Hurghada — June 7, 2026 — Egypt has unveiled the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative (ERSI), a landmark program designed to advance coral reef conservation and promote a sustainable blue economy. The initiative was launched during an inception workshop in Hurghada, coinciding with World Environment Day, and brings together government leaders, UNDP, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
Led by the Ministry of Local Development and Environment with support from UNDP Egypt and GFCR, ERSI aims to safeguard marine biodiversity, strengthen protected area management, and mobilize sustainable finance for reef-positive investments. The initiative also seeks to enhance livelihoods for coastal communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
Minister Dr. Manal Awad emphasized the national importance of the Red Sea’s coral reefs: “The Egyptian Red Sea Initiative is a nationally led initiative that reflects Egypt’s priorities in biodiversity conservation, local development, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, and green investment.”
Governor Dr. Walid Abdel Azim Al Barqui highlighted the balance between economic growth and environmental protection, noting that protecting coral reefs is both an ecological imperative and a strategic investment in local economies.
UNDP Resident Representative Chitose Noguchi underscored the initiative’s role in linking conservation with sustainable development: “These unique ecosystems support tourism, local economies, and livelihoods across coastal communities, making their protection an investment in the region’s future prosperity and resilience.”
GFCR Deputy Director Yabanex Batista added that ERSI demonstrates how coral reef conservation can be embedded within broader economic planning, combining policy reform, sustainable finance, and community-driven action.
The workshop also served as a platform for dialogue on challenges and opportunities in reef conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable financing. By fostering partnerships across government, financial institutions, and local communities, ERSI aims to position Egypt as a leader in marine ecosystem protection and blue economy development.
