A source from the Ministry of Environment confirmed the start of implementing the state’s digital transformation plan in natural reserves by fully activating the electronic payment system in natural reserves, especially Ras Mohammed Reserve, which includes booking visit tickets and activities, ensuring transparency in resource management, and increasing the efficiency of services provided to visitors.

The source added in exclusive statements that currently, coral reef protection barriers are being installed to prevent deterioration caused by some uncontrolled tourism practices. Additionally, maintenance work on marine monitoring boats has been completed to tighten control and supervision over marine activities and to confront any practices that may harm the marine environment and Egypt’s natural wealth.

The source explained that Ras Mohammed Reserve has a new administrative building that includes a training center with 26 hotel rooms, providing integrated services and an exceptional experience for visitors, researchers, and workers in the field of natural reserves. This represents an important addition to support training programs, build the capacities of reserve staff, and develop the environmental work system, contributing to promoting eco-tourism and improving infrastructure efficiency. The training center is currently operational and used to enhance the skills of reserve staff and transfer expertise.

The source also noted the existence of a marine life monitoring system in Ras Mohammed Reserve, which is an important scientific tool to follow up on the condition of coral reefs, fish, and rare marine creatures in the reserve. The reserve includes more than 220 species of coral reefs and over a thousand fish species, increasing the value of the natural reserve and its content of rare coral reefs and unique marine and terrestrial creatures, which supports eco-tourism and preserves natural resources for future generations.

It is worth mentioning that Ras Mohammed Reserve is the first natural reserve declared in Egypt in 1983. It is located at the meeting point of the Suez and Aqaba Gulfs, about 12 kilometers from Sharm El Sheikh city, covering an area of about 850 km² that includes distinctive terrestrial, marine, and desert environments. The reserve contains more than 220 coral species and over a thousand fish species, in addition to sea turtles and rare creatures, as well as a mangrove area considered a sensitive coastal environment important for protecting shores and maintaining ecological balance. The reserve is also a major station for migratory birds, with many species of raptors and water birds passing through during their migration between Europe, Asia, and Africa, including white storks, eagles, falcons, and pelicans, which increases its global value as a biodiversity site.