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FEATHERLIGHT ECOLODGE

MANUAL EGYPT

Cairo Climate Talks Feb 24-25 2015Dr. Cornelia Redeker, Architect and Urban Planner

Assoc. Prof. Architecture and Urban Design German University CairoM Arch Hazem Fouad, Architect

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FEATHERLIGHT ECOLODGE MANUAL

EGYPT

FEATHERLIGHT SERIES / TOURISM GUIDEBOOK AND ECOLODGE MANUAL EGYPT

FEATHERLIGHT TOURISM GUIDEBOOK

EGYPT

FEATHERLIGHT ECOLODGE MANUAL EGYPT

• SUPPORTING ALREADY OPERATING LODGE OWNERS OR THOSE “TO BE” IN KEEPING THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON THE ENVIRONMENT LOW INCREASE POSITIVE IMPACTS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

• SPECIAL FOCUS ON SMALLER ECOLODGES IN THE EGYPTIAN CONTEXT WITH AROUND 20-25 UNITS, SMALLER BUDGETS AND MORE INFORMAL PLANNING STRUCTURES

• EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT, AFFORDABLE (OR EVEN PROFITABLE) SOLUTIONS

PEOPLEBUILDING DEVELOPMENT

INFRASTRUCTURELANDSCAPE

LAYER APPROACH

CONTENTS PAGE

INTRODUCTION 8

1. GREEN CONSTRUCTION 12

2. ENERGY 20 3. FOOD AND SOURCING 26

4. LABOUR 34

5. ENGAGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES 38

6. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 44

7. WATER 54

8. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION 66

INTERVIEW WITH DESERT LODGE 72

INTERVIEW WITH HABIBA LODGE FARM 78

Private Sector Development Programme

Responsible and Inclusive Business Hub MENARIBH MENA is the GIZ responsible and inclusive business hub based in Downtown, Cairo. It powers a paradigm shift towards sustainable develop-ment in the Middle East and North Africa. As its sister hubs in other world regions, RIBH MENA provides information on and raises awareness about Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclu-sive Business. Beyond this we assist the private sector with skills and busi-ness model development as well as networking support around CSR and IB.

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LOW COST OR COST-FREE, NO-REGRET SOLUTION

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SAVING POTENTIALS THROUGH RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

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COST/BENEFIT INDICATION:


Landscape architecture offers many ways to direct a view to something beautiful and block views and buffer sound emissions.

Sun rise and sun sets are a given. Think of where the guests can best enjoy it.

Looking at the night stars is often one of the most stunning experiences. Ensure that artificial lighting is not reducing visibility. Provide star maps for your guests.

Little details like leaving a fly broom can make places so much more enjoy-able. A bed under the open sky needs a mosquito net.

Building a bench or an outlook post or putting a hammock in just the right place offers serenity to the visitor. Before building something new, see what you find on site. Maybe there is already a cliff or a rock formation that offers the perfect meditation space.

8. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION

1. Japan Ecolodge Association (2012). Environmentally Sustainable Accommodations - International Standard Checklist2. Lao National Tourism Administration - Asian Development Bank (2005). Designing And Operating An Ecolodge In The Lao Pdr - Suggestions For Local And International Investors. Mekong Tourism Development Project3. A. Drumm and A. Moore (2002). Ecotourism Development - A Manual for Conser vation Planners and Managers Volume l: An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA4. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2008). Lodge Environ-ment Manual - A guide to managing environmental risk andmonitoring environmental performance. Jindabyne NSW, Australia5. Greening the WSSD initiative (2003). Responsible Tourism Handbook – A Guide For Good Practice For Tourism Operators. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). South Africa 6. Responsible Tourism Tansania. Handbook for RTTZ7. H. Metha (2005). Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines for Desert Ecolodg-es. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia8. Chemonics International (2008). LIFE Red Sea Project - Enhancing Sustainable Tourism in the Southern Red Sea Region of Egypt Part 5: Manual for Ecolodge Plan-ning, Design, and Operation. USAID10. Ludwig, A. (2002). Clean, Green & Wild: Green Cleaning in the Wilderness. Oasis Design

REFERENCES



1. GREEN CONSTRUCTION

SITE ALLOCATION AND PLANNING Ecolodges are primarily context-sensitive and thus the process of initially choosing an appropriate location is a crucial step to facilitate a responsive, participatory experience within existing natural and cultural settings. In or-der to simulate the expected potentials and challenges of possible sites, environmental and social impact assessments should be conducted during the planning phase before construction actually starts.

