Executive Summary

This strategy was developed based on studies conducted by national experts and consultants under the guidance of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Steering Committee and in coordination with all relevant stakeholders. The process included ten Steering Committee meetings, three workshops, and numerous consultations, bilateral discussions, and specialized meetings on the strategy’s key topics, ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders. The strategy also benefited from national biodiversity strategies and action plans submitted to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity by other countries. This strategy was endorsed by the Steering Committee, which comprised representatives from all relevant ministries and entities, along with national experts.

Egypt possesses a diverse group of ecosystems, wildlife, and aquatic life due to its unique geographical location between Africa and Asia. Many plant and animal species in Egypt represent tropical and Mediterranean environments, some of which date back millions of years. The country is home to more than 22,000 species of plants and animals, 888 of which are endangered, with many found in Egypt’s 30 Protected Areas. Moreover, Egypt’s biodiversity accounts for approximately 1.3% of the world’s biodiversity.

Despite the ongoing efforts and significant achievement, there remains a need for more effective implementation of national policies and plans to address key challenges, including the inability to retain trained personnel, a shortage of multidisciplinary expertise related to nature protection, the lack of funding for monitoring biodiversity and managing protected areas, lost opportunities due to financial constraints, limited cooperation and coordination between sectors and overlapping responsibilities, limited investment in protectorates, unsustainable production and consumption patterns, the degree of activation and application of relevant laws and decisions, limited awareness of the importance and values ​​of biodiversity and ecosystem services, economic crises, regional and global conflicts, crises and natural disasters, difficulties in adapting to rapid international changes, and the risks faced by staff of the protected areas.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to implement effective and innovative solutions including the following: shifting from management culture to performance efficiency, decision-making within the framework of policies to ease the burden on the government through financial sustainability, institutional development for nature protection on economic foundations, adopting a new methodology for preserving biodiversity, introducing innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms, applying decentralization, enforcing existing laws and decisions while enacting of new legislation, reducing encroachments on protected areas, implementing effective plans to manage environmental crises and disasters, and addressing modern trends related to conserving biodiversity.

The preparation and updating of Egypt’s National Biodiversity Strategy came in line with the relevant national strategies and the new government program 2026-2027 “Together we build a sustainable future to ensure a better present and future generations”. The program focuses on an integrated and sustainable environmental system that conserves natural resources and utilizes them optimally in line with sustainable development goals. It also aims to address the effects of climate change, reduce pollution, develop and sustain natural resources, enhance the circular economy, promote a supportive climate for environmental investment, and increase green coverage. Additionally, the strategy aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as follows:

First: Reviewing previous national strategies in relation to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

A comparison between the national goals formulated in the second National Biodiversity Strategy (2015-2030) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework revealed discrepancies between the national and global approaches. The results of the analysis are as follows:

• The global biodiversity framework established the existence of one main entity entrusted with monitoring the implementation of the objectives and drafting reports, with the option of involving additional entities for support.
• The degree of similarity between three national targets and the global targets increased: (1) effective management of nature protectorates, (2) addressing alien and invasive species, and (3) enhancing and integrating biodiversity.
• The degree of similarity was medium between five national targets and the global targets: (1) developing a national methodology for identifying and monitoring biodiversity components, (2) effective conservation management of threatened and endemic species, (3) pollution reduction, (4) reducing the negative impacts of policies of different sectors on biodiversity, managing, and (5) enhancing knowledge, awareness and education.
• The degree of similarity between nine national targets and the global targets decreased: (1) sustainable management of agricultural practices, (2) restoration of wetlands and irrigation efficiency, (3) good practices for fisheries and their habitats, (4) biosafety and benefit-sharing, (5) sustainable fishing, harvesting and protection of biological resources, (6) climate change impact, (7) improving technical and scientific knowledge, (8) developing national action plans, and (9) mobilizing financial resources.
• There are seven targets within the global biodiversity framework that have not been addressed at the national level: (1) nature’s contributions to people, (2) access to green and blue spaces, (3) sustainable production and supply chain, (4) sustainable consumption, (5) elimination of harmful incentives, (6) fair, inclusive and effective participation in decision-making, and (7) gender equality.

