While responsible ecotourism and other sustainable
tourism strategies may bring significant socio-economic
benefits to host communities, they are not necessarily
aimed at poverty alleviation. Given that the United
Nations Millennium Declaration19 has placed poverty at
the centre of the international development agenda, it can
be argued that sustainable tourism development should
go beyond the promotion of broad socio-economic development
and give greater priority to poverty reduction.
This priority shift would also address a somewhat
ignored recommendation of the seventh session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development which, inter
alia, urged Governments “to maximize the potential of
tourism for eradicating poverty by developing appropriate
strategies in cooperation with all major groups, and
indigenous and local communities” (see UN, 1999c).
A pro-poor tourism (PPT) approach differs from
ecotourism and other sustainable tourism strategies in
that its overriding goal is to deliver net benefits to the
poor.
While PPT and ecotourism may have some similar
objectives, the key difference is that poverty reduction
is the core focus of the PPT approach, rather than a
secondary component of a mainly environmental sustainability
strategy. In other words, although environmental
protection remains an important PPT goal, the quality of
the environment in which targeted poor groups live is
only one part of a broader poverty reduction strategy.
There are several reasons why tourism development
could be a particularly effective tool of poverty
reduction. First, as discussed earlier, tourism offers considerable
employment opportunities for unskilled labour,
rural to urban migrants and lower-income women.
Second, there are considerable linkages with the informal
sector, which could generate positive multiplier effects to
poorer groups that rely on that sector for their liveli-
8 DESA Discussion Paper No. 29
hoods. Third, tourism tends to be heavily based upon the
preservation of natural capital—such as, wildlife and
scenery—and cultural heritage, which are often “assets
that some of the poor have, even if they have no financial
resources” (Ashley et al., 2001:2).
It is increasingly realized that promoting greater
community participation in tourism development not
only provides stronger incentives to conserve natural
capital,21 but can also lead to a more equitable sharing of
benefits and thus greater opportunities for poverty alleviation.
But while ecotourism and PPT both aim to increase
community participation in general, PPT also goes
beyond this goal in that it includes specific mechanisms
to enhance the participation of and opportunities for the
poorer segments of society. Three key components of the
PPT approach are:
(a) improved access to the economic benefits of
tourism by expanding employment and business
opportunities for the poor and providing adequate
training to enable them to maximize these opportunities;
(b) measures to deal with the social and environmental
impact of tourism development, particularly
the above-mentioned forms of social exploitation,
as well as excessive pressure on natural
resources, pollution generation and damage to
ecosystems; and
(c) policy reform, by enhancing participation of the
poor in planning, development and management of
tourism activities pertinent to them, removing some
of the barriers for greater participation by the poor,
and encouraging partnerships between government
agencies or the private sector and poor people in
developing new tourism goods and services.
Some of these PPT concepts are beginning to be
implemented in several developing countries, such as
Ecuador, Namibia, Nepal and Uganda. In Namibia, for
example, the implementation of a PPT approach to the
development and management of the country’s community-
based tourism segment appears to have made a significant
contribution towards poverty reduction.
Several studies have shown that financial returns
from community-based natural resource management and
tourism ventures in Namibia usually exceed their investments
and are thus a viable option for generating sustainable
economic returns, while promoting environmental
conservation and cultural traditions in rural areas (see,
for example, Barnes et al., 2002). There is now evidence
of a successful introduction of the PPT approach by the
Namibia Community-based Tourism Association
(Nacobta), a non-profit organization that supports poor
local communities—including small entrepreneurs with
inadequate skills or access to financial resources—in
their efforts to develop tourism enterprises in the country
(see Nicanor, 2001).
Nacobta supports its members at both micro and
macro levels, mainly through the provision of grants,
loans, training, capacity building in the areas of institutional
development and marketing training, as well as in
negotiations with relevant government agencies and the
mainstream tourist industry. Nacobta is explicitly propoor
not only because it represents the poorest segment
of the country’s tourism industry, but also because most
of its members live on communal land areas, where the
majority of the inhabitants have an average per capita
income of less than US$1 a dayand depend on subsistence
agriculture. One of the main objectives of Nacobta
is “to raise the income and employment levels of these
areas through tourism, in order to improve the living
standards of people in communal areas” (Nicanor,
2001:5).
The pro-poor tourism approach of Nacobta is thus
different from conventional tourism because members of
local communities both own and manage the tourism
enterprises, whose economic benefits flow directly into
community funds or as formal sector wages, temporary
remuneration to casual labourers and income to informal
sector traders. There is also evidence that the financial
returns from most community-based tourism enterprises
supported by Nacobta “has changed their communities
from being poor or very poor to being better off”
(Nicanor, 2001:5).
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The growing importance of ecotourism
The WSSD Plan of Implementation makes particular
reference to activities carried out in conjunction with
the 2002 United Nations International Year of
Ecotourism,amongst other international activities, in
the implementation of its sustainable tourism goals. The
International Year of Ecotourism offered an ideal opportunity
not only to review ecotourism experiences around
the world, but also to promote worldwide recognition of
the important role of sustainable tourism in the broader
international sustainable development agenda. There is,
however, a crucial distinction between ecotourism and
sustainable tourism: while the former can be broadly
defined as an alternative, nature-based type of tourism,
sustainable tourism calls for adherence to the abovementioned
sustainability principles in all types of
tourism activities and by all segments of the tourism
industry.
Ecotourism is still a relatively small segment of the
overall tourism sector. At the same time, it is one of the
fastest growing tourism segments and further rapid
7 A New Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development
growth is expected in the future. There is, however, little
agreement about its exact meaning because of the wide
variety of so-called ecotourism activities provided by
many different suppliers (both international and domestic)
and enjoyed by an equally broad range of diverse
tourists. Its main features include (a) all forms of nature
tourism aimed at the appreciation of both the natural
world and the traditional cultures existent in natural
areas, (b) deliberate efforts to minimize the harmful
human impact on the natural and socio-cultural environment
and (c) support for the protection of natural and cultural
assets and the well-being of host communities.
Consensus on some of these issues was reached
during the World Ecotourism Summit—held in Québec
City (Canada) in May 2002—although many questions
need to be explored further (see UNEP, 2002b). The
Québec declaration stresses that, if carried out responsibly,
ecotourism can be a valuable means for promoting
the socio-economic development of host communities
while generating resources for the preservation of natural
and cultural assets. In this way, ecologically fragile areas
can be protected with the financial returns of ecotourism
activities.
Ecotourism has been particularly successful in
attracting private investments for the establishment of
privately owned natural parks and nature reserves in an
increasing number of developing countries, such as Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Malaysia and South Africa. Many such
reserves are well managed, self-financed and environmentally
responsible, even when profit remains the main
motivation behind the operation of a private reserve (see,
for example, Langholz et al., 2000). In this way, the
tourism industry can help to protect and even rehabilitate
natural assets, and thus contribute to the preservation of
biological diversity and ecological balance.
However, if not properly planned, managed and
monitored, ecotourism can be distorted for purely commercial
purposes and even for promoting ecologicallydamaging
activities by large numbers of tourists in natural
areas. Given their inadequate physical infrastructure
and limited capacity to absorb mass tourism, the fragile
land and ocean ecosystems of many developing countries
can be literally overwhelmed by large numbers of
tourists. It is increasingly recognized, therefore, that ecotourism
activities can also cause adverse ecological
impact, particularly if they are not properly managed or
if they involve tourist numbers beyond the local carrying
capacity (Gössling, 1999).
Furthermore, even when ecotourism activities are
carried out in a responsible manner, they tend to give
priority to environmental protection, mainly by focusing
on providing financial incentives for environmental
conservation by local communities. Similarly, while
broader sustainable tourism strategies contain economic
and social objectives, these objectives tend to be
complementary to a central focus on environmental sustainability.
Greater priority should thus be given to
socio-economic objectives in general, and to poverty
reduction in particular.
reference to activities carried out in conjunction with
the 2002 United Nations International Year of
Ecotourism,amongst other international activities, in
the implementation of its sustainable tourism goals. The
International Year of Ecotourism offered an ideal opportunity
not only to review ecotourism experiences around
the world, but also to promote worldwide recognition of
the important role of sustainable tourism in the broader
international sustainable development agenda. There is,
however, a crucial distinction between ecotourism and
sustainable tourism: while the former can be broadly
defined as an alternative, nature-based type of tourism,
sustainable tourism calls for adherence to the abovementioned
sustainability principles in all types of
tourism activities and by all segments of the tourism
industry.
Ecotourism is still a relatively small segment of the
overall tourism sector. At the same time, it is one of the
fastest growing tourism segments and further rapid
7 A New Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development
growth is expected in the future. There is, however, little
agreement about its exact meaning because of the wide
variety of so-called ecotourism activities provided by
many different suppliers (both international and domestic)
and enjoyed by an equally broad range of diverse
tourists. Its main features include (a) all forms of nature
tourism aimed at the appreciation of both the natural
world and the traditional cultures existent in natural
areas, (b) deliberate efforts to minimize the harmful
human impact on the natural and socio-cultural environment
and (c) support for the protection of natural and cultural
assets and the well-being of host communities.
Consensus on some of these issues was reached
during the World Ecotourism Summit—held in Québec
City (Canada) in May 2002—although many questions
need to be explored further (see UNEP, 2002b). The
Québec declaration stresses that, if carried out responsibly,
ecotourism can be a valuable means for promoting
the socio-economic development of host communities
while generating resources for the preservation of natural
and cultural assets. In this way, ecologically fragile areas
can be protected with the financial returns of ecotourism
activities.
Ecotourism has been particularly successful in
attracting private investments for the establishment of
privately owned natural parks and nature reserves in an
increasing number of developing countries, such as Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Malaysia and South Africa. Many such
reserves are well managed, self-financed and environmentally
responsible, even when profit remains the main
motivation behind the operation of a private reserve (see,
for example, Langholz et al., 2000). In this way, the
tourism industry can help to protect and even rehabilitate
natural assets, and thus contribute to the preservation of
biological diversity and ecological balance.
However, if not properly planned, managed and
monitored, ecotourism can be distorted for purely commercial
purposes and even for promoting ecologicallydamaging
activities by large numbers of tourists in natural
areas. Given their inadequate physical infrastructure
and limited capacity to absorb mass tourism, the fragile
land and ocean ecosystems of many developing countries
can be literally overwhelmed by large numbers of
tourists. It is increasingly recognized, therefore, that ecotourism
activities can also cause adverse ecological
impact, particularly if they are not properly managed or
if they involve tourist numbers beyond the local carrying
capacity (Gössling, 1999).
Furthermore, even when ecotourism activities are
carried out in a responsible manner, they tend to give
priority to environmental protection, mainly by focusing
on providing financial incentives for environmental
conservation by local communities. Similarly, while
broader sustainable tourism strategies contain economic
and social objectives, these objectives tend to be
complementary to a central focus on environmental sustainability.