Several aspects you should consider while allocating your ecolodge:Environmental ContextNecessitating the goal of environmental protection and maintaining scenic amenities. Prioritize potential sites which help protect neighboring nature areas and ensure that endangered wildlife is not displaced nor reproduc-tive habitat is destroyed.

Social and Cultural ContextAvoid not only intervening in archaeological, cultural heritage and sacred sites, but also be sure to respect existing village structures.

LegislationCorrelate expected activities with local plans and zoning includes required legal licenses and permits. In addition, a documentation of agreements by local communities and indigenous owners might be necessary.

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AccessibilitySurveying possible means to access the proposed site by existing roads and/or water if applicable. In addition, studying access to neighboring local enter-prises and markets to enable business realtions with the local communities.

Consultants and SuppliersDar Al-Handasa Consulting (Shair & Partners) http://www.dargroup.com/Integrated Development Consultants (IDC)http://www.idcegypt.com/default.aspxInternational Center for Research and Consultation - Combibassal (ICRC)http://www.comibassal.com/Environmental & Water Engineering Consultants (EWATEC) http://www.ewatec-eg.com/ Environics Management of Environmental Systems (Environics)http://www.environics.org/services.html Kayan Community BuildersEl Aguizy Architecture - http://www.elagizyarchitecture.com/

SYNERGIZING LANDSCAPE FEATURESPlan to integrate your ecolodge with existing landscape features. Invest in natural resources while responding to their scarcity, e.g. for most locations in Egypt water scarcity is a limitation which could be alleviated by applying a water sensitive urban design approach.

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• SITE ALLOCATION AND PLANNING• SYNERGIZING LANDSCAPE FEATURES• BUILDING MATERIALS• TOUCH THE EARTH LIGHTLY• EXTERNAL FINISHING / OUTDOOR QUALITY• GREEN ROOFS• INTERNAL FINISHING / INDOOR QUALITY• OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE• SHADING• COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL AND/OR RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL RATING SYSTEMS FOR GREEN CONSTRUCTION


Dakhla Desert Lodge

1. GREEN CONSTRUCTION / BUILDING MATERIALS


• Landscape is an active, dynamic asset that should be utilized, for in-stance:

• Open channels can be integrated in the landscape design to collect rain water and possibly grey water to irrigate the organic garden while improving the microclimate

• Use the natural topography to avoid the use of pumps where possible• The ecolodge layout should benefit from environmental buffers and

prevailing winds to provide thermal comfort and avoid dust.• Plant edible and decorative plants including herbs for the kitchen. As a

Bedouin saying goes: Never plant a tree without fruits!• Use plants to shade, maintain visual connectivity, to form visual barri-

ers, or as a landmark. The kind of trees you plant should be fast-grow-ing and cut in a way that encourages it’s shading capacity

• Use the landscape design to reduce natural hazards for example to resist desertification

Consultants and SuppliersEHAF Consulting Engineershttp://www.ehaf.com/ http://www.ehaf.com/see also: Energy Efficient Building Guidelines for MENA Region and Energy Efficient Urban Planning Guidelines MENA Regionavailable at: http://www.med-enec.eu/downloads


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BUILDING MATERIALS Older, existing buildings in the region are usually a convenient reference regarding construction systems and materials where most of the applied construction materials are available regionally or on site avoiding transpor-tation expenses and energy consumption. The use of the local materials such as sand, wood, or clay provides an opportunity to blend with the nat-ural environment’s earth tones.