Second: Review and update the national targets for Egyptian biodiversity (2024-2030).

The national biodiversity strategy (2024-2030) included 21 targets across four goals, as follows:

• Goal 1: Conserve biodiversity at the species and ecosystem level (6 targets: 1-6);
• Goal 2: Sustainable use of biodiversity and nature's contributions to people (4 targets: 7-10);
• Goal 3: Access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing (2 targets: 11-12);
• Goal 4: Strengthen mainstreaming, implementation and institutional framework (9 targets: 13-21).

Third: Synergizing national policies and institutions in the global biodiversity framework.

The extent of compatibility of government agencies, processes, legal framework, and national policies with the new Global Biodiversity Framework was reviewed, identifying opportunities and steps to align policies coherently across commitments related to nature, climate, and sustainable development. A set of priority actions were also prepared to address institutional gaps and promote policy coherence through a whole-of-government approach. 

The study concluded that despite Egypt’s efforts to address biodiversity loss and environmental challenges, further integration of biodiversity into national development plans, improved policies, and enhanced coordination among stakeholders are needed. Addressing these challenges through a whole-of-government approach and leveraging international support will be critical to achieving sustainable development and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Fourth: Assessing Egypt’s biodiversity monitoring systems to identify gaps, align with the global biodiversity framework, and develop a monitoring action plan.

A gap analysis was prepared on the indicators included in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the extent of alignment with the decision of the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties on developing an action plan for monitoring indicators of the global biodiversity framework. 

More than 1,200 indicators were considered at all levels and were combined into a set of indicators related to cross-cutting indicators in most targets such as spatial planning, nature reserves, invasive species, threatened species, biodiversity, incentives, local communities, gender equality and awareness. Additionally, specific indicators were identified for the implementation of particular targets, such as biosafety, and access to and sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. 

Fifth: Biodiversity Financing Plan.

A Biodiversity Finance Plan was prepared by the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Egypt to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the critical need for sustainable financing of biodiversity conservation efforts. The proposed solutions include adjusting entrance fees for protected areas and digitizing the collection process, which not only improves revenue collection but also ensures that these funds are reinvested into conservation efforts, enhancing the sustainability of protected areas and visitor experiences. Similarly, revising concession and permit fees for protected areas and systematizing the investor selection process aligns private sector activities with biodiversity conservation while generating additional revenue. Encouraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding for biodiversity initiatives mobilizes private sector resources for projects such as ecosystem restoration and public awareness campaigns. Exploring and integrating biodiversity-positive carbon credits into the carbon market creates financial incentives that reward emissions reductions while conserving biodiversity, attracting investment, and benefiting ecosystems.

Enhancing the Performance-Based Budget (PBB) system integrates biodiversity into government planning, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fostering accountability. Moreover, developing insurance schemes to address risks to biodiversity creates financial safeguards for ecosystems, incentivizing damage mitigation and restoration. Establishing a roadmap for biodiversity offsets within Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policies ensures that any residual impacts on biodiversity from development are adequately compensated, aiming for no net loss—and ideally, a net gain—thereby balancing economic growth with biodiversity preservation. Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) mobilizes private expertise and funding for large-scale biodiversity initiatives, delivering shared benefits. Lastly, mobilizing international funding flows helps bridge financing gaps, enabling the implementation of major conservation projects and fostering global collaboration.

Sixth: Other topics.

During the preparation of the NBSAP, it became clear that in addition to the Global Biodiversity Framework beyond 2020, which includes 23 global goals, there are many topics that are considered cross-cutting issues that were not mentioned in these global goals and that must be taken into account when preparing the NBSAP. For example, but not limited to, the Convention’s work programs on biological diversity. This framework also did not clearly reflect other topics on which decisions were issued at the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth conferences of the parties, including: biodiversity and health, communication strategy, nature and culture, synthetic and generative biology, planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms, and other topics such as synergies with biodiversity-related conventions and organizations, biodiversity and agriculture, and nature-based solutions. 