Greater priority should thus be given to
socio-economic objectives in general, and to poverty
reduction in particular.
Sustainable tourism development
Countries and regions where the economy is driven
by the tourism industry have become increasingly concerned
with the environmental, as well as the socio-cultural
problems associated with unsustainable tourism. As
a result, there is now increasing agreement on the need to
promote sustainable tourism development to minimize its
environmental impact and to maximize socio-economic
overall benefits at tourist destinations. The concept of
sustainable tourism, as developed by the World Tourism
Organization (WTO) in the context of the United Nations
sustainable development process, refers to tourist activities
“leading to management of all resources in such a
way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled
while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological
processes, biological diversity and life support
systems”.
by the tourism industry have become increasingly concerned
with the environmental, as well as the socio-cultural
problems associated with unsustainable tourism. As
a result, there is now increasing agreement on the need to
promote sustainable tourism development to minimize its
environmental impact and to maximize socio-economic
overall benefits at tourist destinations. The concept of
sustainable tourism, as developed by the World Tourism
Organization (WTO) in the context of the United Nations
sustainable development process, refers to tourist activities
“leading to management of all resources in such a
way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled
while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological
processes, biological diversity and life support
systems”.
Environmental threats to tourism
In many mountain regions, small islands, coastal
areas and other ecologically fragile places visited by
tourists, there is an increasing concern that the negative
impact of tourism on the natural environment can ultimately
hurt the tourism industry itself. In other words,
the negative impact of intensive tourism activities on the
environmental quality of beaches, mountains, rivers,
forests and other ecosystems also compromise the viability
of the tourism industry in these places.
There is now plenty of evidence of the ‘life-cycle’
of a tourist destination, that is, the evolution from its
discovery, to development and eventual decline because
of over-exploitation and subsequent deterioration its
key attractions. In many developing and developed
countries alike, tourism destinations are becoming
overdeveloped up to the point where the damage caused
by environmental degradation—and the eventual loss of
revenues arising from a collapse in tourism arrivals—
becomes irreversible.
Examples of such exploitation of ‘non-renewable
tourism resources’ range from a small fishing village in
India’s Kerala state—which saw its tourist sector collapse
after two decades of fast growth, because inadequate
disposal of solid waste—to several places in the
industrialized world, such as Italy’s Adriatic coast and
Germany’s Black Forest.14 It can also be argued that environmental
pollution and urban sprawl tend to undermine
further tourist development in major urban destinations
in developing countries, such as Bangkok, Cairo and
Mexico City.
In addition, tourism in many destinations could be
particularly threatened by external environmental
shocks, notably the potential threat of global warming
and sea-level rise. Significant rises in sea level could
cause serious problems to tourism activities, particularly
in low-lying coastal areas and small islands. Global
warming is also expected to increase climate variability
and to provoke changes in the frequency and intensity of
extreme climate events—such as tropical windstorms and
associated storm surges and coastal flooding—that may
threaten tourism activities at certain destinations (see
UN, 2001b, ch. VII).
areas and other ecologically fragile places visited by
tourists, there is an increasing concern that the negative
impact of tourism on the natural environment can ultimately
hurt the tourism industry itself. In other words,
the negative impact of intensive tourism activities on the
environmental quality of beaches, mountains, rivers,
forests and other ecosystems also compromise the viability
of the tourism industry in these places.
There is now plenty of evidence of the ‘life-cycle’
of a tourist destination, that is, the evolution from its
discovery, to development and eventual decline because
of over-exploitation and subsequent deterioration its
key attractions. In many developing and developed
countries alike, tourism destinations are becoming
overdeveloped up to the point where the damage caused
by environmental degradation—and the eventual loss of
revenues arising from a collapse in tourism arrivals—
becomes irreversible.
Examples of such exploitation of ‘non-renewable
tourism resources’ range from a small fishing village in
India’s Kerala state—which saw its tourist sector collapse
after two decades of fast growth, because inadequate
disposal of solid waste—to several places in the
industrialized world, such as Italy’s Adriatic coast and
Germany’s Black Forest.14 It can also be argued that environmental
pollution and urban sprawl tend to undermine
further tourist development in major urban destinations
in developing countries, such as Bangkok, Cairo and
Mexico City.
In addition, tourism in many destinations could be
particularly threatened by external environmental
shocks, notably the potential threat of global warming
and sea-level rise. Significant rises in sea level could
cause serious problems to tourism activities, particularly
in low-lying coastal areas and small islands. Global
warming is also expected to increase climate variability
and to provoke changes in the frequency and intensity of
extreme climate events—such as tropical windstorms and
associated storm surges and coastal flooding—that may
threaten tourism activities at certain destinations (see
UN, 2001b, ch. VII).
Damage to ecosystems
Besides the consumption of large amounts of natural
resources, the tourism industry also generates considerable
waste and pollution. Disposal of liquid and solid
waste generated by the tourism industry has become a
particular problem for many developing countries and
regions that lack the capacity to treat these waste materials.
Disposal of such untreated waste has, in turn, contributed
to reducing the availability of natural resources,
such as freshwater.
Apart from the contamination of freshwater from
pollution by untreated sewage, tourist activities can also
lead to land contamination from solid waste and the contamination
of marine waters and coastal areas from pollution
generated by hotels and marinas, as well as cruise
ships. It is estimated that cruise ships in the Caribbean
Sea alone produced more than 70,000 tonnes of liquid
and solid waste a year during the mid-1990s (UN,
1999a). The fast growth of the cruise sector in this and
other regions around the world has exacerbated this problem
in recent years. In fact, it is sometimes argued that
the rapid expansion of cruise tourism calls for “the
enforcement of an environmental protection ‘level playing
field’ across the world’s oceans and between the
world’s maritime tourism destinations” (Johnson, 2002).
In addition, relatively high levels of energy consumption
in hotels—including energy for air-conditioning,
heating and cooking—as well as fuel used by
tourism-related transportation can also contribute significantly
to local air pollution in many host countries and
regions. Local air and noise pollution, as well as urban
congestion linked to intensive tourism development, can
sometimes even discourage tourists from visiting some
destinations.
Uncontrolled tourism activities can also cause
severe disruption of wildlife habitats and increased pressure
on endangered species. Disruption of wildlife
behaviour is often caused, for example, by tourist vehicles
in Africa’s national parks that approach wild cats
and thus distract them from hunting and breeding; tour
boat operators in the Caribbean Sea that feed sharks to
ensure that they remain in tourist areas; and whalewatching
boat crews around the world that pursue whales
and dolphins and even encourage petting, which tends to
alter the animals’ feeding and behaviour.
Similarly, tourism can lead to the indiscriminate
clearance of native vegetation for the development of
new facilities, increased demand for fuelwood and even
forest fires. Ecologically fragile areas, such as rain
forests, wetlands and mangroves, are also threatened by
5 A New Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development
intensive or irresponsible tourist activity. Moreover, as
will be discussed below, it is increasingly recognized
that, the rapid expansion of nature tourism (or ‘ecotourism’)
may also pose a threat to ecologically fragile
areas, including many natural world heritage sites, if not
properly managed and monitored.
The delicate ecosystems of most small islands,
together with their increasing reliance on tourism as a
main tool of socio-economic development, means that
this environmental impact can be particularly damaging
since the success of the tourism sector in these islands
often depends on the quality of their natural environment
(UN, 1999b). In addition, pollution of coastal waters—in
particular by sewage, solid waste, sediments and untreated
chemicals—often leads to the deterioration of coastal
ecosystems, notably coral reefs, and thus harms their
value for tourism.
The equally fragile ecosystems of mountain
regions are also threatened by increasing popular tourist
activities such as skiing, snowboarding and trekking.
One of the most serious environmental problems in
mountainous developing countries without appropriate
energy supply is deforestation arising from increasing
consumption of fuelwood by the tourism industry (see,
for example, CDE/SDC, 1999). This often results not
only in the destruction of local habitats and ecosystems,
but also in accelerating processes of erosion and landslides.
Other major problems arising from tourist activities
in mountain regions include disruption of animal
migration by road and tourist facilities, sewage pollution
of rivers, excessive water withdrawals from
streams to supply resorts and the accumulation of solid
waste on trails.
resources, the tourism industry also generates considerable
waste and pollution. Disposal of liquid and solid
waste generated by the tourism industry has become a
particular problem for many developing countries and
regions that lack the capacity to treat these waste materials.
Disposal of such untreated waste has, in turn, contributed
to reducing the availability of natural resources,
such as freshwater.
Apart from the contamination of freshwater from
pollution by untreated sewage, tourist activities can also
lead to land contamination from solid waste and the contamination
of marine waters and coastal areas from pollution
generated by hotels and marinas, as well as cruise
ships. It is estimated that cruise ships in the Caribbean
Sea alone produced more than 70,000 tonnes of liquid
and solid waste a year during the mid-1990s (UN,
1999a). The fast growth of the cruise sector in this and
other regions around the world has exacerbated this problem
in recent years. In fact, it is sometimes argued that
the rapid expansion of cruise tourism calls for “the
enforcement of an environmental protection ‘level playing
field’ across the world’s oceans and between the
world’s maritime tourism destinations” (Johnson, 2002).
In addition, relatively high levels of energy consumption
in hotels—including energy for air-conditioning,
heating and cooking—as well as fuel used by
tourism-related transportation can also contribute significantly
to local air pollution in many host countries and
regions. Local air and noise pollution, as well as urban
congestion linked to intensive tourism development, can
sometimes even discourage tourists from visiting some
destinations.
Uncontrolled tourism activities can also cause
severe disruption of wildlife habitats and increased pressure
on endangered species. Disruption of wildlife
behaviour is often caused, for example, by tourist vehicles
in Africa’s national parks that approach wild cats
and thus distract them from hunting and breeding; tour
boat operators in the Caribbean Sea that feed sharks to
ensure that they remain in tourist areas; and whalewatching
boat crews around the world that pursue whales
and dolphins and even encourage petting, which tends to
alter the animals’ feeding and behaviour.
Similarly, tourism can lead to the indiscriminate
clearance of native vegetation for the development of
new facilities, increased demand for fuelwood and even
forest fires. Ecologically fragile areas, such as rain
forests, wetlands and mangroves, are also threatened by
5 A New Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development
intensive or irresponsible tourist activity. Moreover, as
will be discussed below, it is increasingly recognized
that, the rapid expansion of nature tourism (or ‘ecotourism’)
may also pose a threat to ecologically fragile
areas, including many natural world heritage sites, if not
properly managed and monitored.
