Ecotourism development potential in Egypt

Owing to the challenges and problems facing Egyptian tourism development and a decline in Egypt’s tourism position worldwide, the expansion of tourism products through ecotourism development has been seen as an opportunity, especially as Egypt has unique potential, comprising an incomparable natural, cultural, man- made heritage and historical archaeology. Egypt has a multitude of unique ecosystems and natural attractions not found elsewhere in the world. These can be classified into four potential ecosystem zones.

First the desert ecosystem represents more than 92% of the area of Egypt, and is divided into three main parts: Western Desert, Eastern Desert and Sinai Peninsula. These deserts are characterised by their unique oases, marvellous mountains and unimaginably beautiful valleys (EEAA 2007) (see Figure 4-9). In addition, they offer an incredible mixture of unique biodiversity and cultural diversity.

120

Black desert Sugar Loaf Hill

Examples of Western Desert features

The Red Sea Mountains as an example of Eastern Desert features

St. Catherine Mountain as an example of the Sinai Peninsula features Figure (4-9) Desert ecosystem features

Source: Khalil and Ali (2000)

Secondly marine and coastal ecosystems can be found in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The Red Searepresents the eastern borders of the country and has a coastal length of 1,850 km. The Red Sea includes biodiversity reserves with unique species such as coral reefs and mangroves, which act as natural barriers against storms, wave erosion and other natural threats. It includes 3,800 km2 of the most

121

diverse coral reef ecosystems on earth, containing many different kinds of hard and soft coral (Figure 4-10) and 1,000 species of fish (EEAA & MSEA 2010). The coral reef ecosystems have provided significant income to the Egyptian economy as a result of the country’s close proximity to millions of European tourists who are interested in experiencing the reefs through diving and snorkelling (Cesar 2003). Within the RS there are about 45 islands, 22 of which have been declared protected areas by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) (TDA, USAID & Ressti 2004). The Mediterranean Sea represents the northern border of Egypt and it extends for nearly 1,150 km. The Mediterranean Sea coast has the potential for promoting quality tourism products, due to the mild weather all year round, abundant sunlight and adequate rainfall and moisture. This area is characterised by unique flora and fauna together with beautiful white sand and crystal-blue water. Despite its natural potential, this region has not yet begun to realise its tourism potential (El-Barmelgy 2002).

Figure (4-10) Examples of Red Sea coral reefs Source: EEAA and NCS (2001)

Thirdly wetland ecosystems provide ecological and biological functions to maintain the environmental balance, such as water purification, climate change mitigation and reserves of biodiversity. Many have international significance for

Grogonian

Branched _Soft

122

resident and migratory birds. For migratory birds, the wetlands are resting and feeding places for their annual migration to central Africa (see Figure 4-11). The Egyptian wetlands also produce around 39% of Egyptian fish production (Ramsar, EEAA & MSEA 2009). Although these ecosystems have potential, they are subject to many threats such as pollution, coastal incursion, sedimentation, over-fishing and over- hunting. Therefore, planning for sustainable ecotourism development is essential to protect these wetland habitats (Fishpool & Evans 2001; Ramsar, EEAA & MSEA 2009).

Finally, there is the Nile Valley and Delta: The Nile River extends for about 1,530 km within Egypt (EEAA & MSEA 2008). The Nile Valley is divided into two main parts: the northern part of the valley is Lower Egypt, extending from north Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile splits into two branches which constitute the Delta, with its great V-shape. Upper Egypt extends from south of Cairo to the Sudanese border. The Nile Valley and Delta area has much potential and many attractions for ecotourism, such as vast rural areas, and its variety and the unique culture and way of life of the communities can attract rural tourism. The Nile river cruises are one of the most distinctive tourism products in Egypt, attracting all segments of the tourism market (JICA 2000).

Additionally, within these broad regions outlined above the state has identified and designated the most important as protected areas according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) definition23. To date, Egypt has declared 29 protected areas, representing about 15% of the total area of the country. It has been proposed that the number of protected areas will increase to about 40, covering 20% of Egyptian territory, by 2017 (Figure 4-12). However, only 18 from the existing protected areas are suitable for international designation and the EEAA is preparing the others to meet these criteria. Furthermore, as Table 4-3 illustrates, all 18 protected areas are appropriate for either hard or soft ecotourism (both characteristics discussed in Chapter Two). The state could use them as a first step in boosting ecotourism development in Egypt (MSEA & EEAA 2005).

23 _{A protected area is}

"any area of land or coastal or inland water characterised by special flora, fauna and

123

1. Bardawil Lake 10. Wadi El Rayan 19. Zabargad Island 28. Wadi Gerafi

2. Zaranik 11. Wadi El Naturn 20. Siyal Islands 29. El Qasr Desert

3. El Malaha 12. Upper Nile 21. Rawabel Islands 30. Suez

4. Bitter Lakes 13. Aswan Reservoir 22. Nabaq 31. Gabel El Zeit

5. Manzalla Lake 14. Nasser Lake 23. Gabel Elba 32. El Qa Plain

6. Burullus Lake 15. Hurghada Archipelago 24. The Abraq Area 33. Ras Mohammed

7. Idku Lake 16. Tiran Island 25. St. Katherine 34. Ain Sukhna

8. Maryut Lake 17. Wadi Gimal Island 26. Gabel Maghara

9. Qarun Lake 18. Qulan Island 27. Quseima

Figure (4-11) Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and the migration routes of birds in Egypt Source: The author based on EEAA (2011); Fishpool and Evans (2001)

124

Table (4-3) The protected areas according to the international designation and their appropriateness to ecotourism patterns

The international designation Soft

ecotourism

Hard

ecotourism Protectorate name

strict nature reserve (Ia )

□

■

Ahrash

wilderness area (Ib)

□

■

Wadi Degla

national park (II)

■

■

Ras Mohamed, Elba, St. Catherine’,

Taba

natural monument (III)

■

■

Sannur Cave

habitat/species management

area (IV) -- -- --

protected landscape/seascape

(V)

■

□

Ashtum El Gamil, Burullus Lake, Wadi Alaqi, El Omayed, Zaranik, Qarun Lake,

Petrified Forest, Saluga and Ghazal and Wadi El Assuti

management resource

protected area (VI)

■

□

Nabq, Abu Galum

Source: The author based on EEAA (2005) and Stephen (2002)

■

Appropriate

□

Not Appropriate

Figure (4-12) Existing and future protectorates networks in Egypt Source: The author based on Kenawy (2005), MSEA and EEAA (2005)

125

In document Collaborative approach for developing a more effective regional planning framework in Egypt: ecotourism development as case study (Page 136-142)