- Nursery Establishment. Afforestation of new roads and increasing trees in the already planted roads. Establishment of new gardens. Maintenance and development of gardens. Monitoring of soil contaminants.

- Stabilization of sand dunes through tree planting.

- Development of land use maps and plans to curb industrial and urban encroachment on arable land.

Egypt has few or limited forest areas due to its North Africa arid, dry climate.

Eyypt's official position is in full confirmation with all initiatives to combat desertification and conservation of the existing forest resources of the world.

The `El Kasr Project' is a pilot project, implemented in a region near the City of Marsa Matrouh, which aims at desertification abatement and the sustainable development of the region through community participation with the residing bedouins.

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification

Particularly in Africa was signed; ratified on 7/7/95.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

Egypt is one of the main countries that have developed and implemented a strategy for combating desertification. Desertification is the biggest threat yet for Egypt's farmlands and flora.

With the restructuring of the Egyptian Environment Affairs Agency in 1992, the Nature Protection Department was formed to be responsible for nature conservation in Egypt. The department was entrusted with overseeing the implementation of law 102/1983 for the Natural Protectorates and managing the national network of Protected Areas. A total of 17 Protected Areas have been established in Egypt representing a wide range of critical ecosystems. Protected Areas have proven to date to be the most important management tool to protect the nation's biodiversity. As of 1995, approximately 7.5% of the country was protected under law 102/1983, and it is expected to expand coverage up to 15% by the year 2010. The European Community (EC) has been working closely with EEAA (Nature Protection Department) since 1988 in the field of national park management. Collaboration began with the project to develop the management and infrastructure of Bas Mohammed National Park.

The project was subsequently expanded to establish a protected area network in South Sinai with Napaq and

Abu Gallum Protected Areas and Katherine protectorate.

It has been recognized that there is a need to enhance the management of other protected areas around the country and create new reserves in order to establish a viable and comprehensive national park system. As the first phase to develop the national park network, a country-wide assessment is taking place in 1997 to evaluate existing protected areas and identify new conservation areas to be declared.

Protecting and developing water resources by establishing tanks. Soil development and monitoring its contaminants. Using crop rotation. Better use of land and public awareness of sustainable development importance.

Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1992; ratified in 1994.

The latest was report was submitted in 1997.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

ratified in 1978. The latest report was submitted in 1996.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

International Conventions

Egypt has signed more than eight international agreements having provisions for nature conservation. The Nature Protection Sector has been active in the conventions and following-up on convention compliance. The GOE has played a major role in the Biodiversity Convention) being one of the first countries to sign the agreement in 1992. During the past two years, steps have been taken to improve regulation of international trade in endangered wildlife as obligated under the CITES convention of 1979.

However, there needs to be greater compliance in Egypt of CITES and other international agreements stipulating the wise and sustainable use of natural habitats and wildlife.

National Biodiversity Unit (NBU)

To fulfil the country's obligations under the Biodiversity Convention, a National Biodiversity Unit (NBU) was established with support from UNEP at the Nature Protection Sector. A workshop on Egypt's biological diversity was held in November 1992, from which a National Biodiversity Action Plan was formulated. The NBU in cooperation with the scientific community has since produced a number of landmark studies of biodiversity, including the National Habitat Diversity Study in 1993 and the National Biodiversity Country Study in 1995. At present the NBU is establishing a National Biodiversity Data Bank to facilitate the monitoring and management of Egypt's biological resources.

In 1997 the NBU sponsored by UNEP will begin the production of a National Biodiversity Country Strategy. Upon completion of this study, it is expected to raise funds for Biodiversity projects in Egypt, such as those which have been identified by the National Biodiversity Action Plan, including Captive Breeding for endangered wildlife, a Gene Bank to preserve plant and animal genetic resources, and a Natural History Museum to promote Biodiversity research and education.

Hunting Management

Many different types of hunting are taking place in Egypt, which can be broadly classified as hunting for: sport, tourism, subsistence and commercial trade. There has tended to be excessive hunting in Egypt leading to the depletion of the nation's wildlife. Since 1992, Egypt has made significant improvements in hunting management with steps taken to organize sport hunting for gamebirds, in particular for tourism. To control illegal hunting, a system has been set up to monitor hunting in the desert and raids have been carried out on shops selling protected species of wildlife. In 1996 a study was conducted with support from DANIDA to explore ways to enhance the implementation of the provisions of Law 4/1994 pertaining to hunting. The study recommended that a hunting management system be devised in Egypt to manage hunting on a sustainable basis with a coordinating body established to oversee implementation of the system.

Wildlife and Habitat Resources

Due to its strategic geographic location at the juncture of three continents and habitat diversity, Egypt has rich plant and animal life. The National Biodiversity Country Study inventoried the plant and animal species in the country. (see table 1.3). However, much of the existing information is outdated and field studies are required to assess the current status of Egypt's biological resources.

