Lake Qaroun: A Closed Lake Listed under the Ramsar Convention… An Environmental Treasure in the Heart of the Desert!
Amid the dunes of the Western Desert in Fayoum, Lake Qaroun sparkles as a captivating natural scene. But what many don’t know is that this lake is not just a body of water — it is one of the world’s most important wetlands, officially registered under the Ramsar Convention since 1986.
What makes it special? And why must we protect it?
Let’s explore how Lake Qaroun represents a global model for conserving natural resources, and why it has become a vital focal point in Egypt’s environmental agenda.
What are wetlands and why are they important?
Wetlands like Lake Qaroun:
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Act as natural water purifiers
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Store carbon and help mitigate climate change
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Support exceptional biodiversity of birds, fish, and plants
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Help stabilize local climate and reduce temperatures
Qaroun: Between Environmental Value and Cultural Significance
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The lake covers an area of approximately 235 km² and is one of the oldest natural lakes in the world.
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It hosts unique species of birds and fish adapted to the salinity of its waters.
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It represents a fragile ecosystem that requires careful preservation to prevent degradation.
Why was Lake Qaroun listed under the Ramsar Convention?
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Because of its importance as a habitat for rare migratory birds
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As a model for integration between water bodies and desert ecosystems
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Due to its unique ecosystems found only in this location
Listing under Ramsar means the lake is subject to international oversight and must be conserved through clear, sustainable plans.
What can we do to protect this vital resource?
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Reduce pollution and untreated industrial and agricultural wastewater
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Support ecosystem restoration programs for the lake
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Engage local communities in monitoring and protection efforts
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Promote responsible eco-tourism that does not harm bird nesting and feeding areas
Visiting the lake: An unforgettable educational experience
When you visit Lake Qaroun Protected Area, you don’t just see breathtaking nature — you understand how environment and history intertwine, and how a small community can preserve a natural heritage thousands of years old.
Lake Qaroun calls on all of us to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Wetlands like Lake Qaroun are the “kidneys” that cleanse the earth.
Protecting them is not just an environmental luxury — it’s a national necessity and a global duty.
Join us in safeguarding this unique resource… for the sake of our collective future.