The delicate ecosystems of most small islands,
together with their increasing reliance on tourism as a
main tool of socio-economic development, means that
this environmental impact can be particularly damaging
since the success of the tourism sector in these islands
often depends on the quality of their natural environment
(UN, 1999b). In addition, pollution of coastal waters—in
particular by sewage, solid waste, sediments and untreated
chemicals—often leads to the deterioration of coastal
ecosystems, notably coral reefs, and thus harms their
value for tourism.
The equally fragile ecosystems of mountain
regions are also threatened by increasing popular tourist
activities such as skiing, snowboarding and trekking.
One of the most serious environmental problems in
mountainous developing countries without appropriate
energy supply is deforestation arising from increasing
consumption of fuelwood by the tourism industry (see,
for example, CDE/SDC, 1999). This often results not
only in the destruction of local habitats and ecosystems,
but also in accelerating processes of erosion and landslides.
Other major problems arising from tourist activities
in mountain regions include disruption of animal
migration by road and tourist facilities, sewage pollution
of rivers, excessive water withdrawals from
streams to supply resorts and the accumulation of solid
waste on trails.
Pressure on natural resources
In addition to pressure on the availability and prices
of resources consumed by local residents—such as energy,
food and basic raw materials—the main natural resources
4 DESA Discussion Paper No. 29
at risk from tourism development are land, freshwater and
marine resources. Without careful land-use planning, for
instance, rapid tourism development can intensify competition
for land resources with other uses and lead to rising
land prices and increased pressure to build on agricultural
land. Moreover, intensive tourism development can
threaten natural landscapes, notably through deforestation,
loss of wetlands and soil erosion. Tourism development
in coastal areas—including hotel, airport and road
construction—is often a matter for increasing concern
worldwide as it can lead to sand mining, beach erosion
and other forms of land degradation.
Freshwater availability for competing agricultural,
industrial, household and other uses is rapidly becoming
one of the most critical natural resource issues in many
countries and regions. Rapid expansion of the tourism
industry, which tends to be extremely water-intensive,
can exacerbate this problem by placing considerable
pressure on scarce water supply in many destinations.
Water scarcity can pose a serious limitation to future
tourism development in many low-lying coastal areas
and small islands that have limited supplies of surface
water, and whose groundwater may be contaminated by
saltwater intrusion. Over-consumption by many tourist
facilities—notably large hotel resorts and golf courses—
can limit current supplies available to farmers and local
populations in water-scarce regions and thus lead to serious
shortages and price rises. In addition, pollution of
available freshwater sources, some of which may be
associated with tourism-related activities, can exacerbate
local shortages.
Rapid expansion of coastal and ocean tourism
activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving and sport
fishing, can threaten fisheries and other marine
resources. Disturbance to marine aquatic life can also be
caused by the intensive use of thrill craft, such as jet skis,
frequent boat tours and boat anchors. Anchor damage is
now regarded as one of the most serious threats to coral
reefs in the Caribbean Sea, in view of the growing number
of both small boats and large cruise ships sailing in
the region (see Michael Hall, 2001). Severe damage to
coral reefs and other marine resources may, in turn, not
only discourage further tourism and threaten the future of
local tourist industries, but also damage local fisheries.
of resources consumed by local residents—such as energy,
food and basic raw materials—the main natural resources
4 DESA Discussion Paper No. 29
at risk from tourism development are land, freshwater and
marine resources. Without careful land-use planning, for
instance, rapid tourism development can intensify competition
for land resources with other uses and lead to rising
land prices and increased pressure to build on agricultural
land. Moreover, intensive tourism development can
threaten natural landscapes, notably through deforestation,
loss of wetlands and soil erosion. Tourism development
in coastal areas—including hotel, airport and road
construction—is often a matter for increasing concern
worldwide as it can lead to sand mining, beach erosion
and other forms of land degradation.
Freshwater availability for competing agricultural,
industrial, household and other uses is rapidly becoming
one of the most critical natural resource issues in many
countries and regions. Rapid expansion of the tourism
industry, which tends to be extremely water-intensive,
can exacerbate this problem by placing considerable
pressure on scarce water supply in many destinations.
Water scarcity can pose a serious limitation to future
tourism development in many low-lying coastal areas
and small islands that have limited supplies of surface
water, and whose groundwater may be contaminated by
saltwater intrusion. Over-consumption by many tourist
facilities—notably large hotel resorts and golf courses—
can limit current supplies available to farmers and local
populations in water-scarce regions and thus lead to serious
shortages and price rises. In addition, pollution of
available freshwater sources, some of which may be
associated with tourism-related activities, can exacerbate
local shortages.
Rapid expansion of coastal and ocean tourism
activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving and sport
fishing, can threaten fisheries and other marine
resources. Disturbance to marine aquatic life can also be
caused by the intensive use of thrill craft, such as jet skis,
frequent boat tours and boat anchors. Anchor damage is
now regarded as one of the most serious threats to coral
reefs in the Caribbean Sea, in view of the growing number
of both small boats and large cruise ships sailing in
the region (see Michael Hall, 2001). Severe damage to
coral reefs and other marine resources may, in turn, not
only discourage further tourism and threaten the future of
local tourist industries, but also damage local fisheries.
Interaction between tourism and
While tourism provides considerable economic
benefits for many countries, regions and communities, its
rapid expansion can also be responsible for adverse environmental,
as well as socio-cultural, impact.13 Natural
resource depletion and environmental degradation associated
with tourism activities pose severe problems to
many tourism-rich regions. The fact that most tourists
chose to maintain their relatively high patterns of consumption
(and waste generation) when they reach their
destinations can be a particularly serious problem for
developing countries and regions without the appropriate
means for protecting their natural resources and local
ecosystems from the pressures of mass tourism.
The two main areas of environmental impact of
tourism are: pressure on natural resources and damage to
ecosystems. Furthermore, it is now widely recognized
not only that uncontrolled tourism expansion is likely to
lead to environmental degradation, but also that environmental
degradation, in turn, poses a serious threat to
tourism activities.
benefits for many countries, regions and communities, its
rapid expansion can also be responsible for adverse environmental,
as well as socio-cultural, impact.13 Natural
resource depletion and environmental degradation associated
with tourism activities pose severe problems to
many tourism-rich regions. The fact that most tourists
chose to maintain their relatively high patterns of consumption
(and waste generation) when they reach their
destinations can be a particularly serious problem for
developing countries and regions without the appropriate
means for protecting their natural resources and local
ecosystems from the pressures of mass tourism.
The two main areas of environmental impact of
tourism are: pressure on natural resources and damage to
ecosystems. Furthermore, it is now widely recognized
not only that uncontrolled tourism expansion is likely to
lead to environmental degradation, but also that environmental
degradation, in turn, poses a serious threat to
tourism activities.
Economic benefits of tourism
Tourism comprises an extensive range of economic
activities and can be considered the largest industry in
the world.5 International tourism is one of the fastest
growing sectors of the global economy. During the
1990s, when the globalization of tourism reached
unprecedented proportions, international tourism receipts
had a much higher average annual growth rate (7.3%)
than that of gross world product.
By 1999, international
tourism receipts accounted for more than 8% of the
worldwide export value of goods and services, overtaking
the export value of other leading world industries
such as automotive products, chemicals, and computer
and office equipment.
A significant proportion of world tourism expenditure
takes place within industrialized countries:
Europe alone accounts for around half of annual international
tourism receipt.
Tourism, however,
is the only major service sector in which developing countries have consistently recorded trade surpluses
relative to the rest of the world. Between 1980 and
1996, for instance, their travel account surplus
increased from $4.6 billion to $65.9 billion, due primarily
to the impressive growth of inbound tourism to
countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Asia and
Pacific regions (UN, 1999a). The 1990s also experienced
a significant growth of international tourism
receipts in the 49 least developed countries: total
tourism receipts in these countries more than doubled
from US$ 1 billion in 1992 to over US$ 2.2 billion in
1998.
Tourism is now the second largest source of foreign
exchange earnings in the least developed countries
(LDCs) as a whole.
Tourism has also become the main source of
income for an increasing number of Small Island
Developing States (SIDS). Foreign exchange earnings
can, however, vary significantly among these tourismdriven
economies because of ‘leakages’ arising from
imports of equipment for construction and consumer
goods required by tourists, repatriation of profits earned
by foreign investors and amortization of foreign debt
incurred in tourist development.
Besides export earnings, international tourism also
generates an increasingly significant share of government
(national and local) tax revenues throughout the
world. In addition, the development of tourism as a
whole is usually accompanied by considerable investments
in infrastructure, such as airports, roads, water and
sewerage facilities, telecommunications and other public
utilities. Such infrastructural improvements not only generate
benefits to tourists but can also contribute to
improving the living conditions of local populations.
This increase in social overhead capital can also help
attract other industries to a disadvantaged area and thus
be a stimulus to regional economic development.
The tourism sector is an increasingly important
source of employment—including in tourism-related sectors,
such as construction and agriculture—primarily for
unskilled labour, migrants from poor rural areas, people
who prefer to work part-time, and notably women.
Because the sector is relatively labour-intensive, investments
in tourism tend to generate a larger and more rapid
increase in employment than equal investment in other
economic activities.
Furthermore, given that the sector
provides a considerable amount of jobs for women and
unskilled workers, tourism can significantly contribute to
empowering women and alleviating poverty.
At the same time, available data suggest that most
workers in the tourism sector, notably in hotels and catering,
tend to earn less than workers in socially comparable
occupations in both developed and developing countries
(ILO, 2001). In addition, the differential tends to be larger
in less developed countries and regions, particularly those
with high rates of unemployment amongst unskilled labour.
Informal employment relations in small and medium-sized
enterprises, which employ about half of the labour force in
the hotel and catering sub-sectors worldwide, also contribute
to a relatively high proportion of child labour and
non-remunerated employment and other unacceptable
forms of social exploitation in many countries.
The increasing reliance of less diversified
economies on tourism also increases their vulnerability
to seasonal aspects of tourism and to shocks, such as, natural
disasters, regional wars and other unexpected events.
The recent crisis generated by fear of international terrorism
and regional conflict, for example, caused devastating
immediate effects on tourism-dependent economies.12
In addition, sudden changes in consumer tastes and sharp
economic downturns pose significant risks to such
economies, given that demand for mass tourism tends to
be relatively income-elastic and can produce drastic negative
responses to economic recession in source markets.
Nonetheless, it is now generally recognized that
tourism can make a vital contribution to employment,
export receipts and national income in most countries
and regions. Furthermore, tourism is often identified as
the most promising driving force for the economic development
of less developed countries and regions endowed
with areas of natural beauty—including Small Island
Developing States—because it offers them a valuable
opportunity for economic diversification.
activities and can be considered the largest industry in
the world.5 International tourism is one of the fastest
growing sectors of the global economy. During the
1990s, when the globalization of tourism reached
unprecedented proportions, international tourism receipts
had a much higher average annual growth rate (7.3%)
than that of gross world product.