Habitat Diversity

Egypt has a wide range of habitat, each with its own unique fauna and flora. The National Habitat Diversity Study identified the main habitats occurring in the country (see Figure 1.1). These can be broadly characterized as desert, marine and coastal environs, inland wetlands, and the cultivated lands of the Nile Valley and Delta. The habitats with the greatest species richness and diversity are the wetlands, in particular the coral reefs on the Red Sea, and the Nile River and lakes. These are followed by the terrestrial habitats of: Gabel Elba, St. Katherine and the North Coast. Of these, all except for the inland wetlands and North Coast, are adequately regarded as Protected Areas. To further the development objectives of the nation, these and other representative habitats having cultural, scientific, education and economic value need to be protected under Law 102.

Value and Potential:

It is impossible to make a precise calculation of the value of Egypt's Biodiversity. Recent studies have indicated that Biodiversity is vital for the health, well-being and property of the nation. Some of the benefits derived from the requirement of biodiversity are as follows:

* Expand the technologies of biotechnology in afforestation and agriculture.

* Eliminate overdependence on agrochemicals by developing the technologies and production of biological fertilizers.

* Raising public awareness regarding the relative beneficial aspects and safe application of biotechnology to contribute to sustainable development.

* Improve the technologies of biological treatment of water and wastewater.

EEAA has initiated several activities and programs which cover the approach of environmental management of biotechnology in coordination with other line ministers.

* EEAA launched the "First International Conference and Trade Fair on Environmental Management and Technologies", Environment '97 in Cairo from 16-18 February 1997.

Up-to-date environmental management schemes and emerging technologies were presented covering various fields and potential for sustainable development. Biotechnology and its applications in afforestation, water and wastewater treatment and biofertilizers were covered in the event.

* As part of EEAA environmental sector strategy for Egypt prepared by EEAA, the environmental management of biotechnology is covered by several programs concerning the utilization of biotechnology in afforestation, establishment of nurseries in all Governorates, tissue culture techniques and developing the biological treatment technologies in the field of water and wastewater treatment.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was signed and ratified in 1982.

See also the attached tables on the next pages.

Egypt has signed all regional and international agreements regarding the protection of seas and coastal zones. A number of ongoing projects in the Red Sea and on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea reflect the priority that this issue holds with decision-makers.

An Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy has been developed by the EEAA and is being prepared for distribution and implementation.

Currently, under the umbrella of the Gore-Mubarak initiative, the Environmental Sustainable Tourism Project aims at promoting the new concept of eco-tourism through implementation of various pilot activities in the Red Sea Region and the development of a National Environmental Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

The Nile is the major freshwater resource of Egypt. A national programme addressing pollution of the Nile from industrial, domestic and agricultural wastewater sources is being developed. This programme comprises low cost/no-cost and cleaner technology measures for industrial pollution prevention, industrial pollution abatement projects, low-cost wastewater treatment and reuse technologies, and more efficient utilization of agro-chemical fertilizers. An inventory of industrial pollution sources to the Nile has been prepared and prioritized, and provides the basis for implementation measures. The Government of Egypt has also increased fertilizer and pesticide prices to eliminate subsidies, leading to a more efficient use of the chemicals and thus reduced levels of pollution.

* Law No. 4 of 1994, has been issued to confirm all the requirements for the protection of the river Nile, including Law 48 of 1982.

* The municipalities are now sharing in freshwater management programmes.

* Planning for saving irrigation water to keep the aquatic balance is being undertaken.

* 6 stations have been constructed along the river Nile by EEAA to collect the wastes from tour ships and Nile boats; there are plans for the installation of new stations in other locations.

* Planning for waste water re-use on a large scale is underway.

* Industrial waste treatment plants should be available in all factories (especially facing the river Nile); that target could be obtained by reducing the customs duty on imported equipment, decreasing the taxes requested from the companies that follow environmental protection rules, and providing loans to them.

* Planning is underway now for construction of all new factories in desert areas, far away from the river Nile.

* It is preferable to assign separate courts for the environmental cases to guarantee quick action toward any environmental fine.

* The government has decided to increase the price of artificial fertilizers and pesticides to reduce the pollution resulting from agricultural drainage. The use of natural fertilizers should be encouraged.

- Policy (law No.4/1994 and its executive regulations) has been established concerning the subject.

- Ongoing project for Establishment of Lists of Toxic Chemicals.

- Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with Ministry of Health controlling the importation of Agrochemicals.

- Ministry of Industry controlling industrial chemicals.

- Customs authority in cooperation with the above-mentioned ministries controlling the chemicals trade.

- Egypt in cooperation with UNITAR is currently in the initial stages of the PRTR programme development process during which the involvement of key stakeholder groups and interested parties is sought and initial programme objectives are identified. Special emphasis in Egypt is placed on linking the PRTR work to an ongoing effort to establish a national chemicals information system.

