Aswan's historic botanical garden undergoes major transformation

CAIRO - 15 August 2026: The historic botanical garden in Aswan is no longer just a tourist destination on an island in the middle of the Nile River.

 

It is now on the cusp of a new era that could completely reshape its character. A development project has been launched through a tripartite partnership protocol between the Aswan Governorate, the Ministry of Agriculture (represented by the Agricultural Research Center), and the Aga Khan Foundation.

 

 

This initiative aims to preserve one of the world's most important botanical gardens and transform it into an integrated model combining heritage, the environment, tourism, and sustainable development.

 

This partnership reflects the state's commitment to preserving historical and environmental assets and maximizing their potential by developing unique tourist destinations. This aligns with the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030 and Aswan's Vision 2040, positioning the botanical garden in its rightful place among the world's leading gardens.

 

 

Partnership Protocol: A New Beginning

 

Aswan Governorate witnessed the signing ceremony of a tripartite partnership protocol between the public and private sectors. The protocol was signed by Osama Rizk, Deputy Governor of Aswan; Sherif Adel, Executive Director of the Aga Khan Foundation; and Dr. Adel Abdel-Azim Abu El-Yazid, Head of the Agricultural Research Center, in the presence of the Governor and specialists from the partner entities.

 

 

The protocol establishes a clear framework for the distribution of roles. The Aga Khan Foundation will finance the project, prepare the designs, and oversee rehabilitation, development, operation, and management of the productive resources.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture will retain responsibility for supervising and preserving the plant collections, while Aswan Governorate will provide overall supervision and the necessary support to ensure the project's implementation according to the highest standards.

 

 

From a historical garden to a global tourist destination

 

The project is not limited to beautification or facility development; rather, it aims to completely reshape the visitor experience, transforming the garden into an integrated tourist and environmental destination that meets international standards, while fully preserving its historical and natural value.

 

This step comes as a continuation of the cooperation that began between Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal, the former Governor of Aswan, and Prince Rahim Al-Husseini Aga Khan V, following the success of several joint projects, most notably the development of the area surrounding the Al-Tabia Mosque.

 

 

 

Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal had previously announced that the development project would include the rehabilitation of buildings, services, and tourist facilities, in addition to developing the vegetation itself by reviving rare species that have disappeared or been damaged over time, and introducing new plant species in cooperation with experts and specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

He indicated that the development work would necessitate the temporary closure of the park until the project is fully completed, similar to the experience of developing Al-Azhar Park in Cairo.