Aswan Birdwatching proudly participated in the national workshop on illegal bird hunting governance, organized by Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) on 10–11 May 2026. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from religious institutions, government ministries, Parliament, universities, media organizations, hunting associations, and environmental startups to develop a unified national strategy to address one of the most serious threats facing migratory birds in Egypt.
Representing Birdwatching and Ecotourism
Ismael Khalifa, founder of Aswan Birdwatching, was invited to attend the workshop as a representative of Egypt’s growing birdwatching and ecotourism sector. During the discussions, he actively contributed ideas on how nature-based tourism can serve as a sustainable alternative to illegal bird killing.
Khalifa highlighted the significant economic and conservation potential of birdwatching tourism in regions such as Aswan, where thousands of migratory and resident birds attract birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from around the world. He emphasized that protecting birds generates long-term benefits for local communities by creating jobs and supporting sustainable tourism businesses.
Supporting the Ban on Illegal Bird Killing
Aswan Birdwatching expressed strong support for national efforts to end illegal bird hunting and trapping across Egypt. The company advocates for replacing harmful practices with conservation-based economic opportunities that benefit both people and wildlife.
By promoting responsible birdwatching tours along the Nile River and in important bird habitats such as Saluga and Ghazal Protected Area and Lake Nasser, Aswan Birdwatching demonstrates that living birds are far more valuable than dead ones.
Building a National Roadmap
According to Dr. Khaled Noby (the CEO of NCE), the workshop resulted in the development of a national roadmap to combat illegal bird hunting and the establishment of Egypt’s first national task force dedicated to implementing this strategy.
This milestone reflects more than a decade of work by Nature Conservation Egypt, with major support from BirdLife International, to transform the issue of illegal bird killing into an example of meaningful and scalable conservation progress.
Birdwatching Tourism as a Sustainable Solution
Aswan Birdwatching believes that birdwatching tourism offers a powerful solution to many conservation challenges. By attracting international visitors interested in birds, biodiversity, and authentic nature experiences, ecotourism can:
- Create sustainable jobs for local guides, boat operators, and hospitality providers.
- Raise awareness about the importance of protecting migratory birds.
- Provide economic incentives to conserve habitats.
- Strengthen Egypt’s reputation as a premier birdwatching destination.
Looking Ahead
Participation in this important national workshop reinforces Aswan Birdwatching’s commitment to conservation, education, and sustainable development. The company looks forward to collaborating with Nature Conservation Egypt and other partners to help protect Egypt’s birds and promote birdwatching as a responsible and profitable alternative to illegal hunting.
Through collective action, Egypt has an opportunity to become a regional leader in bird conservation and nature-based tourism—ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the remarkable birdlife that passes through and resides in this extraordinary country.