By 1999, international
tourism receipts accounted for more than 8% of the
worldwide export value of goods and services, overtaking
the export value of other leading world industries
such as automotive products, chemicals, and computer
and office equipment.
A significant proportion of world tourism expenditure
takes place within industrialized countries:
Europe alone accounts for around half of annual international
tourism receipt.
Tourism, however,
is the only major service sector in which developing countries have consistently recorded trade surpluses
relative to the rest of the world. Between 1980 and
1996, for instance, their travel account surplus
increased from $4.6 billion to $65.9 billion, due primarily
to the impressive growth of inbound tourism to
countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Asia and
Pacific regions (UN, 1999a). The 1990s also experienced
a significant growth of international tourism
receipts in the 49 least developed countries: total
tourism receipts in these countries more than doubled
from US$ 1 billion in 1992 to over US$ 2.2 billion in
1998.
Tourism is now the second largest source of foreign
exchange earnings in the least developed countries
(LDCs) as a whole.
Tourism has also become the main source of
income for an increasing number of Small Island
Developing States (SIDS). Foreign exchange earnings
can, however, vary significantly among these tourismdriven
economies because of ‘leakages’ arising from
imports of equipment for construction and consumer
goods required by tourists, repatriation of profits earned
by foreign investors and amortization of foreign debt
incurred in tourist development.
Besides export earnings, international tourism also
generates an increasingly significant share of government
(national and local) tax revenues throughout the
world. In addition, the development of tourism as a
whole is usually accompanied by considerable investments
in infrastructure, such as airports, roads, water and
sewerage facilities, telecommunications and other public
utilities. Such infrastructural improvements not only generate
benefits to tourists but can also contribute to
improving the living conditions of local populations.
This increase in social overhead capital can also help
attract other industries to a disadvantaged area and thus
be a stimulus to regional economic development.
The tourism sector is an increasingly important
source of employment—including in tourism-related sectors,
such as construction and agriculture—primarily for
unskilled labour, migrants from poor rural areas, people
who prefer to work part-time, and notably women.
Because the sector is relatively labour-intensive, investments
in tourism tend to generate a larger and more rapid
increase in employment than equal investment in other
economic activities.
Furthermore, given that the sector
provides a considerable amount of jobs for women and
unskilled workers, tourism can significantly contribute to
empowering women and alleviating poverty.
At the same time, available data suggest that most
workers in the tourism sector, notably in hotels and catering,
tend to earn less than workers in socially comparable
occupations in both developed and developing countries
(ILO, 2001). In addition, the differential tends to be larger
in less developed countries and regions, particularly those
with high rates of unemployment amongst unskilled labour.
Informal employment relations in small and medium-sized
enterprises, which employ about half of the labour force in
the hotel and catering sub-sectors worldwide, also contribute
to a relatively high proportion of child labour and
non-remunerated employment and other unacceptable
forms of social exploitation in many countries.
The increasing reliance of less diversified
economies on tourism also increases their vulnerability
to seasonal aspects of tourism and to shocks, such as, natural
disasters, regional wars and other unexpected events.
The recent crisis generated by fear of international terrorism
and regional conflict, for example, caused devastating
immediate effects on tourism-dependent economies.12
In addition, sudden changes in consumer tastes and sharp
economic downturns pose significant risks to such
economies, given that demand for mass tourism tends to
be relatively income-elastic and can produce drastic negative
responses to economic recession in source markets.
Nonetheless, it is now generally recognized that
tourism can make a vital contribution to employment,
export receipts and national income in most countries
and regions. Furthermore, tourism is often identified as
the most promising driving force for the economic development
of less developed countries and regions endowed
with areas of natural beauty—including Small Island
Developing States—because it offers them a valuable
opportunity for economic diversification.
Recent and future trends of sustainable Tourism
Tourism can be considered one of the most remarkable
socio-economic phenomena of the twentieth century.
From an activity “enjoyed by only a small group of relatively
well-off people” during the first half of the last
century, it gradually became a mass phenomenon during
the post-World War II period, particularly from the 1970s
onwards.1 It now reaches an increasingly larger number
of people throughout the world and can be considered a
vital dimension of global integration.2
Although domestic tourism currently accounts for
approximately 80% of all tourist activity (UN, 1999a),
many countries tend to give priority to international
tourism because, while the former basically involves a
regional redistribution of national income, the latter has
now become the world’s largest source of foreign
exchange receipts. According to the latest figures compiled
by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), foreign
exchange earnings from international tourism reached a
peak of US$ 476 billion in 2000, which was larger than
the export value of petroleum products, motor vehicles,
telecommunications equipment or any other single category
of product or service (WTO, 2001a).
International tourist arrivals grew at an annual
average rate of 4.3% during the 1990s, despite major
international political and economic crises, such as the
Gulf War and the Asian financial crisis.3 According to the
latest WTO figures, the turn of the millennium recorded
one of the most impressive annual growth rates in international
tourism. As table 1 shows, all regions of the
world recorded significant growth in international
tourism in 2000, during which the number of international
arrivals grew at an extraordinary rate of nearly 7% to
reach almost 700 million arrivals.
The September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United
States, however, appear to have had a more serious
impact on the tourist sector than any other major international
crisis in recent decades. The attacks had a particularly
severe impact on air transport, business travel and
long-haul travel. Worldwide travel reservations were
estimated to have dropped by 15% at the end of October
2001, although not every destination nor every part of the
tourism sector was badly affected (see WTO, 2001c). For
example, while air transport and luxury hotels have suffered
from considerable fall in demand, travel within the
same country or region, as well as travel by rail and road,
appear to have weathered the worst effects of the crisis,
or even benefited from it.
Nevertheless, initial forecasts of 3-4% rise in international
tourist arrivals for 2001, made before the
September 2001 attacks, were subsequently revised
downwards to around a 1% increase over the 2000 figures
(WTO, 2001c). The latest WTO (2002) data show
that there was an actual decline of 0.6% in international
arrivals, to a total of 693 million, in 2001. Given that the
northern hemisphere summer holiday season was coming
to end by the time the attacks took place, this significant
drop confirms that the short-term impacts of the attacks
were devastating to international tourism as a whole. The
last four months of 2001, in fact, recorded a drop of
almost 9% in arrivals worldwide and substantial decreases
in all regions of the world
It is worth noting, however, that this considerable
fall in international arrivals was caused not only by a
widespread fear of traveling generated by the attacks—
particularly in airplanes and to certain destinations—but
also by a downturn in the world economy. The economic
downturn that began in the United States during the first
half of 2001 had already been affecting the tourism sector
before the terrorist attacks were carried out. The
attacks aggravated the economic slowdown already
under way.4 The expected recovery in world tourism in
the near future will thus depend on the evolution of the
world economy, amongst other factors, including the possibility
of further terrorist acts or regional conflicts.
Some destinations will in any case experience a prolonged
decline in tourism revenues—regardless of any
world economic improvements—for various reasons,
including proximity to areas of regional conflict.
In the medium and long term, however, international
tourism is expected to resume its rapid growth, in view
of rising living standards and discretionary incomes,
falling real costs of travel, expansion and improvement
of various transport modes, increasing amounts of free
time and other factors. This helps to explain why WTO
(2001c) has reiterated its long-term forecasts, made
before the September 2001 attacks, of an average annual
growth rate in international arrivals of over 4% in the
period up to 2020. The number of international arrivals is
thus expected to reach the striking mark of 1 billion by
2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020
socio-economic phenomena of the twentieth century.
From an activity “enjoyed by only a small group of relatively
well-off people” during the first half of the last
century, it gradually became a mass phenomenon during
the post-World War II period, particularly from the 1970s
onwards.1 It now reaches an increasingly larger number
of people throughout the world and can be considered a
vital dimension of global integration.2
Although domestic tourism currently accounts for
approximately 80% of all tourist activity (UN, 1999a),
many countries tend to give priority to international
tourism because, while the former basically involves a
regional redistribution of national income, the latter has
now become the world’s largest source of foreign
exchange receipts. According to the latest figures compiled
by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), foreign
exchange earnings from international tourism reached a
peak of US$ 476 billion in 2000, which was larger than
the export value of petroleum products, motor vehicles,
telecommunications equipment or any other single category
of product or service (WTO, 2001a).
International tourist arrivals grew at an annual
average rate of 4.3% during the 1990s, despite major
international political and economic crises, such as the
Gulf War and the Asian financial crisis.3 According to the
latest WTO figures, the turn of the millennium recorded
one of the most impressive annual growth rates in international
tourism. As table 1 shows, all regions of the
world recorded significant growth in international
tourism in 2000, during which the number of international
arrivals grew at an extraordinary rate of nearly 7% to
reach almost 700 million arrivals.
The September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United
States, however, appear to have had a more serious
impact on the tourist sector than any other major international
crisis in recent decades. The attacks had a particularly
severe impact on air transport, business travel and
long-haul travel. Worldwide travel reservations were
estimated to have dropped by 15% at the end of October
2001, although not every destination nor every part of the
tourism sector was badly affected (see WTO, 2001c). For
example, while air transport and luxury hotels have suffered
from considerable fall in demand, travel within the
same country or region, as well as travel by rail and road,
appear to have weathered the worst effects of the crisis,
or even benefited from it.
Nevertheless, initial forecasts of 3-4% rise in international
tourist arrivals for 2001, made before the
September 2001 attacks, were subsequently revised
downwards to around a 1% increase over the 2000 figures
(WTO, 2001c). The latest WTO (2002) data show
that there was an actual decline of 0.6% in international
arrivals, to a total of 693 million, in 2001. Given that the
northern hemisphere summer holiday season was coming
to end by the time the attacks took place, this significant
drop confirms that the short-term impacts of the attacks
were devastating to international tourism as a whole. The
last four months of 2001, in fact, recorded a drop of
almost 9% in arrivals worldwide and substantial decreases
in all regions of the world
It is worth noting, however, that this considerable
fall in international arrivals was caused not only by a
widespread fear of traveling generated by the attacks—
particularly in airplanes and to certain destinations—but
also by a downturn in the world economy. The economic
downturn that began in the United States during the first
half of 2001 had already been affecting the tourism sector
before the terrorist attacks were carried out. The
attacks aggravated the economic slowdown already
under way.4 The expected recovery in world tourism in
the near future will thus depend on the evolution of the
world economy, amongst other factors, including the possibility
of further terrorist acts or regional conflicts.
Some destinations will in any case experience a prolonged
decline in tourism revenues—regardless of any
world economic improvements—for various reasons,
including proximity to areas of regional conflict.
