached 8.5 million tourists in project in St. Catherine Protectorate re- 2005 achieving a return of 6.4 billion US sulted in surveying the medicinal plants dollars. Action plans of ecotourism pro- wealth in Egypt by five national research grams in Egypt were discussed by experts teams. They classified 472 species; some and representatives of various bodies. of them were discovered for the first time

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in Egypt and identified the dynamic energy, antiquities and others. The declared changes that may occur to them. They also protectorates include 24 protectorates on an indicated the necessary actions for main- area of 100.000 square kilometer, repre- taining them and creating a database on senting 10% of the area of the Republic up them. They pointed out how to benefit to 2005. It is planned to complete the natu- from the experience of the Bedouin com- ral protectorates network to reach about munities in the area and participate with 17% of the Republic lands by 2017. them in protection systems. They also helped in creating 30 job opportunities as 83% well as assisting them and supporting their gardens.

Egyptian scientists and experts issued the first and second issues of the Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia in 2005. It contains detailed information on some kinds of me- 7% 10% dicinal plants within the framework of Na- current protectorates tional Strategy of Medicinal Plants and future protectorates their Sustainable Development. There are good indicators of increasing the abun- remaining area dance of medicinal plant lining inside the fines messages which reached 46 up to Figure (9-1) protected areas percentage of 2005. Their feasibility was proven as an Egypt's area effective means for protecting the targeted species. A herbarium was established con- The declared natural protectorates up to taining 365 scientifically defined speci- 2005 include the following: mens, collecting seeds of 84 species and 1. 5 marine protectorates: Ras Mohamed, processing them to be preserved on the Nabq, and Abu Galum protectorates on long run in the National Gene Bank in ad- Aqaba Gulf in South Sinai Governorate, dition to establishing 8 greenhouses for and Elba and Red Sea islands natural medicinal plants reproducing around the protectorate, and Wadi El Gemal/ year and 4 Bedouin farms. Hamata protectorate in Red Sea Gover- norate.

Current and Future Protected Ar- 2. 7 wetlands protectorates: Zaranik in North Sinai Governorate, Ashtum El- eas (Reserves) in Egypt Gamil in Port Said Governorate, two The government believes that nature pro- protectorates of Qaroun Lake and Wadi tection and biodiversity conservation El Rayan in Fayoum Governorate, two should be integrated with development ac- islands of Saluga and Ghazal protector- tivities. Hence, current and future natural ate in Aswan Governorate, Al Omayed protectorates were listed on the State Land protectorate in Matrouh Governorate Uses Map/Legend with a presidential de- and River Nile islands protectorates. cree No. 154 of 2001, to be on equal foot 3. 8 Desert protectorates: Ahrash in North with the activities of agriculture, tourism, Sinai Governorate, two protectorates of industry, urbanization, petroleum, mining, Taba and St. Catherine in South Sinai

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Governorate, two protectorates of Al Egypt joined the membership of that con- Omayed and Siwa in Matrouh Gover- vention in 1975. At that time 5 Egyptian norate, Wadi Degla protectorate in sites were declared World Cultural Heri- Governorate, Wadi El Asiouty protec- tage Sites: Memphis and its Necropolis— torate in Asyout Governorate, and Wadi the pyramid fields from GIZA to El Allaqi protectorate in Aswan Gover- Dahshour—Ancient Thebes with its Ne- norate. cropolis –Nubian Monuments from to ———Saint Catherine Area. The center area of St. Catherine protectorate has been 21٪ 17٪ previously declared a world cultural heri- tage site in 2002, including St. Catherine's Monastery, Mussa (Moses) Mountains, Catherine and Safsafa, in addition to Wadi 29٪ El Raha, the old and multiple historical .marine protectorates monuments/sites 5 33٪ 8 wetlands protectorates The convention maintaining a membership 7 desert protectorates of 175 countries, currently includes 812 4 geological protectorates sites, out of them 658 cultural heritage sites Figure (9-2) Natural Protectorates Classification with 6 Egyptian sites. While there are 160 (10% of Egypt's Area) sites for natural heritage areas including

Wadi El Hetan of protec- 4. 3 Geological protectorates: Petrified torate as one of them and 24 joint natural Forest protectorate in Cairo Gover- and cultural heritage.

