Egypt Environment Profile 2012

Environmental concerns are relatively new on the public schedule in Egypt. A Ministry of Ecology was created in the 1990s; however, it is considered of the majority marginal positions in the cabinet. Environmental awareness part the people is low. Nevertheless, perceptions have slowly started to change. The 2005 National Human Development Statement, a joint statement by UNDP and the Institute of National Planning, addresses environmental protection as a key issue for next development. The discussion process on the constitutional amendments initiated by the president in late 2006 as well covered the topic, and environmental protection was included in the amended Egyptian constitution in March 2007. Whether this will actually have an impact on policy-making remains unclear. Egypt may follow the examples of other transformation nations with their general development first approach.