In the medium and long term, however, international
tourism is expected to resume its rapid growth, in view
of rising living standards and discretionary incomes,
falling real costs of travel, expansion and improvement
of various transport modes, increasing amounts of free
time and other factors. This helps to explain why WTO
(2001c) has reiterated its long-term forecasts, made
before the September 2001 attacks, of an average annual
growth rate in international arrivals of over 4% in the
period up to 2020. The number of international arrivals is
thus expected to reach the striking mark of 1 billion by
2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020
Thursday, May 20, 2010
El Gulf El Kebeer
Date of Announcement : 2007 
Area : 48523 km2
Type : Natural and Cultural National Park Protected Area
The western side of the Gilf Kebir was explored in 1932 by the Clayton-Almásy Expedition, headed by Sir Robert East Clayton and Count László E. Almásy, and accompanied by Patrick. A Clayton, Squadron Leader H. W. G. J. Penderel, three Arab car drivers and a cook. The expedition explored the area by Gypsy moth plane, by car and on foot.
The Uweinat mountain range at the very south of the plateau is shared between Egypt, Libya and Sudan.
In 2006, Gilf Kebir Desert was the site of an extreme sports record from Italian runner Stefano Miglietti. On the 14th of December, 2006, Miglietti crossed this egyptian desert by foot. He spent only 3 days and 5 hours to cover the full 340 km trail, running at an average speed of 9 km/h. He started from Wadi Mashi and arrived at Silica Glass, a desert close to the Gilf Kebir desert.
The plateau was the site for various British logistical operations during the second world war, and due to the extremely dry conditions and lack of population, remains of this occupation are often found intact. A large airbase, including huge navigation arrows laid out in army petrol cans, can still be seen.
It was also the site of the recent discovery of a bag which had been lost in the second world war by a dispatch rider (Alec Ross) of the long range desert Group, part of the British Army. This contained the rider's personal letters and photographs, and had been well preserved.
The Gilf Kebir is known for its prehistoric (Neolithic) petroglyphs
• Karkur Talh and Karkur Murr: major eastern valleys of the Uweinat contain one of the richest concentrations of rock art in the whole Sahara.
• Western Uweinat: Shelters under the huge granite boulders in the western Uweinat contain numerous paintings, including the famous sites of Ain Doua.
• Jebel Arkenu, Jebel Kissu & Yerguehda Hill, the lesser granite massifs around Uweinat have many smaller sites.
• Mogharet el Kantara in the southern Gilf Kebir contains only one known rock art site, a cave discovered by Shaw & party in 1936.
• Wadi Sura in the northwestern Gilf Kebir: the "Cave of swimmers", discovered by the Hungarian Count László Almásy The English Patient), plus many other paintings nearby.
• The North-western half of the Gilf Kebir aside from Wadi Sura has only a few scattered engravings, of an apparently very ancient age.
• In January 2003, Zarzora Expeditions and Jacopo Foggini independently announced the discovery of a major new rock art site in the Western Gilf Kebir.
Area : 48523 km2
Type : Natural and Cultural National Park Protected Area
The western side of the Gilf Kebir was explored in 1932 by the Clayton-Almásy Expedition, headed by Sir Robert East Clayton and Count László E. Almásy, and accompanied by Patrick. A Clayton, Squadron Leader H. W. G. J. Penderel, three Arab car drivers and a cook. The expedition explored the area by Gypsy moth plane, by car and on foot.
The Uweinat mountain range at the very south of the plateau is shared between Egypt, Libya and Sudan.
In 2006, Gilf Kebir Desert was the site of an extreme sports record from Italian runner Stefano Miglietti. On the 14th of December, 2006, Miglietti crossed this egyptian desert by foot. He spent only 3 days and 5 hours to cover the full 340 km trail, running at an average speed of 9 km/h. He started from Wadi Mashi and arrived at Silica Glass, a desert close to the Gilf Kebir desert.
The plateau was the site for various British logistical operations during the second world war, and due to the extremely dry conditions and lack of population, remains of this occupation are often found intact. A large airbase, including huge navigation arrows laid out in army petrol cans, can still be seen.
It was also the site of the recent discovery of a bag which had been lost in the second world war by a dispatch rider (Alec Ross) of the long range desert Group, part of the British Army. This contained the rider's personal letters and photographs, and had been well preserved.
The Gilf Kebir is known for its prehistoric (Neolithic) petroglyphs
• Karkur Talh and Karkur Murr: major eastern valleys of the Uweinat contain one of the richest concentrations of rock art in the whole Sahara.
• Western Uweinat: Shelters under the huge granite boulders in the western Uweinat contain numerous paintings, including the famous sites of Ain Doua.
• Jebel Arkenu, Jebel Kissu & Yerguehda Hill, the lesser granite massifs around Uweinat have many smaller sites.
• Mogharet el Kantara in the southern Gilf Kebir contains only one known rock art site, a cave discovered by Shaw & party in 1936.
• Wadi Sura in the northwestern Gilf Kebir: the "Cave of swimmers", discovered by the Hungarian Count László Almásy The English Patient), plus many other paintings nearby.
• The North-western half of the Gilf Kebir aside from Wadi Sura has only a few scattered engravings, of an apparently very ancient age.
• In January 2003, Zarzora Expeditions and Jacopo Foggini independently announced the discovery of a major new rock art site in the Western Gilf Kebir.
Red Sea Northern Islands
Date of Announcement : 2006
Area : 1991 km2
Type : Developing resources protected area
Area : 1991 km2
Type : Developing resources protected area
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Natural white Desert Protected Area in El Wady EL Gedid
Date of Announcement : 2002 
Area : 3010 km2
Type : Desert and landscape protected area
Distance from Cairo : 570 km
The importance of the white desert area is attributed to the fact that it is a unique model of the Karst phenomenon. It is an open museum for studying desert environments, geographical phenomena, fossils and wild life. It has relics and tombs that date back to prehistory and include a group of rare tombs and caves remains of ancient mummies and carvings. The area is distinguished with the beauty of the sand dunes. Geological formations of bright white limestone rocks and distinctive fossils. The white desert area has aground of white chalk where the geological formations are spread in the shape of snowy white chalk columns formed by the act of wind and sloppy hills , a matter which gives the area a unique nature and geological position . Al-Farafra fall crosses the white chalk layer which is a part of an obviously spread rocky unit known as the chalk unit.
Area : 3010 km2
Type : Desert and landscape protected area
Distance from Cairo : 570 km
The importance of the white desert area is attributed to the fact that it is a unique model of the Karst phenomenon. It is an open museum for studying desert environments, geographical phenomena, fossils and wild life. It has relics and tombs that date back to prehistory and include a group of rare tombs and caves remains of ancient mummies and carvings. The area is distinguished with the beauty of the sand dunes. Geological formations of bright white limestone rocks and distinctive fossils. The white desert area has aground of white chalk where the geological formations are spread in the shape of snowy white chalk columns formed by the act of wind and sloppy hills , a matter which gives the area a unique nature and geological position . Al-Farafra fall crosses the white chalk layer which is a part of an obviously spread rocky unit known as the chalk unit.
Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Protected Area
Date of Announcement : 2003 
Area : 7450 km2
Type : Desert protected area
Distance from Cairo : 850 km
Location and description of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Protected Area
The Protected Area encompasses the segment of the Red Sea coastal plain and mountains extending roughly between 24°51'N in the north and 24°06'N in the south; and between the Red Sea shoreline in the east to about 34°28'E in the west (the Sheikh Shazli road). The protected area also encompasses a section of the marine environment including the islands of Hamata and Wadi El Gemal Island.
Description of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Protected Area
The protected area includes marine and terrestrial components. The terrestrial component encompasses roughly a 50 X 50 km segment of the Red Sea hills and coastal desert. Wadi El Gemal and its delta are the central theme of the protected area and the area encompasses the entire watershed of the wadi. However, the protected area takes in other adjacent desert and marine habitats, which complement the wadi, both ecologically and functionally (i.e. in terms of representing a meaningful management unit). Wadi El Gemal is the third largest wadi in the Eastern Desert draining into the Red Sea, and one of the best vegetated, with an estimated watershed area of some 1,840 km² (GEF 1998). The wadi watershed includes the northern flanks of Gebel Hamata in the south, as well as the southern flanks of Gebel Nugrus in the north. Several other important wadis are encompassed in the protected area such as Wadi Abu Ghosoun, Wadi El Ringa and Wadi El Rada. Several important peaks are included such as Gebel Hamata Gebel Nugrus, Gebel Hafafit, Gebel Hamamid, Gebel Sartut and Gebel Sikeit. The shores of the region are heterogeneous in nature encompassing rocky, sandy and muddy beaches. The coastline has several important landmarks such as the headlands of Ras Baghdadi and Ras Hankorab, and Sarm El Luli bay. The marine component of the protected area encompasses a strip of marine waters of an average width of 15 km. This component includes all the important coral reefs in the region, as well as four marine islands (the Hamata archipelago and Wadi El Gemal Island).
Area : 7450 km2
Type : Desert protected area
Distance from Cairo : 850 km
Location and description of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Protected Area
The Protected Area encompasses the segment of the Red Sea coastal plain and mountains extending roughly between 24°51'N in the north and 24°06'N in the south; and between the Red Sea shoreline in the east to about 34°28'E in the west (the Sheikh Shazli road). The protected area also encompasses a section of the marine environment including the islands of Hamata and Wadi El Gemal Island.
Description of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Protected Area
The protected area includes marine and terrestrial components. The terrestrial component encompasses roughly a 50 X 50 km segment of the Red Sea hills and coastal desert. Wadi El Gemal and its delta are the central theme of the protected area and the area encompasses the entire watershed of the wadi. However, the protected area takes in other adjacent desert and marine habitats, which complement the wadi, both ecologically and functionally (i.e. in terms of representing a meaningful management unit). Wadi El Gemal is the third largest wadi in the Eastern Desert draining into the Red Sea, and one of the best vegetated, with an estimated watershed area of some 1,840 km² (GEF 1998). The wadi watershed includes the northern flanks of Gebel Hamata in the south, as well as the southern flanks of Gebel Nugrus in the north. Several other important wadis are encompassed in the protected area such as Wadi Abu Ghosoun, Wadi El Ringa and Wadi El Rada. Several important peaks are included such as Gebel Hamata Gebel Nugrus, Gebel Hafafit, Gebel Hamamid, Gebel Sartut and Gebel Sikeit. The shores of the region are heterogeneous in nature encompassing rocky, sandy and muddy beaches. The coastline has several important landmarks such as the headlands of Ras Baghdadi and Ras Hankorab, and Sarm El Luli bay. The marine component of the protected area encompasses a strip of marine waters of an average width of 15 km. This component includes all the important coral reefs in the region, as well as four marine islands (the Hamata archipelago and Wadi El Gemal Island).