Seventh: A swot analysis of the elements of achieving the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

A swot analysis of the elements of achieving the NBSAP 2015-2023 was conducted with the aim of understanding the strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats that affect the compatibility of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan with the new global framework, which can be exploited or avoided to ensure the sustainability of this system.

According to the above, the NBSAP 2024-2030 was prepared, as follows:

• National Vision: By 2050, biodiversity and ecosystems in Egypt are valued, preserved, and used sustainably to live with them in harmony, and their benefits are efficiently provided for the well-being of present and future generations.
• National mission: By 2030, take urgent and effective measures to halt the deterioration of biodiversity in Egypt, reduce pressures on it, and adjust its course towards recovery to ensure that ecosystems continue to provide their services, and that the benefits arising from the use of its genetic resources are shared in a fair manner, and that biodiversity issues are mainstreamed and appropriate policies are implemented effectively and in a participatory approach.
• Main objectives and guiding principles: The primary objective of developing a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity in Egypt is to establish sound foundations for the continuous development of the country’s natural resources, and to conserve them so that they remain fit for use and capable of giving, in a way that ensures the fulfillment of legitimate needs and the well-being of current and future generations, in the short and long term. Additionally, achieves the highest degree of harmony between the country’s development plans with their various elements of agriculture, industry, mining, tourism and housing, and conservation plans. 

The guiding principles included nearly 30 principles, such as: 

• Biodiversity and environmental protection as pillar of Egyptian national security.
• Biodiversity as an environmental and economic values, and a foundation of sustainable development; 
• Biodiversity as part of the natural heritage related to the right of all organisms to survive; 
• Integration of conservation work with scientific research, environmental monitoring, and capacity building. 
• The success in biodiversity conservation work relying on the existence of appropriate legislation.
• Mainstreaming biodiversity into all planning and comprehensive development processes across all sectors.
• Supportive policies, laws, and institutions are effective at all levels of government.
• Temporal and spatial management aligning with the social and economic aspects of biodiversity.
• Reducing environmental degradation while promoting positive incentives for biodiversity conservation.
• Applying sustainable production and consumption patterns for biodiversity resources. 

To translate this strategic framework into concrete actions, a set of national biodiversity targets has been formulated. The successful implementation of these targets requires a comprehensive and structured approach, supported by well-defined implementation pillars, a robust action plan, and effective monitoring mechanisms.