norate, White Desert protectorate in El The area of Wadi El Hetan (Valley of Wadi El Gadeed Governorate, Qubet El Whales) represents a significant world site Hasana Dome protectorate in Giza Gov- as it contains a large group of petrified ernorate, and Wadi Sanour Cave protec- skeletons (406) with an age dated back to torate in Beni Swaif Governorate. 40 million years in addition to another group of animals, fish, coral reefs, turtles, a Wadi El Hetan (Whales Valley) area of mermaid and mangrove forests. These fos- Wadi El Rayan protectorate in Fayoum sils reflect the tropical environment of Governorate has been declared as the First Egypt during that geological era. Thus, World Natural Heritage in Egypt in 2005 Wadi El Hetan represents an open unique within the framework of World Heritage museum containing multiple natural convention declared by the UNESCO Or- wealth. ganization in 1972. It aims at establishing a system for cultural and natural heritage Currently, Wadi El Hetan is under renova- protection and transferring it to the future tion and development together with prepar- generations and calling for integrating ing a comprehensive layout for developing Heritage Protection Program into the over- Fayoum area in compliance with the na- all planning program as well as taking the tional strategy of ecotourism. necessary legal, administrative and scien- tific steps for protecting that heritage.

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Map (9-1) Current and Future Declared Protectorates up to 2005

Current Protectorates

1 Ras Mohamed & Two Islands of Tiran & 2 Zaranik and Sabkhet Al Bardawil 3 Ahrash Sanafeer

4 Elba and Red Sea Islands 5 Al Omayed 6 Saluga and Ghazal 7 Ashtum El Gamil 8 St Catherine 9 Qubet El Hasana 10 Qaroun Lake 11 Wadi El Rayan 12 Petrified Forest 13 Wadi El Allaqi 14 Wadi Sanour Cave 15 Abu Galum 16 Nabq 17 Wadi El Asiouty 18 Taba 19 Al Burullus 20 River Nile Islands (144 islands) 21 Wadi Degla 22 Siwa 23 White Desert 24 Wadi El Gemal/ Hamata

Future Protectorates

1 El Gilf EL Kebir 2 Karkar and Dongol 3 Om El Dabadeeb 4 El Qasr 5 El Saloum 6 El showaila 7 Ras El Hekma 8 El Maghara 9 El Qasima 10 Wadi Grafi 11 El Galala El Qeblia 12 Wadi Qena 13 Shayeb El Banat 14 Malahet Ras Shoqair 15 Red Sea 16 El Qatara Depression

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Table (9-1) Natural Protectorates Declared in the Framework of Law 102 0f 1983 on Natural Protectorates

Date of Sr. Protectorate Type Area Declaration

Ras Mohamed and two Is- 1 1983 Natural Heritage Protectorate 850 km2 lands of Tiran and Sanafeer Zaranik and Sabkhet Al 2 1985 Wetland Protectorate & Fowl Natural Retirement 230 km2 Bardawil Protectorate

3 Al Ahrash Protectorate 1985 Desert Protectorate & Resources Development 8 km2

Al Omayed Natural Desert Protectorate – Bio- Surounding 4 1986 700 km2 Protectorate Protectorate 35600 5 5 Elba Natural Protectorates 1986 Natural National Parks Protectorate km2

6 Saluga and Ghazal 1986 Wetlands & Natural Scenary Protectorate .5 km2

7 St. Catherine 1988 Desert Protectorate & World Cultural Heritage 4250 km2

8 Ashtum El Gamil Protectorate 1988 Wetland Protectorate & Fowl Natural Retirement 180 km2

9 Qaroun Protectorate 1989 Wetland Protectorate 1385 km2

Natural National Site & World Natural Heritage 10 Wadi El Rayan Protectorate 1989 1759 km2 Protectorate

Desert Protectorate- Bio- Surrounding 30000 11 Wadi El Allaqi Protectorate 1989 Protectorate km2 12 Wadi El Assyouti Protectorate 1989 Reproduction & Multipurpose Protectorate 35 km2