Natural Siwa Protected Area in Matrouh Governorate
Date of Announcement : 2002 
Area : 7800 km2
Type : Desert and cultural protected area
Distance from Cairo : 800 km
Siwa Oasis is one of the areas rich with distinguished tourists attractions including monuments tourism, therapeutic tourism, safari tourism and desert tourism, due to its distinctive monuments area such as Amoun temple as well as the scriptures and paintings of kings offering sacrifice to Gods. The hall of crowning Alexander the Great, the Dead Mountain in Aldakrour area, which has some ancient mummeries and tombs from the Roman age, having a group of coins and old jewelry . There is also Deheba area which includes tombs engraved in the rocks from the Greek Roman era, and also Khamisa area including a group of tombs dating back to the Greek age. The biological variety of Siwa is characterized by the existence of more than 40 species of wild plants including medical , pastoral and other plants that help stabilize sand. Some of them have significant genetic origins, besides mimosa and Athl trees . Moreover, there are around 28 species of wild mammals, some of them are threatened with extinction like hyena, Egyptian deer, white deer, red fox and, in addition 32 reptiles and around 164 species of birds besides numerous invertebrates and insects .
Area : 7800 km2
Type : Desert and cultural protected area
Distance from Cairo : 800 km
Siwa Oasis is one of the areas rich with distinguished tourists attractions including monuments tourism, therapeutic tourism, safari tourism and desert tourism, due to its distinctive monuments area such as Amoun temple as well as the scriptures and paintings of kings offering sacrifice to Gods. The hall of crowning Alexander the Great, the Dead Mountain in Aldakrour area, which has some ancient mummeries and tombs from the Roman age, having a group of coins and old jewelry . There is also Deheba area which includes tombs engraved in the rocks from the Greek Roman era, and also Khamisa area including a group of tombs dating back to the Greek age. The biological variety of Siwa is characterized by the existence of more than 40 species of wild plants including medical , pastoral and other plants that help stabilize sand. Some of them have significant genetic origins, besides mimosa and Athl trees . Moreover, there are around 28 species of wild mammals, some of them are threatened with extinction like hyena, Egyptian deer, white deer, red fox and, in addition 32 reptiles and around 164 species of birds besides numerous invertebrates and insects .
Monday, May 10, 2010
Nile river Islands Protected Area in Different Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1998 
Area : 160 km2
Type : Wet lands protected area
Distance from Cairo : 144 islands in different Governorate
The Nile River islands are natural protected areas amounting to 144 islands in different Governorates in Egypt. Alongside the main stream from Aswan until the Barrages , there are 95 Islands within anrea of 32500 Feddans . In Rasheed branch there are 30 islands within an area of 3400 Feddans, in Damietta Branch there are 19 islands within and area of 1250 Feddans. The total area of all the Nile River islands is 37150 Feddans.
Area : 160 km2
Type : Wet lands protected area
Distance from Cairo : 144 islands in different Governorate
The Nile River islands are natural protected areas amounting to 144 islands in different Governorates in Egypt. Alongside the main stream from Aswan until the Barrages , there are 95 Islands within anrea of 32500 Feddans . In Rasheed branch there are 30 islands within an area of 3400 Feddans, in Damietta Branch there are 19 islands within and area of 1250 Feddans. The total area of all the Nile River islands is 37150 Feddans.
El-Brolus Protected Area in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate
Date of announcement : 1998 
Area : 460 km2
Type : wetlands protected area
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
El-Brolus lake is the second largest natural lagoon in Egypt . It has a number of environments including saline and cane swamps as well as sand plains. On the Lagoon shores there are high sand dunes. Each of these environments has its own soil characteristics. This reflects on the importance of these environments as a natural place for almost 135 amphibious plant species . The wetland environments have a significant role in receiving immigrating wild birds .
Area : 460 km2
Type : wetlands protected area
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
El-Brolus lake is the second largest natural lagoon in Egypt . It has a number of environments including saline and cane swamps as well as sand plains. On the Lagoon shores there are high sand dunes. Each of these environments has its own soil characteristics. This reflects on the importance of these environments as a natural place for almost 135 amphibious plant species . The wetland environments have a significant role in receiving immigrating wild birds .
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Taba protected Area in South Sinai Governorate
Date of announcement: 1998 
Area : 3595 km2
Type : Desert and natural heritage protected area
Distance from Cairo : 550 km
The area is characterized by its distinguished Geological formations and monument sites that date back to 5000 years ago, as well the rare wild life and nice scenery and traditional heritage of nomads: Some of these valleys are significant as a support for wild life like deer , large birds including bustard. These valleys have important plant communities like acacia. 72 species of plants have been recorded in water valley including Ba'ataran, Ratam and Rimth . In the adjacent areas there is a big group of plants amounting to 480 species. A group of hills that are over 1000 m. high exist in the area. They are beautiful enough to attract all kinds of tourists. The rocks have several splits and a crossed separations, and represent a habitat for plants and animals. The animals of the area include hyrax , Nubian ibex , wolf, hyena , deer and others. There are some wild birds like Egyptian vulture, eagle Brearded vulture and the golden eagle on top of mountains. The area is also distinguished with a group of water springs like Hadra spring in Wadi Ghazala and Oum Ahmed spring in Wadi Elswana , Fortaga spring in Wadi Wateer , which can be easily visited, and flow on the ground surface .
Area : 3595 km2
Type : Desert and natural heritage protected area
Distance from Cairo : 550 km
The area is characterized by its distinguished Geological formations and monument sites that date back to 5000 years ago, as well the rare wild life and nice scenery and traditional heritage of nomads: Some of these valleys are significant as a support for wild life like deer , large birds including bustard. These valleys have important plant communities like acacia. 72 species of plants have been recorded in water valley including Ba'ataran, Ratam and Rimth . In the adjacent areas there is a big group of plants amounting to 480 species. A group of hills that are over 1000 m. high exist in the area. They are beautiful enough to attract all kinds of tourists. The rocks have several splits and a crossed separations, and represent a habitat for plants and animals. The animals of the area include hyrax , Nubian ibex , wolf, hyena , deer and others. There are some wild birds like Egyptian vulture, eagle Brearded vulture and the golden eagle on top of mountains. The area is also distinguished with a group of water springs like Hadra spring in Wadi Ghazala and Oum Ahmed spring in Wadi Elswana , Fortaga spring in Wadi Wateer , which can be easily visited, and flow on the ground surface .
Abu Gallum protected area in South Sinai Governorate
Date of announcement : 1992 
Area : 500 Km2
Type : landscape protected area
Distance from Cairo : 600 km
The importance of Abu - Gallum area is represented in the existence of a special Topography. The mountains are near the beaches and include various environmental systems of coral reefs, sea creatures, sea herbs, lagoons, mountain and desert environment systems. The mountains and valleys are abundant of wild animals, birds and plants, which make the area a tourist attraction for the amateurs of diving, safari as well as bird and animal watching. The area comprises around 165 species of plants including 44 that only exist in this area. The area is known for the cave system existing under the water for more than 100 m. deep. This system is unstable and extremely dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain this cave system and the environmental system of the area, which is an element of tourist attraction.
Area : 500 Km2
Type : landscape protected area
Distance from Cairo : 600 km
The importance of Abu - Gallum area is represented in the existence of a special Topography. The mountains are near the beaches and include various environmental systems of coral reefs, sea creatures, sea herbs, lagoons, mountain and desert environment systems. The mountains and valleys are abundant of wild animals, birds and plants, which make the area a tourist attraction for the amateurs of diving, safari as well as bird and animal watching. The area comprises around 165 species of plants including 44 that only exist in this area. The area is known for the cave system existing under the water for more than 100 m. deep. This system is unstable and extremely dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain this cave system and the environmental system of the area, which is an element of tourist attraction.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Nabq protected Area in South Sinai Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1992 
Area : 600 km2
Type: Multipurpose protected area
Distance from Cairo : 500 km
Nabq protected Area is characterized by a number of important environmental systems like: coral reefs, sea and land creatures, large dense mangrove woods. It includes environmental systems of desert, mountain and valleys, and animals like deer, mountain goat, hyena, reptiles and a lot of migrating and resident birds beside invertebrates. Some nomad tribes live in this area. The area is a center of tourist attraction for amateurs of diving, safari and bird watching.
Area : 600 km2
Type: Multipurpose protected area
Distance from Cairo : 500 km
Nabq protected Area is characterized by a number of important environmental systems like: coral reefs, sea and land creatures, large dense mangrove woods. It includes environmental systems of desert, mountain and valleys, and animals like deer, mountain goat, hyena, reptiles and a lot of migrating and resident birds beside invertebrates. Some nomad tribes live in this area. The area is a center of tourist attraction for amateurs of diving, safari and bird watching.
Wadi Sanor Cave protected Area in Beni Sueif Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1992 
Area : 12 km2
Type : Geological protected area and national heritage
Distance from Cairo : 200 km
The protected area contains geological formations known as stalactites and stalgmites in a perfect beautiful way that formed through million years.
Area : 12 km2
Type : Geological protected area and national heritage
Distance from Cairo : 200 km
The protected area contains geological formations known as stalactites and stalgmites in a perfect beautiful way that formed through million years.
Its formation dates back to the middle Eocene period about 60 million years. As a result of the leakage of calcium carbonate saturated water solutions through the roof of the cave, then evaporated leaving behind those minerals that accumulated taking the shape of stalactites and stalgmites. The cave extends for 700m. It is 15m wide and 15 m deep. The importance of this cave is attributed to the rarity of these natural formations in the Egypt . They shed light on the circumstances of the ancient climate in this area and the age of its formation. It gives the researchers the chance to make comparative detailed studies according to the change in the nature of the Ancient environmental circumstances that dominated the middle Eocene period .
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Hassana Dome protected Area in Giza Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1989 
Area : 1 km2
Type : Geological protected area
Distance from Cairo : 23 km
Hassana Dome protected Area is a museum and specialized scientific institute that helps in studying geology and different geological formations like folds, Foults, also they can be compared with similar formations in other places. The existence of fossils gathering in perfect reserved colonies, makes Hassona Dome a perfect area for studying fossils science or the science of paleo life and also the features of the ancient environment and the extent of climate change which took place in the Area, especially the cretaceaus period ,which characterized this area.
The colonies of coral reefs fossils that characterized this area are the best guiding fossils that refer to the paleo environment, so these Morine fossils represent a complete record of the Ancient history.
Area : 1 km2
Type : Geological protected area
Distance from Cairo : 23 km
Hassana Dome protected Area is a museum and specialized scientific institute that helps in studying geology and different geological formations like folds, Foults, also they can be compared with similar formations in other places. The existence of fossils gathering in perfect reserved colonies, makes Hassona Dome a perfect area for studying fossils science or the science of paleo life and also the features of the ancient environment and the extent of climate change which took place in the Area, especially the cretaceaus period ,which characterized this area.
