finalreport ecotourism.docx
TRANSCRIPT
REPORT
REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON
IMPACT OF ECOTOURISM ON BIOSPHERE RESERVES SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT
13-15 NOVEMBER 2005
Jointly Organized and Sponsored By: - UNESCO OFFICE CAIRO/ Regional Office for Science and Technology for the Arab States - ARAB LEAGUE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATION - ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION - LAGUNA VISTA RESORT, Sharm El-Sheikh - THE REGIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE RED SEA & GULF OF ADEN - UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME/ Regional Office for Western Asia
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction ....................................................................................3 A. Background on UNESCO MAB and Ecotourism .....................3 B. The ArabMAB (Man and Biosphere Reserves) ..............................4 II. The Workshop ...............................................................................4 A. Opening Session ..............................................................................5 B. Account of Proceedings ..................................................................6 1- General Presentations ..................................................................7 2- Case Studies ...........................................................................8 3- Working Groups .........................................................................10 4- Working Groups Presentations And Discussions ...................11 5. Other Initiatives .........................................................................13 C. Closing Session ............................................................................13 III. Conclusion ..................................................................................14 IV. Recommendations ....................................................................15
ANNEXES I. Letter of Invitation ................................................................17 II. Agenda ..................................................................................18 III. List of Participants ...................................................................19
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I . INTRODUCTION A. BACKGROUND ON UNESCO -MAB AND ECOTOURISM UNESCO-Man and Biosphere seeks to integrate ecotourism activities in the planning and management of biosphere reserves as a tool of ecosystem conservation, cultural diversity and local development of the respective States as described in UNESCO’s contribution to the World Ecotourism Summit (Quebec City, Canada, May 2002). Activities include intellectual contributions, the promotion of ethical principles and the concrete testing of approaches to sustainable tourism at the field level. This includes both normative and standard-setting functions. The origin of Biosphere Reserves goes back to the "Biosphere Conference" organized by UNESCO in 1968, the first intergovernmental conference to seek to reconcile the conservation and use of natural resources, thereby foreshadowing the present-day notion of sustainable development. Also to establish terrestrial and coastal areas representing the main ecosystems of the planet in which genetic resources would be protected, and where research on ecosystems as well as monitoring and training work could be carried out. The "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Programme was officially launched by UNESCO in 1970. One of the MAB projects consisted in establishing a coordinated world network of new protected areas, to be designated as "Biosphere Reserves", in reference to the programme itself. Other Organizations such as UNEP and PERSGA have taken initiative to establish protected areas to conserve and protect eco land and marine ecosystem with objective to achieve environmental sustainability. Biosphere Reserves therefore play the role of special areas in which innovative approaches to sustainable development are demonstrated at the global level. Not only will they be a means for the people who live and work within and around them to attain a balanced relationship with the natural world; they should also explore ways to meet the basic needs of society towards a more sustainable future. For further information, please refer to: www.unesco.org/mab/ Fragile ecosystems, local, traditional cultures and the whole ecotourism industry present a major challenge to the management and protection of BRs in this context which comply why the UN has declared the International Year of Ecotourism 2002. The objective of the MAB Programme to contribute to a consensus on the benefits of ecotourism through dedicated international co-operation and networking. The UNESCO MAB Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves seek to help guide tourism towards a more sustainable path. Examples of ongoing ALECSO, ISESCO, UNEP and PERSGA activities on the environment especially in biosphere reserves at the national, regional and international levels include projects to test the draft UNEP/CBD International Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism, capacity building and training programmes, research and case studies on ecotourism. The Organization activities consist of an active partner in the Tour Operators Initiative (TOI) and collaborate with several other UNESCO initiatives in the area of sustainable tourism ranging from the promotion of strategies for sustainable tourism development for poverty reduction in the Sahara to the development of cultural tourism in the mountainous regions of Central Asia and the Himalayas.
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B. THE ARAB MAB The UNESCO-MAB activities are coordinated on the regional level by the Arab MAB Network of biosphere reserves that was launched through the Amman Declaration in 1997. It was guided by the Arab Declaration on Environment and Development, the Recommendations of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992) and the Seville Strategy on Biosphere Reserves (1995). The network activities include the following:
(a) Undertake comparative studies in the Arab MAB Member States. (b) Identify and establish biosphere reserves and transboundary biosphere reserves in
the Member States that act as loci for sustainable development. (c) Develop and implement pilot projects. (d) Organizing training activities and capacity building programs. (e) Facilitate exchange of information between different stakeholders. (f) Increase biodiversity awareness among the public.