13 Qubet El Hasana Protectorate 1989 Geological Protectorate 1 km2

14 Petrified Forest Protectorate 1989 Geological Protectorate 7 km2

15 Wadi Senour Cave Protectorate 1992 Geological & National Site Protectorate 12 km2

16 Nabq Protectorate 1992 Multipurpose Protectorate 600 km2

17 Abu Gallum Protectorate 1992 Natural Scenery Protectorate 500 km2

18 Taba Protectorate 1998 Desert & Natural Site Protectorate 3595 km2

19 Al Burrulus Protectorate 1998 Wetland Protectorate 460 km2

River Nile Islands (144) 20 1998 Wetland Protectorates 160 km2 Protectorates 21 Wadi Degla Protectorate 1999 Desert Land Protectorate 60 km2 22 Siwa Protectorate 2002 Desert & Civilizational Site Protectorate 7800 km2 23 White Desert Protectorate 2002 Desert Protectorate 3010 km2 Wadi El Gemal/ Hamata 24 2003 Desert Protectorate 7450 km2 Protectorate

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Picture (9-8) Marine Fowls in Picture (9-5) Wadi El Hitan – Zaranik Protectorate A World Heritage

Alien and Invasive Species and Ge- netic Patterns

A national objective corresponding to the World objective in detecting the Alien / invasive species entered the . In this respect, the following were accomplished: 1. Preparing a list of the Alien / invasive species existing in Egypt and drawing

management plans for controlling the spread of these species within different environments. Picture (9-6) St. Catherine Area -

A World Heritage 2. A survey was completed in 2005 of the invasive species by stating their number up till now (45) species. Data and infor-

mation were collected on each species

including, (scientific name, common name, original habitat of the species, geographic distribution, (distribution in Egypt, negative impact of the species on environment, possibility of using the species in the new refuge, routes of transfer and invasion between different places, and sources of information) in order to be entered to the database of Picture (9-7) A Mermaid – environment invasive species. an endangered species

3. A study of the threats facing the biodi- versity has been made, covering the in- vasive species of the Egyptian and their impact on ecologies and native

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species at the end of 2005. World interest in combating the deadly vi- 4. A Draft National Strategy was prepared rus H5N1 is reaching its optimum now as it to encounter the invasive species of the was widely spread geographically in an Egyptian environment. unprecedented way during the last years. More than 150 million birds were dead

during its spread in various parts of the The difficulties faced in achieving this ob- world causing economic losses amounting jective, are as follows: to 12 billion US dollars. This is in addition 1. Lack of references and information re- to the fact that each human infection gives lated to the biological invasive species the virus an opportunity to be modified and and its impact on the surrounding envi- mutated into a more fierce form. ronment on the national level. Map (9-2) Fowl Migration Passages

2. Rarity of national experts working in the field of biological invasion.

3. Insufficient funding for completing re- search and monitoring processes at field level of various environs.

Avian Flu

What Happened in the World and What Reached Egypt

Many countries are encountering the fatal bird flu disease which re-appears from time to time with a genetic mutation H5N1. The disease had flared up in Asia and moved to central and West Africa and Middle East , then to Egypt and Europe. There are potentials to spread to other parts of the world. Fears are everywhere of mutating the existing H5N1 virus into a new virus not seen by the humans before. Human in- fection as a result of mixing with poultry Procedures Taken Before Occur- and possibility of additional genetic rence of the Disease changes in that virus may lead to a continu- Pilot procedures were implemented to ous infection among humans. monitor the fatal virus H5N1 in Egypt over Map (9-2) shows pass way of world bird the last three years in cooperation with Migration Which are Crossing Egypt from North American Medical Research Unit a Number of longitudinal Passages. (NAMRU 3). Interest increased in monitor- ing migrating fowls, their refuge and bor- der areas and rivers in 2005. Also, training

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work teams in natural protectorates and ment Plan was prepared to address the bird rapid action and monitoring groups who flu virus within the context of the responsi- are in charge of collecting specimens from bilities of the Ministry of State for Envi- potential areas. In this context, 13500 ronmental Affairs which concentrate on specimens from tens of thousands of vari- monitoring and examining the migrating ous wild fowl species were collected and fowls and assisting the safe culling of in- laboratory examined by using latest tech- fected birds. This should be done in close nologies to detect virus H5N1. All results cooperation with all ministries and gover- were negative. norates and a full coordination on interna-

