Ahram Online: Egypt's environment ministry is moving forward with a series of environmental investment projects in Sharm El-Sheikh and South Sinai, aimed at positioning the region as a leading ecotourism destination on the global stage.

Environment Minister Manal Awad met this week with Hossam El-Shaer, Chairman of Sunrise Group, one of Egypt's largest hospitality companies, to review progress on proposed developments across several of the area's nature reserves and public spaces.

Among the projects on the table is a redesign of Sharm El Sheikh's Peace Park, the green space that served as the COP27 climate conference venue, into a sustainable leisure destination blending nature, creativity, and cultural experiences.

The plan prioritizes native plants, biodiversity, and efficient use of water and natural resources, a ministry statement said.

A second phase of development is also planned for the visitors centre at Ras Mohammed National Park, building on an already completed first phase.

The expansion will reorganize the museum area and upgrade tourism services, turning the centre into a comprehensive environmental and entertainment destination that matches the park's international profile.

Two beach development projects are also in the pipeline. A site within the Nabq Nature Reserve is being eyed as a high-end natural beach destination. At the same time, the Ghazlani Beach area inside Ras Mohammed is set to be developed into a full ecotourism hub, offering services built from natural materials that blend with the surrounding landscape and cater to campers and nature tourism enthusiasts alike.

Minister Awad stressed that all projects must minimize heavy construction, use easily removable natural materials, preserve each site's visual character, and include organized visitor movement pathways to protect the reserves' natural resources.