II. The Workshop
Within the framework of the Ecological and Earth Sciences Programme at UNESCO Cairo Office, a Regional Workshop on the Impact of Ecotourism activities on Biosphere Reserves was organized jointly in partnership with The Arab League Educational, Cultural & Scientific Organization (ALECSO), The Islamic Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (ISESCO), The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) and The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The workshop aims to build the capacities of the Member States policy-makers as well as managers operating in the Biosphere Reserves, experts of the tourism business sector and representatives of the local communities in the field of Ecotourism. The workshop’s main objective is to develop an Ecotourism consensus among stakeholders to facilitate efficient communication and co-operation. Thus increase their involvement in the development and implementation of regional and national policies based on sustainable practices. This report reviews the key issues discussed in the Regional Workshop on the Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Region and presents the salient points of the substantive material prepared for the Meeting
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A. OPENING SESSION
The workshop began on November 12, 2005 with opening addresses by representative of the organizing agencies and institutes. Dr. Mohamed Abdulrazzak - Director of UNESCO Office in Cairo opened the workshop by welcoming the partners on behalf of Mr. Kiochiro Matsura UNESCO Director-General. He stressed on the importance of establishing and developing Ecotourism in the Arab Region, developing the accompanying services and infrastructure and wildlife and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized the commitment of UNESCO in building the Member States capacities in the field of Ecotourism, income generating activities and respect of local cultures and knowledge through the implementation of initiative with other regional Organizations such as ALECSO, ISESCO, PERSGA and MAB to develop training guidlines on the promotion of ecotourism on BRs. He recommended the establishment of an advisory group on ecotourism that can work on the development of an Arab Guideline Training Manual on Ecotourism. Mr. Safwat Salem, Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, expressed his pleasure for attending the meeting. He also highlighted the harmonious coordination between the Egyptian Government and UNESCO in the framework of the Egyptian National Commission work plan that focuses on the contribution to biodiversity conservation efforts, the reinforcement of sustainable development through the regional network of biosphere reserves the ArabMAB, and enhancing the links between biological diversity and cultural diversity. He stressed the role of universities in training, transfer of knowledge and advancement of education for a sustainable development.
Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency representative stated the importance of tourism development in Egypt, specifically ecotourism in view of the exceptional network of protected areas that comprises 24 protectorate representing 10% of the Egyptian territory. He stressed the efforts of the Egyptian Government in building the capacities of ecotour guides through the EEAA training center in Sharm Al Sheikh and the important role that biosphere reserves play in the context of sustainable development, poverty eradication, biodiversity conservation and support to local communities. Mr. Ibrahim also called for the development of an ecotourism strategy for the Arab Region and the establishment of an Arab network for Protectorates that groups both biosphere reserves and protected areas in its membership.
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Mr. Saleh Al Meshri, The Arab League Educational, Cultural & Scientific Organization representative has accentuated the successful role of partnerships between the International, Regional and National organization in developing an Ecotourism Strategy for the Arab Region. Ms. Aicha Bammun, The Islamic Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization representative emphasized the importance of the balance between biodiversity conservation and ecotourism development. She explained that such a balance is currently embedded in ISESCO work plan and therefore, this workshop consistently received the attention of the organization. Mr. Adel Shukri, Laguna Vista Resort representative and head of the South Sinai Chamber of Hotels underlined the importance of building partnerships with the private sector in Egypt and in all Arab Countries. He called the participants attention to the necessity of avoiding unplanned tourism development and highlighted the role played by the tourism private sector entities in beach cleaning and disseminating the sectors’ best practices. Mr. Ghassan Jaradi, the ArabMAB Chairman was called upon to make a short speech in which he stressed on the importance of developing the ecotourism infrastructure in all Arab States. He also shed light on the importance of conducting further studies and researches in the field of ecotourism in the region.
B. ACCOUNT OF PROCEEDINGS
Mr. Mohamed Al-Aawah, Ecological and Earth Sciences Programme Specialist at UNESCO Office in Cairo introduced the participants on the aims of the workshop and discussed the proposed agenda. He explained that this meeting is the first step in the development of strategy for Ecotourism in the Arab Region. He urges the participants to actively participate in the discussions and the working group sessions. Most of the first day sessions were devoted to general presentations from the ArabMab members and representative of the organizing and participating agencies. These presentations were followed by case studies from the participating countries.
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1. General Presentations Mr. Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi,( ArabMaB Chairman) gave a presentation on “The Impact of Ecotourism in Arab Countries on Biological Diversity”. He indicated that ecotourism is in its infancy stage in the Arab countries and provided details on the ecotourism activities practiced in the Arab region and their impacts on biological diversity. He also elaborated that more visits to underexploited sites can increase the educational effect of ecotourism. He concluded by emphasizing on the importance of conducting impact assessment and the need to carry out capacity studies in the planning phase of ecotourism and carrying out the monitoring and evaluation studies throughout the life of the ecotourism projects.