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

was ratified in 1993.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter: Egypt is taking measures to implement the Basel Convention. With the assistance of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), an industrial hazardous waste management plan and implementation programme are being prepared. DANIDA will also assist Egypt in the implementation of pilot and demonstration projects for the treatment and safe disposal of hazardous wastes, as well as with a pilot project for hospital waste management in Cairo. Switzerland will support the development of a hazardous substance and material information and handling system.

The Government of Egypt is planning in the coming 5-year plan (1997-2012) to increase the current waste water networks and treatment capacity from 3.6 million m3/day in order to raise the share of each citizen to reach 160 litre/day in Governorate Capitals, 130 litre/day in cities and to 70 litre/day in villages through the establishment of more than 100 new treatment plants and networks in all Governorates.

Urban areas in Egypt account for 44% of the population where waste water coverage (networks and wastage water treatment plants) is about 40%.

Rural areas account for 56% of the population where waste water coverage is only about 5%.

New concepts are encouraged by the Government as private participation in BOT and BOOT.

EEAA is preparing national programs on:

- Management of waste water and sewage sludge marginal water.

- Hygiene education.

- Coverage of rural houses with healthy latrines and management of septic tanks.

- Capacity building for operation and maintenance of existing and planned treatment plants.

In Cairo only 6 large waste water treatment plants will be fully in service in two years. Among them is the Gabal Al-Asfar plant (one million m3/day), the largest in the world.

The issue of hazardous waste in general is tackled through Law No. 4 for 1994, Chapter two,

Articles 25 and 26.

"Handling of hazardous substances and waste shall be prohibited unless a permit has been issued by the competent body according to the type and use of hazardous substances and waste as follows"

"Hazardous substances and waste from which ionized radiation is emitted

Ministry of Electricity; Authority of Nuclear Energy".

The Government of Egypt is allocating local resources for environmental protection in the 5-year plan 1997-2002 with a total of 4,168,042,000 L.E. In addition to this, the Government is receiving support in the field of environment from donors, including, for example, USAID, DANIDA and JICA. The total funds for ongoing donor-supported projects reached 902,153,727 L.E. in December 1996.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

No information.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:

TCOE/EEAA is currently working on a proposal for an Economic Incentives System in the field of environment, introducing mainly the use of soft loans, grants and reduction in customs duty as a means to support institutions undertaking environmental activities.

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:

No information.

- recipient country.

1) Egyptian Environmental Information System (EEIS): The EEIS will be expected to produce timely and accurate environmental status reports which will be used to inform the Cabinet, others in Government and the public. The EEIS will also be used to assist in developing environmental projects and policy options, and in monitoring and enforcing compliance with environmental regulation.

2) Environmental information and monitoring programme:

An environmental programme consisting of five individual projects,

namely: institutional support, coastal water monitoring, air pollution monitoring,

database on pollution sources, and reference lab, for Q4.

3) Upgrading of the Environmental Documentation Center at EEAA is currently taking place. The aim is to create a national focal point for all environmental bibliographic information (published reports and grey literature). A link to the internet has already been established.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

The three projects are being implemented by EEAA through the technical support from donor agencies.

More accurate date could be provided by the National Research

Center and the Academy of Scientific Research.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:

- Awareness and preparedness for emergencies at the local level (APELL).

- Environmental Information and Monitoring Programme (EIMP).

- Institutional Support to the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency,

Environmental Information Center.

- Organizational Support Program (OSP) to EEAA.

The Egyptian Government has put its Educational and Awareness Strategy to complement and enforce all initiatives towards improving the environment.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development

1. Reoriented the curricula towards environmental protection.

2. Implemented the Environment Education and Training Program.

3. Established a new program to improve school environment; this program is identified as School Environmental Auditing.

b) Increasing public awareness

1. Several Media Programs established during the past 5 years.

2. Developed an Environmental journal and Green Message for journalists.

3. Implemented an environmental awareness campaign to enforce Law No. 4 of 1994.

c) Promoting training

1. Developed more than 60 training programs for the line ministers.

2. Organized more than 120 workshops for several environmental bodies (decision-makers - local environmental bodies, etc.).

ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:

1. Encourage NGOs.

2. Three NGO representatives included on the Board of EEAA.

3. Developed several training programs for NGOs.

4. Cooperate with NGOs in Government activities, and assist their activities.

FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:

Support is provided from several countries or international agencies, such as DANIDA, CIDA, ODA and USAID.

1 = 1985

EEAA is supported by several donor cooperation projects (e.g. DANIDA Projects on organization support, environment education and training, environmental information and monitoring, ODA, USAID, etc.). It is also undertaking a national program for capacity building in the following areas:

Environmental management (EIA, Monitoring Environmental Action Plans, market based instruments, Environmental auditing)

Environmental awareness (decision-makers, NGOs, line monitoring, public).

Enforcement and compliance.