Elewa began by stating that the project to develop El-Gharqana
village within the Nabq Protectorate is part of the Ministry of Environment's
strategy for developing natural protectorates in Egypt. This strategy focuses
on preserving ecosystems and developing the infrastructure of these
protectorates.
The goal is to enhance the level of eco-tourism in Egypt,
which in turn supports the conservation of natural protectorates and
diversifies activities within them. This leads to sustainable economic
development, providing investment opportunities for the private sector, and
creating job opportunities for local residents.
Engineer Elewa further explained in a press statement that
the development of El-Gharqana village involved several key components.
First, the project focused on community development, which included building 51 eco-friendly Bedouin homes for villagers across approximately 75,000 square meters. These homes, constructed with traditional red bricks and domes, promote natural ventilation, significantly cutting down the need for air conditioning. The project also furnished these units to meet residents' needs.
Furthermore, the project collaborated with the villagers to
establish a local community association. This association is tasked with
providing aid to residents, along with offering training and employment
opportunities. This was largely achieved through a new traditional handicrafts
workshop, designed to generate income for locals, preserve heritage crafts, and
create products appealing to tourists, ultimately boosting the community's
engagement in eco-tourism.
Secondly, the project focused on environmental development
through integrated infrastructure. This included installing water and sewage
tanks, waste management systems, and solar power facilities for each housing
unit. A water desalination plant was also established to secure water resources
for both the community and eco-tourism activities. Additionally, a "Nature
Reserve Visitor Center" was developed to facilitate visitor access while
safeguarding the reserve from pollution.
Thirdly, the project aimed for economic development by
opening investment opportunities for the private sector in eco-tourism within
the protectorates. This strategy is designed to attract tourists, encourage
local visits, and foster understanding of diverse local cultures, thereby
boosting the tourism sector and promoting the eco-tourism industry.
Engineer Elewa underscored the significant role of the El-Gharqana village development in advancing eco-tourism in Egypt. This initiative is expected to improve local living standards by creating jobs and generating additional income, while simultaneously increasing revenue for the tourism sector. He emphasized that eco-tourism offers some of the highest returns and that diversifying tourism products helps attract new segments of tourists interested in environmental and nature-based activities.