Ms. Boshra Salem, (ArabMAB Secretary) addressed the issue of “Ecotourism Management in Biosphere Reserves”. She elaborated on the definition of Biosphere Reserves, their objectives and functions as it came in the Seville strategy and the following Seville+5. She then presented the several UNESCO initiatives and joint activities that seek to promote the ecotourism culture that is based on common sense and the rational use of natural resources and cultural assets. She discussed the ways in which the concepts of ecotourism and biosphere reserves go together, and what are the difficult aspects to ecotourism in the management of Biosphere Reserves. She concluded by suggesting the formulation of a project on Ecotourism development in Biosphere Reserves in Arab countries. The project aims are to offer information and education about environment friendly and sustainable forms of ecotourism to provide tourism services for tourists , and to strengthen the capacity for ecotourism and biodiversity management , and to establish a scientific monitoring system to understand the ecosystem carrying capacity and critical ecosystem elements for resilience.
Mr. Habis Samawi (UNEP ROWA Consultant) in his presentation suggested an initiative taken by UNEP to “Develop Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management”, as an applicable model of ecotourism in the Arab Region in the hotels business, as a main component of the tourism sector. He then reported the functional relation between tourism and the environment, society and the economy. He also presented the basic concepts of ecotourism and sustainability as well as leading examples of ecotourism in the Arab Region such as Dana Biosphere Reserve (Jordan), Siwa Oasis (Egypt) and Al Chouf Protected Area (Lebanon). Mr. Samawi concluded with the various applications of sustainable and ecotourism in the hotels business and their implications on water and energy consumption, wastewater and urban waste disposal, landscapes and food & beverage in relation to the local production.
Ms. Cherine Khallaf (UNESCO Consultant) presentation on “Ecotourism in the Arab Region, Concepts and Principles” consisted of demonstrating some of the preliminary results of a larger study she’s currently conducting for UNESCO Cairo Office on the Diagnosis of Ecotourism potentials in the Arab Region. She illustrated the elements of a successful ecotourism experience and divided the experience into three phases: (a) the anticipation phase, (b) the trip, (c) the memorization phase and explained the different levels of information required in each phase as well as the various products that could be consumed. She presented the results of a questionnaire circulated on the biosphere reserves and protected areas representing 22 cases from 9 Arab States. The results included the identification of the various stakeholders and the roles played by each category, an analysis of the informative sources on ecotourism and the available tourism facilities in the parks, parks accessibility
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indicators, levels of interaction of visitors with the local populations and levels of visitors’ satisfaction from an ecotourism experience.
Mr. Adel Abdullah (EEAA Representative) presented in the first place the global lines of an ecotourism development plan that includes the vision, the general objectives, legislations and law enforcement measures risk assessment studies, decision making process, implementation, monitoring and adaptive management. He then highlighted the various outdoors activities that make part of the ecotourism in protected areas, the informative sources provided by the EEAA on all protected areas and facilities available.
Ms. Carmela Grillone, (CISS NGO) started by introducing to the audience ‘Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud’ as an Italian NGO with more than 20 years of experience in development. She then illustrated the main features of the ecotourism project in Fayoum Governorate such as the objectives, funding , beneficiaries, etc… with regard to the specificity of the place and in respect of ecotourism principles.
Ms. Costanza De Simone, (UNESCO Consultant) discussed the Initiatives to Support Eco-Transboundary Tourism Development in Ancient Nubia. She briefly introduced the joint project between the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and UNESCO named “A Bridge on The Nile” that aims at: 1) establishing the Nubia Musuem at Wadi Half (Sudan); 2) Conserving the archeological sites of Qasr Ibrim (Egypt) and Nuri (Sudan); and; 3) Developing the area between the first and third cataract in both Egypt and Sudan as a transboundary ecotourism area. The project draws upon both the cultural and archeological value of the site to develop a transboundary ecotourism in the project intervention area while developing and rehabilitating this area preserving its cultural diversity and creating new opportunities for transboundary cooperation between the two States.
Mr. Mohamed Al Aawah (Program Specialist, UNESCO) gave presentation on the Community Based Ecotourism. He stressed on the importance of preserving the traditional cultures of the local community in the development of ecotourism project. He then raised important issues pertinent to the development of ecotourism strategies such as motivations, stakeholders, regional integration, capacities required, etc…Moving closely to the concept of Community Based Ecotourism, Mr. Al Aawah demonstrated the preconditions that determine its success. He concluded by highlighting a number of elements related to Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives such as participation, management, decision making and partnership.
2. CASE STUDIES:
Mr. Zouhir Ballalou (Algeria) presented a Case Study on M’zab et Elménea Valley The case included the important features of the site considered a cultural heritage site at the National level since 1971 and Internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Mr. Tamer Saber (Egypt) The report presented the currently in-place ecotourism activities and attractions in the Egyptian North Coast biosphere reserve of Omayed such as Al Maghra Oasis, the state of biological diversity in the area , extended beaches with rather high accommodation capacities, safari trips, handicrafts and archeological sites.