The requirements in the critical phase of tional, national, local, popular and the civil addressing the virus infection have been society levels. In addition, there should be identified as to provide the necessary medi- an exchange information, expertise, assis- cal supplies at the central level and take tance and communication in order to or- precautions in the main areas including ganize the joint work before, during and after infection. special devices, protective clothes, and sterilization materials and tools/instruments Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs of drawing the specimen….etc. Further- issued the Ministerial decree No. 168 on more, be prepared for providing alternative 13/10/2005 to ban hunting all kinds of mi- places with areas of water to attract bird grating bird. Environment Police and Bor- migrating groupings away from the con- der Guard Forces undertake the enforce- centrations of humans and poultry wealth. ment of implementing this decree. Based A central operations room and 6 hot lines on this cooperation, 69 offences were cap- operating 24 hours were established as well tured and ended with the beginning of the as direct communication with rapid action critical phase. Maps and detailed layouts groups and natural protectorates operating were prepared and developed of the pas- rooms were made available. sages and areas of migrating birds, their seasons, species and numbers. On the national level, a supreme national committee has been formed, headed by Likewise, there was a concentration on Minister of Health and participation of raising public awareness of Avian Influ- Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, enza "Bird Flu" through planned informa- Interior, Defense, Information, Local De- tion campaigns on Radio and TV, press, velopment, Transportation and Aviation to internet and public meetings. Providing be responsible for crisis management on basic information on the virus, prevention the Republic level within a framework of a methods and reporting its occurrence as comprehensive national plan. Affiliated well as symptoms of infection seen on executive committee with the membership birds and humans and treatment possibility. of the concerned ministries was formed to Many advertisements, articles and bro- assume the responsibility of activating the chures indicating the role played by the set plan and ensuring that all the executive migrating birds in potential cases of com- steps in the governorates are followed in municating infection to poultry and then addition to organizing cooperation among transfer it to the humans. Also describing ministries. how infection may be transmitted to hu-

In view of the above, a national Environ- mans and how to deal with the suspected or

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infected birds and means of communica- 4. Encountering the invading species and tion with the operations centers. controlling the genetic mutated species on the country outlets need special legis- Future Plan 2007-2012 lations and concerted efforts of the con- cerned authorities. Raising awareness 1. Despite the efforts exerted in Egypt for and training to this effect and preparing regulating the international trade of ex- a national strategy and outlined work tinctive endangered species, yet it is still plan to deal with it through transporta- exposed to excessive shooting/catching tion, trade, tourism and research opera- problems related to sea cucumber, ma- tions. rine oysters/snails and wild animals, es- 5. While having succeeded in reform and pecially reptiles and mammals in eastern restoration activities of some endan- and western desert in addition to over gered species inside and outside the collection of medicinal plants and oth- natural refuge, yet it is important and ers. Also addressing the excessive hunt- imperative to expand in this field to pro- ing is among the main objectives in the tect these hereditary assets and to eco- coming 5 years. nomically and socially benefit from 2. Conserving natural wealth outside the them. This would require providing suf- range of natural protectorates is consid- ficient resources and high technological ered one of the major challenges which potentials.

come under the responsibility of multi- 6. Issuing biological safety national law in ple bodies. This requires that more ef- the framework of Cartagena Biological fort in organizing, coordinating and Safety Protocol on regulating the circu- monitoring be exerted in the next stage lation of the genetic resources. as well as adopting the adequate legisla- tions.

Photo (9-9) Breading Dolphins in Samadai Area

3. Activating the national plan for land uses and committing the development activities to not impact the current and future protectorates which are principal part of the plan, and ensure to make the environmental dimension one of the ba- sic fundamentals of these activities.

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current future protectorates protectorates future current

Map (9-3) State land usages and

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Reference (1) Sustainable Development Summit Report- Johannesburg- 2002. (2) Seven Parties Conference on Biodiversity Convention- Kuala Lumpur 2004. (3) National Strategy and Action Plan of Biodiversity Conservation- Environmental Affairs Authority- 1998. (4) Third Egyptian National Report on Biodiversity Convention- Environmental Affairs Authority- 2005. (5) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat- (RAMSAR) 1971. (6) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1973. (7) Convention on Conservation of Migrating Wild Animals (Bonn) – 1979. (8) National Strategy of Wetlands (GEF/UNDP) Wetlands Project- Environmental Affairs Authority- 2005. (9) A Draft Towards National Strategy and Action Plan for Ecotourism in Egypt: Ahmed Shehata- Environmental Affairs Authority- 2005. (10) Convention on Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (UNESCO- Paris) 1972. (11) Natural Protectorates in Egypt: Nature Protection Sector- Environmental Affairs Au- thority- 2005. (12) National Environmental Plan for Encountering Avian Influenza "Bird Flu" Virus - En- vironmental Affairs Authority- 2006.

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