In general, green materials with a low environmental impact in terms of extraction and processing are preferable, e.g. using certified wood and minimizing materials that consume big amounts of energy such as steel or aluminum. Recyclable materials should also be considered as a main source for construction, to offer future re-use and recycling. Bamboo, but also palm trees and straw are natural materials suitable for constructional use and are also renewable materials with rapid growth rates. Natural, local stones are a green building material. In other words, life cycle assessment for all construction materials is highly recommended to minimize construc-tion and installation waste and to provide healthy interior environments.

Consultants and SuppliersEgyptian Earth Construction Association (EECA) https://www.facebook.com/EECAtrainingunit

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source: MED-ENEC (2013). Energy-Efficiency Urban Planning Guideline for MENA region

PASSIVE DESIGN APPROACH

Energy efficient architectural design is only possible when the site and climatic condition are considered appropriately at the urban planning level. So, passive design strategies are the most cost-effective approach to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Figure 3.1 shows that urban planning is the basis of cost effective energy efficiency buildings, and can reduce the investment cost of a building.The urban design defines if alternative building forms (morphology). Certain building forms or typologies are more efficient in energy consumption than others (see Guidelines Chapter 4).

The following principles form the basis for the energy efficient urban planning guidelines at a city, neighbourhood and plot level:

• Make use of existing climate and site conditions to support sustainable passive design strategies for heating and cooling techniques and energy efficient indoor and outdoor comfort.

• Encourage energy efficient transport modes such as (mass) public transit and non - motorized transportation (such as biking and walking).

• Promote compact urban growth strategies and urban densities to sustain economic feasibility of public facilities and transit. Integrate residential functions in mixed-use development, and allow for the distribution of services within short distances.

• Provide amenities for a shaded comfortable outdoor environment and public space.

• Accommodate renewable energy solutions through integration and flexibility in planning and design, to further minimize the carbon footprint.

StructureofEnergyEfficiencyUrbanPlanningGuidelinesThe guidelines cover various aspects and scales of interventions for energy efficient urban planning and are based on the above principles, structured according to the following categories:

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Principles of Energy Efficiency for Urban Planning

Context UrbanStructure UrbanMorphology BuildingTypology RenewableEnergyClimate Layout Massing Building Type Flexibility + IntegrationTopography Mobility + Accessibility Outdoor Space Architectural Elements

Framework Zoning Parcellation

Density

Al Rehab bus service for residents to commute in and out of Rehab City (New Cairo). The bus service starts daily at 6:00 a.m.

MED-ENECEnergy Efficiency in the Construction

Sector in the Mediterranean

Figure 3.1: Strategy for Cost Effective Energy Efficient Buildings

Renewable Energy

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Architectural Design

Building Morphology

Urban Planning

Cost Efficiency

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source: MED-ENEC (2013). Energy-Efficiency Urban Planning Guideline for MENA region










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1. GREEN CONSTRUCTION / SITE ALLOCATION AND PLANNING...


2. ENERGY

PROMOTE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCESSome lodges have made it their concept to operate almost completely without electricity as part fo the experience. Producing their own and/or limiting the use to certain hours of the day. Consider how to sustain your ecolodge off-grid by using decentralized technologies. This consideration raises several challenges that can easily be resolved using renewable en-ergy resources. Market your ecolodge to the industrial sector as a potential prototype for local communities to produce and apply clean energy. Sever-al forms of energy production techniques such as solar photovoltaic panels, geothermal, biogas, and even wind turbines can be applied depending on the location, size and of course economic means of the project.