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Mr. Ashraf Salem (Egypt) gave presentation on the development of Ecotourism in Wadi Allaqi BR of Egypt. He illustrated how the remoteness of the site and low accessibility on one hand helped preserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage but on the other hand is an obstacle to ecotourism development.
Mr. Wael Ibrahim Hassan (Egypt) in his presentation on Opportunities for Tourism in St. Katherine Protectorate highlighted the status of the 4th largest protected area in Egypt, famous for its important religious attractions such as St. Katherine Monastery and Mount Sinai (declared as a World Heritage Site in 2002) and therefore heavily visited by tourists of all kinds (300,000.- tourist in 2000). It was interesting to see how the protectorate management plan succeeded in converting part of the mass tourism into ecotourism. Ms. Lina Yamout (Lebanon). The Lebanese case focused on the institutional and management structures of nature reserves in Lebanon. It also shed light on the ecotourism resources available or being developed at Al Chouf biosphere reserve and their socio-economic impact on the area.
Mr. Farag Abdulrahmman (Libya) reported on The Green Mountain Ecosystem and Conservation: Al Kouf National Park. The report explained that the present conservation measures are expected to improve the habitats and improve the well being of the population once KNP is declared a biosphere reserve.
Mr. Nasser Al Mukheiny (Oman). This case shed the light on the need of an ecotourism management plan to avoid the adverse effects that tourism can have on biodiversity. It also detailed a number of important tourism management tools.
Mr. Emad Al-Atrash (Palestine). The Palestinian case study focused on the ecotourism attractions in the occupied territories and biodiversity. It also highlighted the efforts deployed to develop ecotourism and conserve biodiversity in Palestine and the specific challenges imposed by the Separation Wall.
Mr. Ahmed Al Boog (K.S.A.) . The Saudi case stressed on the economic importance of the international tourism industry and presented important facts and figures on ecotourism. It also detailed the Saudi National Strategy for Sustainable tourism that integrates tourism development plans with the wildlife preservation through the various public institutions. Mr Sanad Bin Soliman (Sudan). The report highlighted the status of protectorates in Sudan with a closer look at Dinder biosphere reserve. More light was shed on the alternative energy initiatives in the biosphere reserve and the community based initiatives.
Ms. Mayada Saad and Ms. Nuha Tamim (Syria). The report brought to light the important features of biodiversity in a large number of Syrian protectorates. In the second part, the case study on Deir Mar Moussa Protectorate was presented. It was illustrated how the site’s ecotourism development plan relied on natural, cultural and social resources as well as infrastructure.
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Salah Al Din Gannouni (Tunisia). The report highlighted the growing pressures resulting from tourism in Tunisia and the ecotourism approaches adopted by the national authorities. In view of the restraints on ecotourism, the report illustrated the indicators developed allowing to monitor ecotourism in Tunisia. In respect of Bouhedma National Park, the report detailed the ecotourism plan clarifying the objectives of ecotourism, the detailed analysis of pros and cons, the available tourism products and the targeted visitors of the park.
Saif Al Ghais (UAE). The case exposed the process by which the UAE Government came to form a sustainable tourism task force in 2002 in view of the biodiversity loss that occurred due to the development of mass tourism with very high lodging capacities and enormous infrastructure in UAE.
Abdulrahman Al Erayani (Yemen). The case presented a detailed inventory of the rich biodiversity in Socotra Archipelago and the efforts of SCDP and BirdLife in bird surveys. There are however threats to the habitats and wildlife of Socotra such as uncontrolled development, overgrazing, woodland clearance and the disturbance to bird nesting areas. Fortunately, a Zoning Plan identifying six biodiversity reserves has led to a major conservation programme. All plans were made in full consultation with all stakeholders, Regional expertise deployed, local team were formed and Socotra conservation fund established. The report also detailed the implementation challenges like management community expectations, delays, slow development of local skills and capacities, tribal conflicts, financial sustainability, tourism marketing and political support required.
3. WORKING GROUPS In order to ensure active participation of all experts to contribute with their national, regional and international experience, two working groups were formed. The participants were asked to freely sign in the two groups focusing on Ecotourism Management in Biosphere Reserves (Group 1) and Ecotourism and Local Communities (Group 2). (Refer to annex 2 for group sign-in list) A number of guiding questions for each group were previously prepared in order to facilitate and bring a discussion issue of each of the working groups. These questions were structured as follows: Group 1: Ecotourism Management in Biosphere Reserves: ? What are guidelines for developing ecotourism in the BRs? ? What are the different stakeholders motivations for developing Ecotourism? ? And are these motivations conflicting? ? What is the role of Certification and Eco-labels in developing and promoting
Ecotourism? Group 2: Ecotourism and Local Communities: ? What impact does Ecotourism have on the local communities? ? To what extent should they be involved in the Ecotourism planning, implementation
and monitoring? ? Can Ecotourism create a sense of ownership among the local community? ? Does Ecotourism as an income generating activity jeopardize the local cultural values?