The colonies of coral reefs fossils that characterized this area are the best guiding fossils that refer to the paleo environment, so these Morine fossils represent a complete record of the Ancient history.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Quaron Lake protected Area in El-Fayoum Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1989
Area : 1385 km2
Type : Wetlands
Distance from Cairo : 90 km
It is one of the ancient natural lakes in the world . It is the remaining part of the ancient Morris lake. It is globally renowned for the abundance of sea, river, continent fossils which date back to 40 million years like El-Fayoum Giant animal which resembles rhinoceros. There was a huge river mouth that had sedimentary cycles upon which the ancient elephants ancestors, sea horse and dolphins, also sharks and birds ancestors which live in Africa. The fossils of Egyptobethks, the oldest monkey in the world appeared and it dates back to the Oligocene periad, and the existence of some Petrified trees. In this Area , there is a large variety of kinds of reptiles, amphibians and mammals that have a great importance in the environmental system of the protected area.
The existence of a lot of historical monuments "North Qaroon Lake represents cultural heritage that is utilized in Tourism. They date back to the Roman and Pharanoic Period, Qaret Al-Rusas Area in the North East of the Lake, the area of churches and Abu Lifa Monastery.
Wadi El Rayan protected Area in Fayoum Governorate
Date of Announcement: 1989 
Area: 1759 km2
Type : Developing management resources protected area and a natural national heritage
Distance from Cairo: 150 km
Wadi El -Rayan area is characterized by its integrated desert environment, consisting of sand dunes, natural springs, large water bodies and a different botanical life, different wild animals and important and various sea fossils. The area of El-Rayan lake is a calm natural environment and free of pollution.
Wadi El- Rayan consists of the following important areas:
Waterfall Area: this area was formed due to the gathering of farming drainage waterfalls. It is a place for various sea sports.
The area of Oyoun El-Rayan consists of long dense movable sand dunes. It has four natural sulfuric springs. It is characterized by the existence of plant groups that contain 15 species of desert plants and about 15 types of wild mammals like the white deer, the Egyptian deer, sand fox, red fox and others, and 16 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of resident and migrating birds.
The Area of El -Rayan mountain El -Mashgaeega Mountain: It includes deep canyons known as split rock. It is one of the favorite places to see a panorama of Wadi El Rayan and picnics.
Wadi Al-Hitan: It is an Area of fossils in the western north of Wadi El Rayan protected Area, it dates back to 40 million years. These fossils of petrified primitive whales skeletons, shark teeth, shells and other sea animals that are considered as an open museum. The roots of Mangroves preserved in soft rocks.
The importance of Wadi El- Rayan is attributed to the fact that it is a natural environment for animals threatened with extinction like white deer, Egyptian deer, sand fox, wolf and rare migrating birds like shahin falcon, deer falcon, free falcon, and other types of migrating birds like some kinds of ducks, quail, some kinds of herons, goats and others. Wild plants like: Aqool , zygoghyllum, Athl Tomarex, Halfa, Ghatdaa, Ghaab, Sammaar , reed ,and others.
Area: 1759 km2
Type : Developing management resources protected area and a natural national heritage
Distance from Cairo: 150 km
Wadi El -Rayan area is characterized by its integrated desert environment, consisting of sand dunes, natural springs, large water bodies and a different botanical life, different wild animals and important and various sea fossils. The area of El-Rayan lake is a calm natural environment and free of pollution.
Wadi El- Rayan consists of the following important areas:
Waterfall Area: this area was formed due to the gathering of farming drainage waterfalls. It is a place for various sea sports.
The area of Oyoun El-Rayan consists of long dense movable sand dunes. It has four natural sulfuric springs. It is characterized by the existence of plant groups that contain 15 species of desert plants and about 15 types of wild mammals like the white deer, the Egyptian deer, sand fox, red fox and others, and 16 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of resident and migrating birds.
The Area of El -Rayan mountain El -Mashgaeega Mountain: It includes deep canyons known as split rock. It is one of the favorite places to see a panorama of Wadi El Rayan and picnics.
Wadi Al-Hitan: It is an Area of fossils in the western north of Wadi El Rayan protected Area, it dates back to 40 million years. These fossils of petrified primitive whales skeletons, shark teeth, shells and other sea animals that are considered as an open museum. The roots of Mangroves preserved in soft rocks.
The importance of Wadi El- Rayan is attributed to the fact that it is a natural environment for animals threatened with extinction like white deer, Egyptian deer, sand fox, wolf and rare migrating birds like shahin falcon, deer falcon, free falcon, and other types of migrating birds like some kinds of ducks, quail, some kinds of herons, goats and others. Wild plants like: Aqool , zygoghyllum, Athl Tomarex, Halfa, Ghatdaa, Ghaab, Sammaar , reed ,and others.
Wadi Al-Asioutty protected Area in Asiout Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1989 
Area: 35 km2
Type : Captive and multipurpose protected area
Distance from Cairo : 400 Km
The protected Area is divided into two major sections:
1- Captive and Breeding wild animals
There are possibilities of captive and breeding Egyptian deer, mountain goats, bighorn, ostrich, zebra and some reptiles .
2. Captive and plant genes
Since there is a need to collect plant genes threatened with extinction, especially palm trees, some types of trees, bushes, plantations, cactus, juicy plants and medical and aromatic plants that are genes of important economic crops, several types of them have been planted in the protected area where the wild genes are collected from the vicinity for reproduction.
Area: 35 km2
Type : Captive and multipurpose protected area
Distance from Cairo : 400 Km
The protected Area is divided into two major sections:
1- Captive and Breeding wild animals
There are possibilities of captive and breeding Egyptian deer, mountain goats, bighorn, ostrich, zebra and some reptiles .
2. Captive and plant genes
Since there is a need to collect plant genes threatened with extinction, especially palm trees, some types of trees, bushes, plantations, cactus, juicy plants and medical and aromatic plants that are genes of important economic crops, several types of them have been planted in the protected area where the wild genes are collected from the vicinity for reproduction.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Petrified Forest Area in Maadi - Cairo
Date of Announcement : 1989 
Area : 7 Km2
Type: Geological protected area and a national heritage
Distance from Cairo : 30 km
Area : 7 Km2
Type: Geological protected area and a national heritage
Distance from Cairo : 30 km
The Rocky wood Area is abundant of dense rocky stems of trees in the formation of the wood mountain that belongs to the Oligocene epoch. It consists of layers of sand, gravel, mud and rocky wood with a thickness of 70-100 meters. It is significantly rich with remains and stems of large rocky trees, taking the shape of rocks with cylindrical sections varying in dimension from a few centimeters up to several meters. They are grouped together in a rocky wood. 
Thus, the formation of the rocky wood in Maadi is most probably attributed to one of the ancient branches of the River Nile from ancient geological era. It carried those trees along and threw them in that place where they were buried and changed into rocks.
Thus, the formation of the rocky wood in Maadi is most probably attributed to one of the ancient branches of the River Nile from ancient geological era. It carried those trees along and threw them in that place where they were buried and changed into rocks.
Wadi Al- Alaqi in Aswan Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1989
Area : 30000 Km2
Type: Desert Protected Area and Biosphere Reserve
Distance from Cairo: 950 Km
This Wadi is a large dry river that used to rise from the Red Sea hills especially Elba mountain. After the construction of the High Dam and filling lake Naser with water, the water flowed into Wadi Al -Alaqi and it became part of the Lake. Since the water level became low in the lake, the water has gone down off a great part of the Wadi and accordingly it became uncovered with water. It has greenery, its soil is rich and it is a kind of pasture for animals. Wadi Al -Alaqi is a good example for dry lands, however it exhibits an astounding picture of botanical variety. 92 species of plants have been reported.
Area : 30000 Km2
Type: Desert Protected Area and Biosphere Reserve
Distance from Cairo: 950 Km
This Wadi is a large dry river that used to rise from the Red Sea hills especially Elba mountain. After the construction of the High Dam and filling lake Naser with water, the water flowed into Wadi Al -Alaqi and it became part of the Lake. Since the water level became low in the lake, the water has gone down off a great part of the Wadi and accordingly it became uncovered with water. It has greenery, its soil is rich and it is a kind of pasture for animals. Wadi Al -Alaqi is a good example for dry lands, however it exhibits an astounding picture of botanical variety. 92 species of plants have been reported.
Saint Catherine protected Area in South Sinai
Date of Announcement: 1988
Area: 5750 Km2
Type : World cultural and Natural heritage protected area
Distance from Cairo: 550 Km
The Area is characterized by the highest mountain tops in Egypt. These tops were the result of that great tectonic movement called the Great African Rift that occurred 24 Million years ago and led to the creation of the Red Sea and the Aqaba Gulf, which became the attraction of tourists from all over the world.
Area: 5750 Km2
Type : World cultural and Natural heritage protected area
Distance from Cairo: 550 Km
The Area is characterized by the highest mountain tops in Egypt. These tops were the result of that great tectonic movement called the Great African Rift that occurred 24 Million years ago and led to the creation of the Red Sea and the Aqaba Gulf, which became the attraction of tourists from all over the world.
Saint Catherine Protected Area has abundant natural riches and cultural heritage. It has a natural habitat for several plants and animals. For example:
Wild Life
Mammals like the Nubian Ibex, Drocas - Gazalla Egyptian deer, hyrax, Sinai tiger, wolf, hyena, fox, lizard, hedgehog, echinate rat, and jerboa etc. There are 27 species of reptiles like serpents, vipro dab lizards, monitor lizards, and snakes etc.
Plant Life
The Area also has 22-28 species that are exist only in Sinai like , samm, Habaq, sorrel wood, thyme, worm wood, buck thorn, tarfa, sakaraan , Ba'ataran and other medical and poisonous plants.
Ancient Heritage
There are a lot of churches and monasteries like St. Catherine Monastery, and relics from the Byzantine, Pharaonic and later eras.
Scenery
The Area is very high and has the highest mountains in Egypt like St.Catherine, Serbal, Um Shomer, Thabet, mountainous scenery, oases around water springs and wells that are unique attractions worldwide.
Wild Life
Mammals like the Nubian Ibex, Drocas - Gazalla Egyptian deer, hyrax, Sinai tiger, wolf, hyena, fox, lizard, hedgehog, echinate rat, and jerboa etc. There are 27 species of reptiles like serpents, vipro dab lizards, monitor lizards, and snakes etc.
Plant Life
The Area also has 22-28 species that are exist only in Sinai like , samm, Habaq, sorrel wood, thyme, worm wood, buck thorn, tarfa, sakaraan , Ba'ataran and other medical and poisonous plants.
Ancient Heritage
There are a lot of churches and monasteries like St. Catherine Monastery, and relics from the Byzantine, Pharaonic and later eras.
