Conserving Biodiversity in the Egyptian Desert – A Case Study for AMEA Power’s 500MW Amunet Wind Project

The Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, scientifically known as uromastyx aegyptia, is an extraordinary inhabitant of arid landscapes across North Africa and the Middle East. Known for its distinctive spikes and remarkable adaptability, this species has earned its place as an enigmatic desert dweller. Yet, despite its extraordinary resilience, the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard is under threat of extinction, and has been classified as “vulnerable” according to the IUCN / Red List classification.?

A recent study (Tamar et al., 2018) reveals a significant decline in its population, largely due to local demand for its consumption, excessive hunting, and global challenges such as habitat loss and shifts in land use. These factors have created an uneven conservation landscape for this unique species.

In the context of AMEA Power’s Amunet Wind Project, located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez in Egypt, we have identified the presence of this species during the biodiversity studies. Subsequent surveys have highlighted a high density of burrows in the area expected to host the foundations of the project's wind turbines and access roads. The study underscores that anthropogenic disturbances, such as an increase in trail networks during and post-construction, may have significant negative impacts on wildlife populations.?

As immediate mitigation actions to avoid or minimize the impact of the construction on this species and its habitat, the AMEA Power ESG team has implemented several key measures. These include a field protocol to guide on-site actions when lizard activity is detected, strict control of off-road driving, and the removal of any pre-construction waste. Additionally, the team has developed a translocation plan, in collaboration with a team composed of ecological consultants and our project lenders, led by the IFC - International Finance Corporation , in tandem with WSP, the lenders' advisor. Our ecological consultant, the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) , has worked in partnership with a consortium of local experts with specialized knowledge of the species in this region, including Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) , a Birdlife International partner, and Safe Soar , a local environmental consulting company.

The translocation process has been carried out during the hibernation period of the lizards to reduce the disturbance of the species and easier handling, within a specially designed facility that mimics the uromastyx's natural environment. The species will be released into the wild at the end of the hibernation period, and habitat restoration will be carried out. This approach not only contributes to the conservation of the existing fauna but also has the potential to attract other species back to the area, ensuring that our Amunet Wind Project is in harmony with the ecological integrity of the region.