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Egypt, UNDP and GFCR Launches The Egyptian Red Sea Initiative (ERSI) To Advance Coral Reef Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economy Development
📅 Published on: Jun 07, 2026
The Ministry of Local Development and Environment, UNDP, the Red Sea Governorate, and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) have launched the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative (ERSI) in Hurghada. The initiative aims to strengthen coral reef conservation, protect unique marine ecosystems, and mobilize sustainable finance to support the blue economy and local coastal communities.
The Ministry of Local Development and Environment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Red Sea Governorate, and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) officially launched the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative (ERSI) during an inception workshop held in Hurghada on the sidelines of World Environment Day.
The workshop brought together government representatives, development partners, private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and national and international experts to advance coral reef conservation and sustainable blue economy development in the Red Sea region.
Implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Local Development and Environment, the initiative aims to strengthen protected area management, support coral reef monitoring, advance sustainable financing mechanisms, and promote community-based ecotourism. By combining policy reform and nature-positive investments, ERSI seeks to safeguard marine biodiversity while supporting economic activities and the long-term resilience of coastal communities that depend heavily on a healthy Red Sea ecosystem.
The workshop brought together government representatives, development partners, private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and national and international experts to advance coral reef conservation and sustainable blue economy development in the Red Sea region.
Implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Local Development and Environment, the initiative aims to strengthen protected area management, support coral reef monitoring, advance sustainable financing mechanisms, and promote community-based ecotourism. By combining policy reform and nature-positive investments, ERSI seeks to safeguard marine biodiversity while supporting economic activities and the long-term resilience of coastal communities that depend heavily on a healthy Red Sea ecosystem.