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? What are the risks of commoditization? The two groups were moderated by Mr. Mohamed Al Awah, Ms. Cherine Khallaf (UNESCO), Mr. Farid Busheri (UNEP) and Mr. Abdullah Alsuhaibany (PERSGA) which resulted in extensive discussion on the concept of ecotourism and its relation to the environment in the Arab world. 4. WORKING GROUPS PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS: Each group was granted time to present the results of their work in plenary followed by an open discussion that raised a lot of interesting issues as follows: Group 1: Ecotourism Management in Biosphere Reserves: Chairman: Dr. Ghassan Jaradi (Chair of Arab MAB Committee) Raporteur: Lina Yamout (Lebanon) Ms. Lina Yamout reported on the group’s work results replying to the guiding questions. The group identified the various stakeholders and their motivations that might be in conflict at times and in symbiosis at other times. In the group’s opinion, ecotourism management is to be preceded by stakeholders analysis. Decision makers should orient programs on conservation and the sustainable use of resources at the center of their interest in order to promote the local economy while the local communities considered the improvement of the living standard and the protection of local culture at the top of their priorities. The private sector’s primary motivation is to increase their investments in lucrative projects. On the other hand, the group identified the interests of the visitors as the enrichment of their experiences and to ensure the quality of their trips whereas the researchers are mostly interested in ecotourism projects that allow them to conduct scientific research and studies. An environmental evaluation of the sites of interest was thought to be indispensable. Such an evaluation should include:
(a) Natural resources (biological diversity assessment, scenic landscapes, geographical features).
(b) Cultural resources that includes archeological sites, exhibitions, folklore and cultural local products.
These efforts should also be accompanied by the identification of the institutional structures, framework and capacities (policies, strategies, laws, directives, …). Some important ecotourism management tools were identified by the group and approved in the open discussions like site zonation, regulated ecotourism activities on the site, the required infrastructure that is based on EIA, carrying capacity and Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) studies, staffing and training requirements, involvement of local communities, sensitization and environmental awareness strategies in the biosphere reserve, the development of the adequate indicators for monitoring and evaluation that tend to be site specific, developing an ecotourism marketing plan for the site and last but not least developing the financial plan that would allow the viability and sustainability of ecotourism projects and their financial contribution to biodiversity conservation efforts in the biosphere reserve.
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Some of the interests of the different stakeholders were judged to be conflicting in many cases such as the local communities and site administration actions, the tourists’ activities and the carrying capacity of the sites, the interests of both investors and decision makers when it comes to inappropriate and unsuitable development to maximize economic revenues. Therefore, the group thought that the best approach to resolve these conflicts is to clarify the benefits of ecotourism. They have classified them into direct benefits that include being a source of income to Biosphere reserves and to local communities through job creation which will help the promotion and preservation of the sites. The indirect benefits included the reduction of rural migration, development of the local economy (Hotels, restaurants, transportation, agricultural products..), being a catalyst for financial support, the development of new skills (different languages, services, revival of traditional products..) and the cultural interaction between host-guest communities in addition to the sense of pride and ownership among the local communities and raising their environmental awareness.
Finally, the group briefly discussed the role of certification schemes and eco-labels in developing and promoting ecotourism projects in biosphere reserves. They judged them to be an important tool for the promotion and marketing of the site, offering a better appreciation of the site and its resources and improving the quality of visits. They were also retained important to raise awareness about conservation and enhance reliability and credibility of ecotourism in the biosphere reserves.
Group 2: Ecotourism and Local Communities in Biosphere Reserves: Chairman: Mr. Emad Al-Atrash (Palestine) Raporteur: Mr. Adel Abdullah (Egypt) Mr. Abdulallah expressed the groups’ conviction that ecotourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the local communities. The positive impacts were thought to be economic including income generation, educational impact, valorization of ecotourism sites, job creation and the development of the local economy based on local resources. From a social point of view, these impacts include women empowerment and their involvement in decision making processes, infrastructure improvement, enhancement of social values, empowering the local communities, creating a sense of ownership and raising the visitors’ awareness about the area. On the cultural level, it was thought that ecotourism increases the cultural interaction between the host-guest communities, develop new skills among the locals and increase their involvement in biodiversity conservation efforts. On the other hand, the negative impacts cited were wildlife disturbance, natural resources exploitation and unsustainable use, the introduction of new social and cultural values, allowing unsustainable livelihoods in the community which are based on lucrative projects, safety disturbances caused by the increasing numbers of visitors, Based on the previous analysis, the group thought that the involvement of local communities can help reduce the negative impacts to the minimum. Such an involvement should start from the planning phase through committees formed from the local community representatives. Training was judged as an important element that increases the chances of local community involvement in the implementation phase whereas; the sense of ownership can increase their involvement in monitoring activities. Therefore, the optimization of the positive benefits from ecotourism and the equitable distribution of such benefits were retained to be tools to develop the sense of ownership among the local community.
