Flamingos Return to Fayoum's Qaroun Lake

Ministry of Local Development has confirmed the return of migrating flamingo flocks to Lake Qarun, a development officials describe as a measurable indicator of the lake’s improving ecological health. Dr Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, said the sighting represents “a real turning point” in efforts to restore biological balance across the lake. Flamingos, she noted, only settle in locations that meet strict environmental conditions, including clean water, stable ecosystems and sufficient food availability. Their reappearance suggests that the lake has regained a significant portion of its natural capacity. The government’s multi-year recovery plan combined engineering interventions with environmental measures to reduce pollution and revive the lake’s biodiversity. Works included dredging the Bahr Youssef canal to improve water flow, constructing eight wastewater treatment plants, and raising the area’s sanitation coverage from around 12% to more than 85%. These steps helped reduce direct sources of contamination that had long disrupted the lake’s ecosystem. As part of rebuilding the food chain, authorities also introduced broodstock of sole fish in 2022 and released shrimp fry between 2024 and 2025, contributing to the return of species that support migratory birds.