The Egyptian Ministry of Local Development and Environment has intensified its efforts to protect migratory birds and combat illegal hunting practices. As part of this initiative, the Nature Protection Sector of the ministry has been conducting extensive campaigns to monitor and remove illegal hunting gear from natural reserves, particularly in areas where migratory birds congregate and migrate. These efforts aim to enforce regulations and safeguard biodiversity.
According to Dr. Manal Ewad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, the ministry has been working to strengthen oversight of areas crucial to migratory birds and promptly address violations that threaten these species and wildlife. She emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and field follow-up within reserves to support the state's efforts in protecting biodiversity and preserving natural resources. The campaigns have been instrumental in identifying and mitigating threats to migratory birds.
The campaigns carried out by the Nature Protection Sector in northern reserves have resulted in the removal of approximately 6600 meters of illegal hunting nets used for bird hunting. Additionally, around 2100 live birds were freed from these nets and returned to their natural habitats, contributing to safer migration routes for birds traveling through Egypt. These actions are part of a broader strategy to protect migratory birds and the ecosystems they inhabit.
The ministry's efforts have also led to the confiscation of six modern sound devices used in bird hunting operations and ten hideout posts. Legal actions have been taken against violators in accordance with laws and regulations governing hunting and natural reserve protection. Dr. Ewad highlighted that protecting migratory birds is a key component of Egypt's efforts to conserve biodiversity, especially given the country's location along a critical migration route between Europe and Africa.
Eng. Sharif Abdel Rahim, CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency, affirmed that the Nature Protection Sector teams will continue their field campaigns in natural reserves and areas where migratory birds gather and migrate. These efforts include intensified monitoring and removal of illegal hunting gear during the migration season. The teams are committed to addressing illegal hunting practices and releasing captured birds back into their natural habitats.
Abdel Rahim noted that reserve teams are working to identify and confiscate illegal hunting gear, release live birds, and take legal action against violators. These actions aim to reduce risks to migratory birds and support conservation efforts in natural reserves. The continued follow-up and monitoring are crucial in enforcing regulations and protecting wildlife.
The Ministry of Local Development and Environment will continue to implement regulations governing hunting practices and intensify oversight and monitoring in natural reserves and migratory bird gathering areas. This approach ensures the application of regulatory controls, protects birds and wildlife, and preserves natural resources and biodiversity. The efforts of the ministry and its partners are essential in safeguarding Egypt's rich natural heritage.
Key points
- Egyptian authorities have removed 6600 meters of illegal bird hunting nets and freed 2100 migratory birds.
- The campaigns aim to protect migratory birds and combat illegal hunting practices in natural reserves.
- Egypt's location along a critical migration route between Europe and Africa underscores the importance of these conservation efforts.
