ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES IN EGYPT (LEGAL AND REALISTIC DIMENSIONS)

Abstract

This research addresses environmental crimes in Egypt from a legal and realistic perspective. It examines the various forms of these crimes, such as air, water, and soil pollution, overfishing, attacks on nature reserves, rice straw burning, and other harmful practices that negatively impact the environment and human health. The research highlights shortcomings in the implementation of environmental laws, weak coordination between relevant authorities, and a lack of community awareness, which increases the prevalence of environmental crimes. Several case studies from various governorates, such as Arish, Bir al-Abd, and Hasana, are also presented to illustrate the challenges facing the field and the effectiveness of environmental interventions. The research relied on a descriptive analytical approach, a legal approach, and a realistic approach. It reached a set of conclusions, most notably: Although Egyptian environmental legislation is relatively advanced, its implementation faces significant challenges related to oversight, penalties, and poor awareness. In light of these findings, the study recommended several measures, most notably: enforcing laws, establishing a specialized environmental police force, implementing green taxes, raising awareness, supporting environmental research, and empowering civil society, in order to protect the environment and achieve balanced sustainable development.