🔹Eng. Hazem El-Ashmouny, Sharkia Governor, inaugurated the 2025/2026 migratory bird monitoring and duck sampling season. The event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and the Governorate, in cooperation with the Egyptian Hunting Club, will take place from the end of December 2025 until mid-March 2026 at Birkat El-Nasr in the city of El-Husseiniya. The area, covering approximately 1,741 acres, includes 30 nesting sites designed to accommodate large numbers of rare birds migrating from European countries to escape the cold. This area is considered one of the most important bird migration routes globally. The opening ceremony began with the playing of the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a documentary showcasing the migratory bird hunting season, duck sampling, and the history of the hunting ponds in Sharkia Governorate, as well as the evolution of this sport over the years. In his address, the governor expressed his delight at the opening of the new season, emphasizing that migratory birds flock to Egypt in large numbers from Europe during the winter months, seeking warmth and safety. The governor explained that Sharqia Governorate is the second most important migratory route for soaring birds in the world, thanks to its mild winter climate, stunning green landscapes, tranquil environment, and abundant freshwater that floods vast areas of land suitable for various bird species. The governor noted that the governorate boasts several important natural ponds, most notably the Nasr, Anan, and Akyad ponds in the Faqous and Husseiniya districts, which receive migratory birds annually. He added that the governorate regularly hosts specialized scientific missions to observe and monitor different bird species. The governor emphasized that the season is not limited to hunting alone, but also includes observing rare birds and enjoying the biodiversity, which qualifies Sharqia to be one of the most important rural tourism destinations in Egypt. He stated, "We are ready to enhance cooperation with all relevant authorities to establish tourism investments in the region, which will contribute to revitalizing domestic and international tourism, maximizing the utilization of natural and rural resources, and supporting the national economy." For his part, Engineer Ahmed Mujeeb, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Hunting Club, affirmed that the club has ambitious plans to strengthen cooperation with Sharqia Governorate to develop and improve the efficiency of Lake Nasr, in addition to establishing tourism investments that will contribute to attracting tourists from within Egypt and abroad. He pointed out that duck hunting is one of the club's main activities, given its significant tourism and sporting benefits. On the sidelines of the opening, the Ajamiyat Folk Arts Troupe presented artistic performances, including a show titled "Oh Our Beautiful Country" and the song "All the Birds," which were well-received by the audience. The governor also toured a photo exhibition that featured images of the most important migratory birds residing in the governorate's hunting ponds. At the conclusion of the events, Governor of Sharkia honored the representatives of the partner entities and the winners of the top positions in the 2024/2025 season, and took commemorative photos with them, wishing everyone a successful and fruitful season.