So far, PV panels installed on roof tops are the most applicable energy source and are currently being promoted by governmental programs and initiatives. The Desert Lodge at Dakhla Oasis produces almost half of its demand and has recently connected its panels to the grid. Their plan is to completely cover consumption rates and sell the excess amount to the government to generate revenue. See www.desertlodge.net

Consultants and SuppliersEgyptian Solar Energy Systems Company (ESESC)http://egyptsolar.net/IMF Grouphttp://www.imfgroupegypt.com/

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Solaris http://www.solaris-eg.com/about_us.htmTaqamisrhttp://www.taqamisr.com/Renewable Systems Decentralized (RSD)Solar Energy Development Association www.seda-eg.comBiogas Peoplehttps://ar-ar.facebook.com/BiogasPeoplehttp://www.skgsangha.org/

WATER HEATINGPerennially clear skies in Egypt offer a great potential to use solar water heaters which are currently being designed, manufactured and installed by several local companies. They can also be also very cheap. Icecairo has developed a low cost DIY Solar Water Heater that can be purchased or put together for less than 100 dollars.

Consultants and SuppliersSolar Energy Development Associationwww.seda-eg.comicecairo http://icecairo.com/

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• PROMOTE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES• WATER HEATING• LIGHT• NATURAL OR MIXED-MODE VENTILATION• APPLIANCES, OFFICE DEVICES AND ELECTRONICS• GUESTS› AWARENESS MANUAL FOR EFFICIENT USE OF ENERGY• INSULATION• LAUNDRY


3. FOOD & SOURCING

PRIORITIZE LOCAL IN-SEASON ORGANIC FOOD Source locally and at best local cuisine. Local, sustainably produced farm fruits and vegetables are often fresher, as they do not require long dis-tances for transport, and thus can be harvested closer to peak ripeness and for a better price. Many fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen naturally on the parent plant. (see fig. on the right for seasonal crops in Egypt).

Consultants and SuppliersHabiba Communityhttp://www.habibaorganicfarm.com/ Sekem http://www.sekem.com/Egyptian Center for Organic Agriculture (ECOA); certification and Registrationhttp://www.ecoa.com.eg/Mabrouk Egypt http://www.mabroukegypt.com/en/main.phpNawayahttp://nawayaegypt.org/Nawaya_Egypt/Nawaya.htmlNafas – School of Agro-culinary Arts and Sciences https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nafas-School-of-Agro-culinary-Arts-and-Sciences/1521772158059838?fref=ts Baladini Noodleshttp://baladini.org/Slow Food Cairohttp://www.facebook.com/SlowFoodCairo

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Source: GIZ

• PRIORITIZE LOCAL IN-SEASON ORGANIC FOOD • PROMOTE VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN CUISINE• MINIMIZE FOOD STOCK/WASTE• MAKE AND GROW YOUR OWN• HYDROPONICS (SOIL-LESS AGRICULTURE)• BEE HIVING• FISHING• POULTRY• CROWD-FUNDING ORGANIC FARMING


4. LABOUR

LOCAL HIRING POLICY THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPER-ATION PHASE OF YOUR LODGEEcotourism aims to strengthen the local community, therefore a local hiring policy is a given. During the construction phase, find local expert craftsmen. If these are not available and you bring in people from further away, con-sider how this often lost local building expertise can be passed on to local construction workers. During the operation phase: Involve locals not only as staff, but also as tour guides, craftsmen, builders, drivers, etc.

Consultants and SuppliersFor expertise in the field contact the Egyptian Earth Construction Associa-tion https://www.facebook.com/EECAtrainingunit Kayan Community Builders

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS / MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES Send staff to externally organized training courses; ecotourism manage-ment planning (EMP), Ecolodge Environmental Policy (EEP), etc. or train them yourself after having participated in these courses. They can be de-veloped and conducted by experienced staff, i.e. checklist of environmental aspects

Consultants and SuppliersEcoconserv http://www.ecoconserv.com/

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Egypt National Cleaner Production Center (ENCPC)http://www.encpc.org/en/Enviro-Civec - http://www.envirocivec.com/Systems & Total Quality (TOTAL)http://www.total.com.eg

SAFETY, FIRST AID, AND HYGIENEAs many eco-lodges are in remote places, it is mandatory to be able to provide first aid, so be sure to have trained staff. Safety and hygiene are crucial to provide a healthy and comfortable environment. Talk to your local authorities to ensure that an ambulance is located no less than 10 minutes from your lodge.