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5. OTHER INITIATIVES: Prior to the working group presentations, a questionnaire prepared by UNESCO Cairo Office was distributed to participants, containing questions pertinent to the Strategies to Develop Ecotourism in all Member States. The participants were free to return the filled in questionnaire with answers that express their own personal opinions and not the official national views. The replies received from Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Yemen and Oman all indicated a good potential and a genuine interest in ecotourism development in these countries. The questionnaire included the various motivations for developing ecotourism, the main obstacles to its development, the identification of the resources available in each Member State and their sustainability. The participants were also asked about the likelihood of developing ecotourism in their countries and the various impacts resulting from it. C. CLOSING SESSION The Organizers thanked all participants for their contribution in the success of the workshop through presentation of case studies, their active role in enriching the discussions and the results of the working groups.
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III. CONCLUSION In order to guarantee the continuity and the follow-up on the workshop objectives, the Organizers side discussions resulted in the following workshop resolutions:
1- An ad-hoc Advisory Committee was formed from a number of participants comprising of experts, BR and private sector representatives. The Advisory Committee is required to develop its work guided by the discussions generated in this workshop and the results of the working groups. A number of participants were selected for the Committee membership in view of their expertise, while the adhesion to the committee was open to all interested participants.
2- It was agreed that Organizers will act as the Secretariat to the ad-hoc Committee.
Their side discussions resulted in the development of the Committee’s T.O.R. for the coming period as follows: a) Advising on the baseline studies required and setting the principle guidelines
necessary for the development of a comprehensive Strategy on Ecotourism in the Arab Region.
b) Developing a project for the Training of Trainers in the field of Ecotourism.
3- The Secretariat is committed to offer technical support to the Advisory Committee in carrying out their tasks. Further financial support or fund raising efforts in the service of the Advisory Committee will be considered in due time and in light of the Organizers abilities.
(Refer to the minutes of Advisory Committee : annex 3)
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IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is with great appreciation that the participants of the Regional Workshop on the Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 12-16 November 2005, express their recognition for the Government of both the host country Egypt and UNESCO Cairo Office. The participants specifically are thankful to the workshop Organizers namely:
- ALECSO - ISESCO - PERSGA - UNEP - LAGUNA VISTA RESORT- Sharm El Sheikh
Taking into account the World Summit on Ecotourism held in Canada, May 2002 that stressed on the importance that sustainable ecotourism must support the economic, social and environmental activities; according to the Seville Strategy and its Statutory framework, as well as Seville +5 meeting in Pamplona that established the role of biosphere reserves as the laboratories of sustainable development and encouraged quality economies and environment friendly tourist products, income generating and reconciling nature preservation with development, the Regional Workshop on the Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 12- 16 November 2005. We, the participants of the Regional Workshop on the Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves recommend:
1- That the importance of developing a strategy for ecotourism in the biosphere reserves in the Arab region should be highlighted. The strategy is to be developed in light of the experiences and based on expertise available within the International and Regional Organizations and the National Governments. A functional mechanism for the strategy implementation should be reached as well to guide National Governments in the process of developing national ecotourism strategies.
2- That National policies and legislations in support of ecotourism activities in
biosphere reserves and natural parks be enhanced by providing the required support for their implementation.
3- That we consider the role of local communities, as central and therefore, we
urge the enhancement of their participatory role in biosphere reserves management and biodiversity preservation as a resources for further Arab and International sustainable ecotourism.
4- That the importance of the training offered to eco-tour guides and the
ecotourism staff in the biosphere reserves should be stressed to improve their contribution to biodiversity conservation and optimize the benefits of ecotourism development in biosphere reserves through the work of biodiversity conservation training centers in the Arab Region.
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5- The establishment of various communication channels with the Arab media within the framework on the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development (DESD 2005-2014) contributing to raising the environmental awareness on the benefits of ecotourism development in the Arab Region.
6- To build partnerships with the tourism private sector in order to attract
investments in sustainable tourism, ensuring their participation in social and economic management of biosphere reserves in view sustainable development goals.
