Thousands to celebrate Eid at nature reserves

CAIRO – 25 June 2017: Nature reserves in Egypt are opening their doors to visitors on Eid al-Fitr and researchers are at hand to shed light on their diversity, importance and how to preserve them.

Visitors will receive brochures and watch documentaries displaying the biodiversity of Egypt’s nature reserves, state-run news agency MENA reported Sunday.

The number of expected visitors is estimated to be in the thousands. With Eid coinciding with summer, coastal natural reserves are expected to attract most visitors. Ras Mohamed in southern Sinai and the Camels Valley on the Red Sea are bound to receive the lion’s share of visitors.

There are 30 nature reserves in Egypt including natural and cultural patrimony, geological structures, national parks, biodiversity and economic resources.

In April, the Ministry of Environment announced a plan for sustainable development of all Egypt’s nature reserves, which represent 15 percent of the country’s total area.

Law no. 102 of 1983 protects natural resources and Egypt’s biological diversity to maintain an environmental balance. This was reaffirmed by Law no. 4 of 1994.

The reserves are:
1. Ras Mohammed
2. Al-Zaranic
3. Al-Ahrash
4. Elbit Al-Tabea
5. Al-Ameed Al-Tabiea
6. Salouga
7. Ghazal
8. Saint Catharine
9. Ashtoum Al-Gameel
10. Karun
11. Raiyan Valley
12. Al-Alaky Valley
13. Al-Sayouty Valley
14. Wadi el Gamal
15. Petrified Forest
16. Wadi Snour Cave
17. Buckthorn
18. Abu Jalum
19. Taba
20. Al-Borlos
21. Nile Valley Islands
22. Wadi Degla
23. Siwa
24. White Desert
25. Valley of Beauty
26. Northern Islands of the Red Sea
27. Gilf Kebir
28. Aldbabih
29. Salloum
30. Bahera Oasis