Consultants and SuppliersThe Egyptian Red Crescent conducts excellent first aid trainings http://www.egyptianrc.org/RedCrescent/HomeBureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI) is a service company special-izing in QHSE management (quality,health, safety and environment) and social accountability offering an extensive range of technical services and solutions in the fields of certification, conformity assessment, consulting and training a.o. in the field of Health & Safety. http://www.bureauveritas.com/wps/wcm/connect/bv_com/Group/Home/Worldwide-Locations/Middle_East/Egypt

• LOCAL HIRING POLICY THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION PHASE OF YOUR LODGE• ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS / MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES• SAFETY, FIRST AID, AND HYGIENE• COMMUNICATION SKILLS• ENCOURAGE DRESSING IN REGIONAL STYLES• SETTING WORKING HOURS/LEAVES• PROVIDE JOBS FOR WOMEN• VOLUNTEERING

• OPEN-DOOR POLICY• AIM TO CREATE SYNERGIES IN INFRASTRUCTURE• SALE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS AND HANDCRAFTS• OFFER WORKSHOPS FOR TOURISTS BY THE COMMUNITY• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION• ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH ON THE PREMISES• LEARNING FROM…


5. ENGAGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES

OPEN-DOOR POLICYEven if there is a gate and a guard, ensure an open environment for all as much as possible. This may e.g. imply the right of passage. The Desert Lodge is applying the open door policy for inhabitants of the village. This way they ensure a learning experience not only for their guests but the villagers alike.

AIM TO CREATE SYNERGIES IN INFRASTRUCTUREConsider how systems may be expanded to serve the community as a whole, for example infrastructure such as constructed wetlands, solid waste management, water treatment, etc. In remote areas or smaller vil-lages, infrastructural nets are often not a given. This offers ample opportu-nities to introduce decentralized green infrastructure that is often cheaper than conventional systems. Sharing costs with the community and finding productive ways of involving the local government ideally creates a win-win situation for all.

For example, when collected, separated and cleaned, garbage becomes a product to be sold. If not in place already, consider how such a cycle can be installed beyond the scale of your lodge. This will produce another source of income for the community and ensure a clean environment (see 6. Recycle Anorganic Waste As A Raw Material).

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Examplary projects on how to recycle anorganic waste: Basata Ecolodge Nuweiba www.basata.comHaram City Cairo www.orascomhc.com/articles.aspx?CategoryId=16Together EGwww.together-eg.com

Roughly estimated costs of Haram City Cairo recycling plant including ma-chine to produce plastic bags from granulate roughly around 50,000 EUR.

Also decentralized ecological waste water treatment systems consisting of a treatment unit (constructed wetland), piping network, lifting station(s), construction management cost, have been installed successfully in the villages Awlad Sheikh Yacub, Beni Suef serving 5000 inhabitants with construction costs of EGP 2.4 million and in Abdelkawy Shaitan, Fayoum serving 2500 inhabitants with construction costs of EGP 837 000 by the Together Association with the following economic model:

Source: GIZ


6. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

R E D U C E , R E U S E , R E C Y C L E

REDUCE WASTEThe most effective way to lower our adverse environmental impact re-mains reduction and of course this applies to solid waste. Try to avoid single packaging. Also think about buying products that can be stored in larger quantities. Minimize products that are packaged by using crates, cotton bags, etc.

HOW TO AVOID PLASTIC BOTTLESPET bottles can be exchanged for reusable glass bottles that are filled with filtered tap water. The process of manufacturing 1 liter of bottled water requires an estimated 3 liters of feed water and an oil consumption equiv-alent to 1/4 liter of oil (Pacific Institute). By switching from plastic-bottled water to glass bottles filled with filtered tap water, vast amounts of PET bottles can be avoided, and transportation costs and CO2 emissions are minimized.