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ANNEXES ANNEX-I
LETTER OF INVITATION
SUBJECT : Workshop on “The Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves in the Arab States” 13-15 November, 2005 Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Dear Dr., I am pleased to inform you that, within the framework of UNESCO Earth Sciences activities, UNESCO Cairo Office (UCO) jointly with ALECSO, ISESCO, UNEP and PERSGA are organizing an Expert Meeting on “The Impact of Ecotourism on Biosphere Reserves” in the Arab States. Please find below some relevant information regarding this activity. 1. This meeting will be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt during the period from 13-15
November, 2005. 2. We would like you to actively participate in the meeting. After the completion of the
meeting, you are kindly requested to submit a brief summary report on your participation and achievements from this meeting.
3. Your travel expenses (a round trip air ticket) will be covered by UNESCO Cairo Office according to UNESCO regulations and rules.
4. You are not to be considered as an agent or member of staff of UNESCO, and shall not be entitled to any privileges, immunities, compensation or reimbursements, except as otherwise provided herein, nor are you authorized to commit UNESCO to any expenditures or other obligations.
5. You shall undertake full responsibility for the purchase of any insurance, which may be necessary in respect of accidents or sickness. UNESCO assumes no responsibility for compensation in the event of sickness, accident, death or disability of a grantee, nor does it arrange for insurance of a grantee or reimburse premiums paid therefore.
6. If the conditions set forth are acceptable, kindly sign this letter of invitation and fax it back to us (+202-7945296) no later than October 20, 2005.
Signed on Behalf of UNESCO: Mohamed J. Abdulrazzak Date: Director UNESCO Cairo Office The Contractor Date:
ANNEX-II
Workshop AGENDA
12 November 18:00 - 19:30 Arrival and Early Registration 19:30 - 20:30 Reception 13 November 08:30 - 09:00 Registration 09:00 - 10:00 Opening Ceremony 10:00 - 10:30 Coffee Break Morning Session (General Presentations) 10:30 - 10:50 Status of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Region Ghassan Jaradi, (MAB Bureau) 10:50 -11:10 Ecotourism Management in Biosphere Reserves Boshra Salem (MAB Bureau) 11:10 - 11:20 Discussion 11:20 - 11:40 Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management Habis Samawi, UNEP 11:40 - 12:00 Ecotourism in the Arab Region: Concepts & Principles Cherine Khallaf (University of Rome "La Sapienza") 12:00 - 12:10 Discussion 12:10 - 12:30 Ecotourism in Biodiversity Conservation Moustafa Fouda (EEAA) 12:30 - 12:35 Discussion 12:35 - 14:00 Lunch Afternoon Session (Case Studies) 14:00 - 14:20 Guiding Principles for Ecotourism Mohamed Abdulrazzak, UNESCO 14:20 - 14: 40 Initiatives to Support Eco-Transboundary Tourism Development in Ancient Nubia Costanza De Simone, UNESCO 14:40 - 15: 00 Ecotourism and Local Communities Mohamed Al-Aawah , UNESCO 15:00 - 15:15 Discussion 15:15 - 15:30 Coffee Break Case Studies 15:30 - 15:45 Algeria - Mr. Bellalo Zohair 15:45 - 16:00 Egypt - Mr. Mohamed Essawy
14 November Morning Session (Case Studies) 09:00 - 09:15 Oman - Mr. Nasser Al-Mukhainy 09:15 - 09:30 Palestine- Mr. Nader Al-Khatib 09:30 - 09:45 K.S.A. - Mr. Ahmed Boug/Mr. Saad Al Kahtani 09:45 - 10:00 Discussion 10:00 - 10:15 Sudan - Mr. Sanad Bin Suliman 10:15 - 10:30 Syria - Ms. Mayada Saad / Nuha Tamim 10:30 - 10:45 Tunisia - Mr. Salah Al-Din Gannouni 10:45 - 11:00 Discussion 11:00 -11:15 Coffee Break 11:15 - 11:30 U.A.E. - Mr. Seif Mohamed Al-Gheis 11:30 - 11:45 Yemen - Mr. Abdul-Rahman Fadhel Al-Eryani 11:45 - 12:00 Discussion 12:00 - 12:15 Sign up for Working Groups 12:15 - 13:00 Working Group 13:00 - 14:30 Lunch Break Afternoon Session (Working Groups) 14:30 - 16:00 Working Groups 16:00 - 16:30 Coffee Break 16:30 - 18:00 Working Groups 15 November Morning Session (Plenary) 09:00 - 09:30 Presentation of Working Group 1 Report 09:30 - 09:45 Discussion 09:45 - 10:15 Presentation of Working Group 2 Report 10:15 - 10:30 Discussion 10:30 - 11:00 Presentation of Working Group 3 Report 11:00 - 11:15 Discussion 11:15 - 11:30 Coffee Break 11:30 - 11:45 Selection of Advisory Group 11:45 - 13:00 Recommendations and Closing Afternoon Session(Meetings) 14:00 - 15:00 Advisory group Meeting
