Cairo, Egypt — From the heart of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate in Cairo, Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) officially launched Egypt’s IKB Task Force, bringing together representatives from civil society, government institutions, Parliament, scientific and academic communities, hunters, and the media to support coordinated action for bird conservation in Egypt

The launch brought together more than 40 journalists and media professionals, highlighting the important role of the media in raising public awareness, communicating scientific knowledge, and supporting informed dialogue on bird conservation and responsible hunting practices.

The official launch represents a key milestone in a process initiated by NCE earlier in 2026. It follows the expert workshop held in Cairo on 10–11 May, which brought together specialists and stakeholders to discuss the challenges surrounding bird hunting in Egypt and explore practical approaches for stronger coordination and action.

The process continued with the Task Force’s inaugural meeting in Alexandria on 17 September 2026, where members established the framework for cooperation and identified priority areas for the coming period.

A National Framework for Action

The Task Force is guided by a National Roadmap for 2026–2030, structured around five complementary areas of work:

• Legislation, policies, implementation mechanisms and compliance

• Scientific research and monitoring

• Economic alternatives and ecotourism

• Funding, institutional empowerment and capacity building

• Awareness, media, and ethical and cultural values

Together, these areas provide a framework for connecting scientific evidence and institutional cooperation with community engagement, awareness, and practical conservation measures.

Bringing the Dialogue to the Field

The launch follows an approach that places dialogue with local communities at the centre of the Task Force’s work.

During a recent field visit to Burullus, Task Force members met with hunters, local communities, and stakeholders connected to hunting and the bird trade. The visit provided an opportunity to better understand local practices and the social and economic context surrounding hunting, while opening direct discussions on more responsible and sustainable approaches.

Building on this field engagement, the Task Force is also advancing an “Invitation to a Code of Honour” initiative in selected areas of Egypt’s northwestern coast, including Matrouh, El Dabaa, and Ras El Hekma.

The initiative aims to engage hunters and local community leaders in dialogue around responsible hunting practices, restraint, and greater appreciation of the ecological importance of birds, complementing existing regulatory frameworks.

The Media as a Conservation Partner

Holding the official launch at the Journalists Syndicate reflects the central role that communication can play in conservation.

With more than 40 journalists and media professionals taking part, the event provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between conservation practitioners, scientists, communities, and the media, and to support more informed public discussion around bird hunting and the importance of protecting Egypt’s birdlife.

From National Dialogue to Collective Action

Egypt lies along one of the world’s major migratory routes, connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, making the country an important destination and passageway for millions of migratory birds each year.

Through Egypt’s IKB Task Force, NCE aims to build on the dialogue established over recent months and translate shared priorities into coordinated action under the 2026–2030 National Roadmap.

The official launch at the Journalists Syndicate marks the beginning of this next phase — bringing together knowledge, institutions, communities, and communication around a shared commitment to the conservation of Egypt’s birds and their habitats.