Tap water can be filtered with high-tech-filters and offered to guests in glass bottles for drinking. To ensure adequate hygiene, make sure that the glass bottles and caps are cleaned with hot water.

For example the Minlo water filter system consists of three purifying stages responsible to filter your water from sand, slit, rust, small impurities, chlo-rine and gases and can provide up to 500 l per day:

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1. A high quality 5.0 micron pp polypropylene cartridge that filters out sand, slit, rust and small impurities or insects, acting as screening pro-cess.

2. A high quality gac “granulated active carbon” cartridge which aims at filtering out and reducing chlorine levels.

3. A high quality cto “ chlorine, taste & odor” cartridge, consisting of a carbon block which aims at further reductions of chlorine levels, organic gases and unwanted water taste, ensuring the filtration of the second stage

Three further steps can be added to further reduce the solids and improve the taste and a sixth stage which deals with minerals and pH adjustments. The filter system can be attached to any tap water source.

Consultants and Supplierswww.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Home-Water-FilterMinlo offers the filter systems described abovewww.minlo.comGreen Tec Egypt (offers innovative green technologies from automated re-cycling machines to fuel produced from shredded and dehydrated waste)http://www.greentecegypt.com/Ezazty (a StartUp that aspires to encourage people to utilize their own

• REDUCE WASTE• HOW TO AVOID PLASTIC BOTTLES• SEPARATE ORGANIC AND ANORGANIC WASTE AND PROVIDE ACCORDING BINS ON SITE• FEED ORGANIC WASTE TO ANIMALS• COMPOST ORGANIC WASTE TO PRODUCE NATURAL FERTILIZER• RECYCLE ANORGANIC WASTE AS A RAW MATERIAL• RECYCLE WASTE IN NEW PRODUCTS ON SITE• COMMUNICATE REDUCTION AND SEPARATION OF WASTE TO GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES• MAKE SURE THAT FLIES, RODENTS, ETC. STAY AWAY WITHOUT RELYING ON CHEMICALS• ORGANIZE WASTE COLLECTION EVENTS WITH GUESTS AND COMMUNITY

• REDUCING WATER USE• GREYWATER RECYCLING• CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS• COMPOST TOILETS• WATER CONDENSATION AND DESALINATION• STORMWATER HARVESTING• USE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOAP AND DETERGENTS WHERE AVAILABLE OR MAKE YOUR OWN• WATER STOP FLUSH AND CONSERVING FIXTURES• DRIP IRRIGATION


2. ENERGY

REDUCING WATER USEEgypt is facing severe water scarcity and this will only increase. As an arid country where the desert makes up 95% of the land mass and the Nile is the primary and highly contested source of water by many, water conser-vation is key and as of yet largely untapped. The average water use of a conventional hotel guest is up to 500 l / day. This offers ample opportuni-ties to save water.

Fresh water is usually drinking water and should be used as conservatively as possible. Two great ways of saving water is to replace fresh water with grey water (see following pages), salt or even brine water where possible. Brine water for example can be used to wash dishes, to flush the toilets and for construction work. In the kitchen fresh water is needed for cooking and rinsing the dishes and in the bathrooms for showering and washing. Washing dishes before finally rinsing them with fresh water can be done with water of a lesser quality in combination with mechanical techniques such as sand. Toilets do not need to be flushed with drinking water either.Providing linen and towels in less sensitive colours than white avoids un-necessary changing and the use of bleach. Guests can also bring their own linen and towels to reduce the use of water and detergent on site. Of course setting regulations for the staff and communicating the specific water cycle to guests is necessary to ensure the conservation of water.

7. WATER

$Best PracticeBasata Camp Nuweiba has been able to reduce their guest’s average use to 70 liters/day, compared to an average of 500 liters per guest per day at most conventional hotels.www.basata.com

GREYWATER RECYCLING Greywater includes all wastewater except water from toilets. This includes dish, sink and laundry water and makes up around 50-80% of wastewa-ter and may be used for landscape irrigation and other uses. Plants thrive on used water containing small bits of compost. Greywater is purified to a spectacularly high degree in the upper, biologically most active part of the soil. Specifically within the Egyptian context, greywater also enables landscaping in arid contexts where water is ussually not available for plant growth and reclaims nutrients in the Nile valley that is no longer inundated seasonally.

Important preconditions for the recycling of greywater is the accessibility of drainwater pipes and active user involvement. Discharge greywater under-ground or into mulch basins. Greywater must pass slowly through healthy topsoil for natural purification to occur. Use the grey water within 24 hours to avoid bacteria build-up. The systems capacity needs to be defined and greywater should be divertable to the conventional septic tank in case of

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2. ENERGY8. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION

ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION – ENHANCING BIODIVERSITYEgypt offers some of the most stunning wildlife experiences.From diving the coral reefs of the Red Sea and migratory bird watching in the Delta and all along the Nile to such spectacles as spotting crocodiles in Lake Nasser. It’s landscape and plant world is just as diverse and sets a perfect back-ground for ecotourism. Therefore the active protection of the native flora and fauna is a given. Think of ways how to protect ecohabitats and actively enhance biodiversity, for example by: • zoning breeding grounds• defining foot paths• replanting native plants• bee hiving• providing specific outlooks for bird watching• providing explanatory signs to visitors to stay out of certain areas• being aware of seasonal events • etc.

Become an expert for the flora and fauna around you and provide litera-ture. Your guests will be grateful! Also connect with international associa-tions who can support you, for example the world wildlife organization.The Marsa Nakari Ecolodge e.g. is giving marine life courses for tourists, This way they are raising their income, while providing valuable information for their guests.

$$ Consultants and Suppliers WWFhttp://www.worldwildlife.orgMarsa Nakari (actively involve their guests in their ecological efforts to pre-serve the Red Sea) http://www.marsa-nakari.org/

MAKE SILENCE A QUALITYWith increasing urbanization, silence is becoming a rare pleasure. Ensure that silence is a quality by limiting the soundscape of music, motors and other sounds to a minimum.

ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION Traveling in Egypt for the most part involves motorized transport by plane or car, but there are also north-south train connections and of course busses which alleviate the environmental impact in comparison to driving alone. To encourage the most ecological ways to move, provide your guests with time tables and pick-up services and think of other incentives that may promote more ecological, but also often more uncomfortable ways of traveling.

Many major airlines offer CO2 emissions compensation and according cal-culators. Offer your guests the service of compensating for their flights

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• ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION – ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY• MAKE SILENCE A QUALITY• ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION• COMMUNICATION• PROVIDE FACILITIES TO COLLECT GARBAGE• PROMOTE NATURAL BEAUTY

LEARNING FROM...INTERVIEWS WITH LODGE OWNERS


Winner of Best Ecolodge and the first medal for ecotourism in Egypt In 2005 by Min-istry of Tourism / The Best Ecolodge international award by German Tour Operators 2007 & Hospitality Award 2011 Best Initiative in Sustainable Development & CSR.President: A. H. MoussaManaging Director: Ahmed MoussaSenior Administrator: Natalie Kyriazi

DESERT ECOLODGE - DAKHLA OASIS

Why did you choose this specific spot / location for your ecolodge?Desert lodge started as a dream of an ecolodge that symbolizes the history and essence of the place . Thus, the location was planned on a hill to widen exposure to all local natural surroundings with a hot spring nearby, but also with proximity to the old El Qasr Village and local markets. Most of those visiting saw the lodge thinking it was a historic castle which was the impact intended.

Who was involved in the planning and construction phase and what was the main source of inspiration in terms of architectural motifs and materials?Engineer Khaled Atman, a prominent architect and Engineer Khaled Lotfy, a prominent Civil Engineer were at the core of the planning on the tech-nical side with Ahmed Moussa, The Expert on eco desert tourism, guiding them into creating a an un-matched resort for tourists that combined the essence of the history of the place with modern luxuries. They have de-veloped a conceptual design and transformed it into tender drawings which were constructed in a participatory manner using local construction material and labor. Those workers had precious experience using natural local mate-

rials in constructing their homes with material such as mud, wood and palm leaves. Local labor was also involved in furnishing the ecolodge with items such as tables which were produced locally using on-site palm trees trunk.

Are local community members involved throughout operation phase as well?Almost all staff members were hired from neighboring communities and were all trained to meet international customer service standards, how-ever, keeping their local identity & culture via wearing traditional costumes.

Do you require English speaking labor only?No, only those working at reception and restaurant / café were required ability for basic communication in English.

Other than jobs, what other possible means can you offer to this group?Mrs. Ursina Ruegg, our Swiss Partner has been trying to develop direct con-tact with local people especially women. Her plan has been to correlate their needs and qualifications with the plans and targets of the ecolodge. Unfortunately, due to cultural considerations few have responded to her invitation to communicate.However, we were able to indirectly engage them by marketing some local products such as handicrafts, soap and dates by selling them at the bazaar inside the lodge but it still needed a lot of enhancement to meet the stan-dards of western tourists visiting the place.Natalie, the dynamic force and senior administrator of desert lodge, con-firms that regular open days are organized for environment activities such cleaning days of “ Al Qasr “ historical village in cooperation with local schools. The students, the main man-power potential for the future, are encour-


Winner of Best Ecolodge and the first medal for ecotourism in Egypt In 2005 by Min-istry of Tourism / The Best Ecolodge international award by German Tour Operators 2007 & Hospitality Award 2011 Best Initiative in Sustainable Development & CSR.President: A. H. MoussaManaging Director: Ahmed MoussaSenior Administrator: Natalie Kyriazi

DESERT ECOLODGE - DAKHLA OASIS

Why did you choose this specific spot / location for your ecolodge?Desert lodge started as a dream of an ecolodge that symbolizes the history and essence of the place . Thus, the location was planned on a hill to widen exposure to all local natural surroundings with a hot spring nearby, but also with proximity to the old El Qasr Village and local markets. Most of those visiting saw the lodge thinking it was a historic castle which was the impact intended.

Who was involved in the planning and construction phase and what was the main source of inspiration in terms of architectural motifs and materials?Engineer Khaled Atman, a prominent architect and Engineer Khaled Lotfy, a prominent Civil Engineer were at the core of the planning on the tech-nical side with Ahmed Moussa, The Expert on eco desert tourism, guiding them into creating a an un-matched resort for tourists that combined the essence of the history of the place with modern luxuries. They have de-veloped a conceptual design and transformed it into tender drawings which were constructed in a participatory manner using local construction material and labor. Those workers had precious experience using natural local mate-

rials in constructing their homes with material such as mud, wood and palm leaves. Local labor was also involved in furnishing the ecolodge with items such as tables which were produced locally using on-site palm trees trunk.

Are local community members involved throughout operation phase as well?Almost all staff members were hired from neighboring communities and were all trained to meet international customer service standards, how-ever, keeping their local identity & culture via wearing traditional costumes.

Do you require English speaking labor only?No, only those working at reception and restaurant / café were required ability for basic communication in English.

Other than jobs, what other possible means can you offer to this group?Mrs. Ursina Ruegg, our Swiss Partner has been trying to develop direct con-tact with local people especially women. Her plan has been to correlate their needs and qualifications with the plans and targets of the ecolodge. Unfortunately, due to cultural considerations few have responded to her invitation to communicate.However, we were able to indirectly engage them by marketing some local products such as handicrafts, soap and dates by selling them at the bazaar inside the lodge but it still needed a lot of enhancement to meet the stan-dards of western tourists visiting the place.Natalie, the dynamic force and senior administrator of desert lodge, con-firms that regular open days are organized for environment activities such cleaning days of “ Al Qasr “ historical village in cooperation with local schools. The students, the main man-power potential for the future, are encour-

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