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16:00 - 16:15 Jordan - Mr. Abdullah Abu Awalli 16:15 - 16:30 Discussion 16:30 - 16:45 Lebanon - Ms. Lina Yamout 16:45 - 17:00 Libya - Mr. Saleh Al-Mashry 17:00 - 17:15 Discussion
Secretariat of Advisory Group 15:00 - 15:15 Break 15:15 - 16:00 Secretariat and Advisory Group Joint Meeting
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ANNEX-III List of Participants
Organizers / Sponsors Name Tel / Fax Email ALECSO Mr. Saleh El-Mashri Tel: +218-21-3406781 / 84
Fax: +218-21-3406780 Mob.00218913216043
ISESCO Ms. Aicha Bammoun Tel: 21237713267 / 713266 / 772433 Fax: 21237715321 / 777459 / 772058
Laguna Vista Mr. Adel Shoukry Tel: 0020101027146 [email protected] PERSGA Mr. Abdulla h Suhaibany Tel: +96626573224
Fax: +96626521901 [email protected]
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UNESCO Mr. Mohamed J. Abdulrazzak Tel: 002027945599 / 7943036 Fax: 002027945296
Mr. Mohamed Al-Aawah [email protected] Ms. Costanza De Simone [email protected] Ms. Dina Elwan [email protected] UNEP Mr. Fareed Bushehri Tel: +97317812770
Fax: +97317825111 [email protected]
Countries Algeria Mr. Bellalo Zouhir Tel: 0021329884454
Fax: 0021329882548 [email protected]
Bahrain Mr. Habis Al-Samawi Tel: 00973-39224300 Fax: 00973-17449655
Egypt Mr. Ashraf Husssein Ibrahim Tel: 0020972312760 / 0020107198818 Fax: 0020972312760
Mr. Adel Sulliman
Tel: 002025248792 Fax: 002025248792
Ms. Boshra Salem
Tel: 002035457698 Fax: 002033911794
Ms. Cherine Khallaf
[email protected] [email protected]
Mr. Ikramy Elabassery
Tel: 0020972264335 Fax: 0020972312760
Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim
Tel: 0020123836422 Fax: 00202-5248792 / 5251539
Mr. Mohamed Safwat Salem
Tel: 0020124405695 Fax: 002027924113
Mr. Safwat El Hossiny
Tel: 002026854785 Fax: 002026854785
Mr. Tamer Saber
Tel: 002046475070 / 0020123144825 Fax: 0020464750899
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Mr. Wael Ibrahim Hasan Tel: 0020105059026 [email protected] Italy Ms. Carmela Grillone
Tel: 002027941534 Fax: 002027941534
Lebanon Mr. Ghassan Jaradi Tel: 009613689840 [email protected] Ms. Lina Yamout Tel: 009611976555
Fax: 009611976530 [email protected]
Libya Mr. Farag S. Abdulrahman Tel: 00218-21-3618955 Fax: 00218-91-3129009
Mr. Mohamed Faisal Ashour Tel: 00218-33639451 [email protected] Oman Mr. Nasser Al-Mukhaini Tel: 00968-99360361 / 24693922
Fax: 24602285 [email protected]
Palestine Mr. Emad Al-Atrash Tel: +97022774373 Fax: +97022774373
Mr. Khalil Nijem Tel: +970022973010 Fax: +970022973012
Mr. Nader Khateeb
Tel: 0522875022 Fax: 02-2745968
Saudi Arabia Mr. Abdul-Rahman Khoga
Tel: 0096627455188 Fax: 00966502712405
Mr. Adel Kusti Tel: 0096626517832 Fax: 0096626525424
Mr. Ahmed Boug
Tel: 0505328093 Fax: 027455176
Mr. Saad Mohamed Al-Qahtani
Tel: 0096655447050 Fax: 0096614410797
Mr. Ziad Daghistani
Tel: +966555645232 Fax: +96626511424
Sudan
Mr. Sanad Sulliman Bin Sulliman
Tel: 0912310520 Fax: 0564524155
Syria Ms. Mayada Saad Tel: 093474052 Fax: 4461079
Ms. Nuha Tamim Tel: 093474052 [email protected]
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Fax: 4461079 Tunisia Mr. Salah Eddine Gannouni Tel: 0021671704000 /
0021697441332 Fax: 0021671704340
U.A.E. Mr. Seif Al-Ghais Tel: +971506513513 Fax: +971072354288
Yemen Abdul Rahman Al-Eryani Tel: 425310 Fax: 425309 / Ministry: 418285
Anwar Al-Hemyari Tel: 00967711615126 Fax: 009671207817