Scenery
The Area is very high and has the highest mountains in Egypt like St.Catherine, Serbal, Um Shomer, Thabet, mountainous scenery, oases around water springs and wells that are unique attractions worldwide.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ashtoom El-gamil and Tenis island protected Area in Port saidGovernorate
Date of Announcement : 1988 
Area : 180 km2
Type : Wetlands and Natural restricted Area for birds
Distance from Cairo : 200 km
The protected Area includes the bays of El Gamil and Ashtoon El Gamil and Al Manzala lagoon. Tenis island is located in El Manzala lagoon, The largest among Delta lagoons with various environmental systems. El Manzala lagoon Area was a rich agricultural land that fell down due to an earthquake that occurred in the late sixth century, the sea water overflowed the sand dunes which used to separate the sea from the agricultural land. The water gradually covered the land year after year except the renowned Tenis. It was a large city with great buildings and markets. It had palm trees, grapes and farms. It had high water channels pouring water in the sea currently known as Ashtoom. It was called Tenis after Tenis the son of Ham, the son of Noah.
Area : 180 km2
Type : Wetlands and Natural restricted Area for birds
Distance from Cairo : 200 km
The protected Area includes the bays of El Gamil and Ashtoon El Gamil and Al Manzala lagoon. Tenis island is located in El Manzala lagoon, The largest among Delta lagoons with various environmental systems. El Manzala lagoon Area was a rich agricultural land that fell down due to an earthquake that occurred in the late sixth century, the sea water overflowed the sand dunes which used to separate the sea from the agricultural land. The water gradually covered the land year after year except the renowned Tenis. It was a large city with great buildings and markets. It had palm trees, grapes and farms. It had high water channels pouring water in the sea currently known as Ashtoom. It was called Tenis after Tenis the son of Ham, the son of Noah.
Saloga, Ghazal and the small Islands in First cataract in AswanGovernorate
Date of Announcement : 1986
Area : 0.5 km2
Type : Wetlands and landscape
Distance from Cairo : 700 km
The Area is characterized by the sovereignty of some types of trees like acacia. The greenery in the Area includes about 94 different species of plants including those that solely grow in these islands, specially alongside the Nile Valley.
The distinguished natural conditions provided for these islands life opportunity for resident and migrating birds. More than 60 species of birds were recorded, including rare and extinctionable birds on the international level, including species that have lived and reproduced on those islands since the Ancient Egyptian times, they are recorded in their scriptures and remnants , such as bittern, hoopoe and Egyptian geese.
Area : 0.5 km2
Type : Wetlands and landscape
Distance from Cairo : 700 km
The Area is characterized by the sovereignty of some types of trees like acacia. The greenery in the Area includes about 94 different species of plants including those that solely grow in these islands, specially alongside the Nile Valley.
The distinguished natural conditions provided for these islands life opportunity for resident and migrating birds. More than 60 species of birds were recorded, including rare and extinctionable birds on the international level, including species that have lived and reproduced on those islands since the Ancient Egyptian times, they are recorded in their scriptures and remnants , such as bittern, hoopoe and Egyptian geese.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Elomayed Natural protected Area in Matrouh Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1986
Area : 700 Km2
Type : Desert Area and vital peripheral
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
There are around 170 species of wild plants growing in different ecosystem, be they sand dunes or internal hills. Studies showed that this wild plants have economic and medical benefits since there are about 70 species that can used for medical and thera peutical purposes like squall, wormwood, plantain, wood, sorrel. There are also 60 species that can be used for different purposes including fuel like buckthorn and boxthorn, as source of oils and soap like Ghoul Henna, as a human food like onion, for landscaping like Dirsesh-shaayib for manufacturing ropes and roofs like Boos reed, and for pasturing like Dabaagh and Tafwa . There are about 40 species of plants that have important environmental roles such as detaining sand and building new layers. There are several wild animals in the Area like deer, foxes, rabbits, jerboa, chameleon and scorpion. There are also 14 species of wild birds.
Area : 700 Km2
Type : Desert Area and vital peripheral
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
There are around 170 species of wild plants growing in different ecosystem, be they sand dunes or internal hills. Studies showed that this wild plants have economic and medical benefits since there are about 70 species that can used for medical and thera peutical purposes like squall, wormwood, plantain, wood, sorrel. There are also 60 species that can be used for different purposes including fuel like buckthorn and boxthorn, as source of oils and soap like Ghoul Henna, as a human food like onion, for landscaping like Dirsesh-shaayib for manufacturing ropes and roofs like Boos reed, and for pasturing like Dabaagh and Tafwa . There are about 40 species of plants that have important environmental roles such as detaining sand and building new layers. There are several wild animals in the Area like deer, foxes, rabbits, jerboa, chameleon and scorpion. There are also 14 species of wild birds.
Elba Natural protected Area in the Red Sea Governorate
Date of Announcement : 1986
Area : 35600 km2
Type : National Park Protected Area
Distance from Cairo: 1300 Km
Elba natural protected Area is located in the southern eastern part of the eastern desert. Its mountains are located on the joint borders of Egypt and the Sudan on the Red Sea. Elba Area has the following distinguished Ecosystem models: 
1-Alshura and Qandeel Mangrove woods on the Coastal zones. 2-Limited areas of Coastal sand dunes covered with grass.
3-With grass sphere of coastal saline land " Coastal Marshes"
4-Desert Coastal plains.
5- Coastal mountains and their surrounding hills where there are mist oasis.
In such environments there are the most types of Egyptian extinctionable animals, birds, reptiles, medical and wild plants. Elba natural protected Area consists of the following :
1) Red Sea Islands and coastal mangrove woods.
2) Elabraq Area.
3) El Da'eeb area.
4) Elba Mountain.
Area : 35600 km2
Type : National Park Protected Area
Distance from Cairo: 1300 Km
Elba natural protected Area is located in the southern eastern part of the eastern desert. Its mountains are located on the joint borders of Egypt and the Sudan on the Red Sea. Elba Area has the following distinguished Ecosystem models: 
1-Alshura and Qandeel Mangrove woods on the Coastal zones. 2-Limited areas of Coastal sand dunes covered with grass.
3-With grass sphere of coastal saline land " Coastal Marshes"
4-Desert Coastal plains.
5- Coastal mountains and their surrounding hills where there are mist oasis.
In such environments there are the most types of Egyptian extinctionable animals, birds, reptiles, medical and wild plants. Elba natural protected Area consists of the following :
1) Red Sea Islands and coastal mangrove woods.
2) Elabraq Area.
3) El Da'eeb area.
4) Elba Mountain.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Coast marshes Area in Rafah North Sinai Governorate (AhrashProtectorate)
Date of Announcement : 1985
Area : 8 km2
Type : Developing resources protected area
Distance from Cairo : 370 km
The Marshes protected Area is characterized by the sand dunes, whose height is approximately is 60 m of the sea level. They are covered by a high density of acacia trees, some tomorx trees, camphor trees, bushes, grass, pastoral and fodder plants, which make the Area a good resource of pastures , timber, and a shelter for animals and wild birds, They help stabilize sand dunes and warbers located within the framework of protection in order to maintain an important form of the Mediterranean coastal environments.
Area : 8 km2
Type : Developing resources protected area
Distance from Cairo : 370 km
The Marshes protected Area is characterized by the sand dunes, whose height is approximately is 60 m of the sea level. They are covered by a high density of acacia trees, some tomorx trees, camphor trees, bushes, grass, pastoral and fodder plants, which make the Area a good resource of pastures , timber, and a shelter for animals and wild birds, They help stabilize sand dunes and warbers located within the framework of protection in order to maintain an important form of the Mediterranean coastal environments.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
- Zaraniq protected Area and El Bardwaeel Marsh in the North SinaiGovernorate
Date of Announcement : 1985
Area : 230 km2
Type : Wetland protected area and a natural restricted area for birds
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
Zaraniq protected Area and El Bardaweel Marsh are key points for bird migration in the world since it is the first stop for the birds to have comfort and food after the trouble of the migration trip from Europe and Asia during the fall heading from African. 
Area : 230 km2
Type : Wetland protected area and a natural restricted area for birds
Distance from Cairo : 300 km
Zaraniq protected Area and El Bardaweel Marsh are key points for bird migration in the world since it is the first stop for the birds to have comfort and food after the trouble of the migration trip from Europe and Asia during the fall heading from African. Some birds take this Area as a permanent habitat for living and reproduction. Over 270 species of birds have been recorded in the area.
They represent 14 classes. The most important birds recorded are: Pelicans, herons storks, crestet lark , quail, white stork, lark, avocet , Hem Harrier Rail and falcon .
Sanafir Island Protected Area at South Sinai Governorate
Sanafir Island
It is located west of Tyran Island at a distance of 2.5Km. There is an open bay that is suitable as a vessel yard in case of emergency.
It is located west of Tyran Island at a distance of 2.5Km. There is an open bay that is suitable as a vessel yard in case of emergency.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tyran Protected Area in South Sinai Governorate
Tyran Island
It is about 6 km far from the eastern coast of Sinai. It is a floating coral reef Island. It consists of ancient granite basis rocks under a cover of sedimentary rocks. The water sources of the Island are limited to winter rains and waterfalls that gather in the rocky holes formed by water rains and waterfalls(flood).
It is about 6 km far from the eastern coast of Sinai. It is a floating coral reef Island. It consists of ancient granite basis rocks under a cover of sedimentary rocks. The water sources of the Island are limited to winter rains and waterfalls that gather in the rocky holes formed by water rains and waterfalls(flood).
The Natural Protectorate of Ras mohamed in Egypt
Date of Announcement : 1983
Area : 850 km2
Type : World Heritage Protected Area
Distance from Cairo : 446 Km
Ras Mohamed Area is characterized by the coral shores existing in the depth of the water peripheral of Ras Mohamed and the extinctionable colored fish and Sea turtles as well as rare Sea Animals. The Coral reefs surround Ras Mohamed from all its sea sides. 
Area : 850 km2
Type : World Heritage Protected Area
Distance from Cairo : 446 Km
This protected Area is located at the meeting point of the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba Gulf. The Eastern border of Ras Mohamed Protected Area is a rocky wall with the gulf water where there are coral reefs. There is also the Mangrove channel which separates Ras Mohamed Peninsula from Elbayra Island at a length of approximately 250m.
Ras Mohamed Area is characterized by the coral shores existing in the depth of the water peripheral of Ras Mohamed and the extinctionable colored fish and Sea turtles as well as rare Sea Animals. The Coral reefs surround Ras Mohamed from all its sea sides. They have a unique formation which has a great impact on the natural life of the Area. The land Falls or "earthquakes" formed water caves under the island. The Area is also a habitat for many important birds and animals such as: The Nubian ibex in the mountainous areas, small mammals, reptiles and insects that appear only at night. The Area is also a habitat for many important birds such as herons and seagulls.
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