First: The National Biodiversity Targets 2024 - 2030

1. By 2030, areas of importance for biodiversity, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and major projects adhere to the principles of participatory spatial planning.
2. By 2030, rehabilitate and restore 20% of degraded ecological areas and their natural values, ensuring their connectivity and ability to provide environmental services, with a priority focus on wetlands.
3. By 2030, increase the percentage of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures to 20%, establish an interconnected, integrated and representative network of ecosystems, and implement appropriate and effective management plans
4. By 2030, take urgent action to halt the extinction of threatened species and restore them, restore their habitats, implement national action plans for species, protect genetic diversity, and sustainable conservation and management practices
5. By 2030, identify invasive alien species, their pathways, and their negative impacts and combat 25% of the most dangerous species.
6. By 2030, reduce all forms of pollution, including plastic pollution, that endanger ecosystems and biodiversity
7. By 2030, minimize the negative impacts of climate change on biodiversity and sensitive ecological areas and enhance their resilience and implement adaptation and mitigation measures using nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches.
8. By 2030, reduce the overuse of wild species and ensure the safety and legality of their sustainable use and regulate their trade, and eradication of illegal killing of migratory birds.
9. By 2030, agricultural production, fisheries, aquaculture and fish farming are managed sustainably in a manner that ensure the continuity and/or renewal of these natural resources, while expanding the application of best practices for achieving food security
10. By 2030, enhance nature’s contributions to people, including valuing and conserving ecosystem functions, goods and services to reduce natural hazards, disasters and diseases.
11. By 2030, increase the area and quality of green and blue areas in urban areas, and ensure that comprehensive urban planning takes into account the conservation of biodiversity and ecological connectivity
12. By 2027, take relevant actions and measures, including the issuance of national legislation on access to genetic resources, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization of genetic resources, digital sequence information and associated traditional knowledge
13. By 2029, ensure the full integration of biodiversity into all development sectors and its social and economic values ​​in national policies, legislation, planning and accounting, and adopt the strategic environmental assessment approach
14. By 2030, strengthen the necessary measures and encourage companies, financial institutions and the business community to regularly monitor, evaluate and transparently disclose their risks and impacts on biodiversity, and introduce sustainable production and consumption patterns
15. By 2030, promote sustainable consumption choices, halve food waste, and reduce waste in all its forms
16. By 2030 2030, take actions and measures, including issuing national legislation, to implement appropriate biosafety measures to avoid the negative impacts and risks of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity
17. By 2027, identify, phase out, reform and/or eliminate incentives, including harmful subsidies, on biodiversity in a fair and effective manner and expand the scope of positive incentives and develop mechanisms to implement incentives for companies to adopt biodiversity-friendly technologies and practices
18. By 2028, take the necessary measures to implement the Biodiversity Finance Plan and innovative solutions to bridge the financing gap from governmental and non-governmental sources
19. By 2030, build capacity, strengthen joint scientific research programmes locally and globally, ensure access to and transfer of technology, promote the development of and access to innovations, and strengthen partnerships with relevant international conventions
20. By 2028, take the necessary measures to facilitate the availability of data, information and knowledge related to biodiversity to decision-makers, practitioners and the public in a common language to achieve.
21. By 2027, enhancing the participation of local communities in decision-making and policies related to biodiversity, and the effective management of natural resources, including women, youth, children, and people with disabilities, while preserving the cultural heritage of these communities and their traditional knowledge

Second: Pillars for Implementing the NBSAP 2024-2030

• Aligning national goals with the goals of the GBF.
• Developing national implementation strategies.
• Strengthening environmental governance.
• Integrating biodiversity into the plans and policies of relevant development sectors.
• Mobilizing financial resources
• Strengthening monitoring, evaluation and review mechanisms.
• Strengthening community participation in biodiversity monitoring and management.
• Conducting regular environmental assessment.
• Promoting awareness and capacity building.
• Enhancing international and regional cooperation.

Third: Action Plan

The main objective of the strategy is to ensure that urgent and effective measures are taken to reduce the deterioration of biodiversity in Egypt, reduce pressures on it, and adjust its course toward recovery, ensuring that ecosystems continue to provide their services. Additionally, it aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of its genetic resources, mainstreaming biodiversity consideration into national policies and strategies, and implementing appropriate policies effectively through a participatory approach.

It also requires a clear monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that progress is monitored, and the desired results are achieved. It includes 21 main targets and sub-targets ranging from 2 to 8 per target, with more than 350 measures and 300 indicators. Furthermore, it identifies the relevant entities responsible for implementation and includes over 60 project proposals to support the effective execution of the strategy.

Fourth: Mechanisms for implementing the strategy and the national action plan for biodiversity

1. Enabling conditions: The national organization for biodiversity in Egypt, which consists of three elements, as follows:

• A leadership tool that combines political and spiritual leadership that stimulates successful performance. It is proposed that this institutional organization for nature protection and sustainable development be a supreme body under the auspices of the Prime Minister and the supervision of the Minister of Environment, with membership including ministers and heads of the relevant agencies and bodies on the Board of Directors.
• A technical and executive secretariat for this supreme body cooperates with the Secretary-General of the Authority, to provide technical support and related initiatives to the supreme body. This secretariat would include national experts with global experience in biodiversity conservation and financing, as well as representatives of civil society organizations, the business community and the private sector.
• Enabling a financial fund to financing the national program for biodiversity conservation and support in accordance with the Natural Protected Areas Law.

2. Mobilizing resources to implement the strategy.

3. Evaluation and follow-up to ensure the effectiveness of implementation.

Finally, the strategy includes four annexes, covering:

• Alignment of national goals with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
• A list of proposed projects to support implementation.
• Development of indicators.
• The goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework.