Sustainable Economic Growth of the Red Sea Governorate
The Egyptian government and USAID established the Livelihood and Income from the Environment (LIFE) project. One of its components addresses sustainable tourism and economic growth in the Red Sea Governorate (RSG). The overall goal was to promote sustainable development of natural and cultural tourism in the southern red sea coast that balanced the needs of tourists and local residents while protecting future economic opportunities.
Engaging local residents equitably in the economic, social and cultural benefits of tourism focused on initiatives to provide jobs and basic needs to largely indigenous people in the RSG. Enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness in natural and cultural tourism required increasing inclusion of locals to diversify the tourism market. Also a focus area was the protection and management of the Red Sea coast’s natural and cultural assets.
The CID Response:
CID Consulting successfully conducted environmental assessments of economic activities under the RSG program. This contributed to documenting a new vision and system for the Red Sea region. Planning and implementing a wide range of business activities with governmental and non-governmental institutions followed. Initiating waste recovery and recycling schemes with local communities was a successful example. CID Consulting implemented new Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in participation with various entities in different RSG locations, for example, in Wadi El Gemal with the National Park authority and local community or in Marsa Alam with the NGO HEPCA. Public projects that manage solid waste and clean-up campaigns were a focus-area of activity as well.
CID Consulting created income generating job opportunities for Red Sea inhabitants and involved project partners in the field through organizing on-the-job training. Crosscutting environmental education, awareness and communication for all program activities were core to CID Consulting’s approach.
The Result:
The outcome of the invested activity by all the partners involved in LIFE Red Sea is revealed over time and stands as a pioneering model for future initiatives and projects to follow. The immediate results noted are increased awareness and interest in environmental and cultural tourism, that has created new opportunities and thinking about business in the RSG region. Most importantly, a revival of environmental appreciation and an awakening of the value of environmental protection have been instilled.
"Thank you for your great hospitality and for the beautiful time we have spent together and helping the CIDA team in designing CIDA’s strategy on Civil Society for the coming period. The interviews with yourself (Dr. Laila) and Sherif Maher had a great impact on the progression of our work.
Robert Mitchell and Amr Hamouda were honored and pleased to meet you and are thanking you for your generosity and hospitality."
Naela Refaat
Canadian International Development Agency Program Support Unit (PSU)