A Model Of Eco-Tourism And Sustainable Agriculture In South Sinai  Country And Location :
Egypt – South Sinai –Ras Sudr - Ras Matarma   .RAS MATARMA .SINAI-EGYPT  .RAS MATARMA.  The project is located in Ras Matarma Area in Ras Sudr, South Sinai Governorate in a very distinct location, having what looks like several natural beautiful lakes and a peninsula with a magnificent scenery opened to the Red Sea. The height of the water in this area is affected by the movement of the high and low tide which is considered one of the natural phenomena which people like to watch and observe, for it is a kind of natural connection between the moon and the sea. The place is considered a refuge for different kinds and shapes of emigrant birds, according to the season of each. The project lies in the heart of touristic villages area in Ras Sudr which extends for more than 60 kilometers to the south and 60 kilometers to the north of the location of the project. The location is only 190 kilometers from the City of Cairo (i.e. less than two hours drive) and is 300 kilometers away from Sharm El Sheikh and 220 kilometers from Sainte Catherine; thus located is in the heart of Sinai. The location enjoys a wonderful weather all year round; dry in winter and in summer, thus encouraging domestic tourism to spend weekends, and global tourism throughout the year and not just in one season . Average ambient temp. 20C in Winter & 35C in Summer , Average humidity 57-62% and wind speed 3-4 meter / sec.
It is also planned within two years to have an airport in Ras Sudr City to serve the large growth in tourism.This will encourage the arrival of foreign groups from all countries of the world who seek relaxation, quiet and nature. The location of this airport shall be about 10 kilometers from the location of the project .
Local Implementing Partner : 1. Ecogroup for Touristic projects. 2. Set El Hossn foundation for sustainable development NGO ( under establishment). 1. OVERALL OBJECTIVE The overall objective of the Project is to contribute to the poverty alleviation of Beduins in South Sinai Governorate by creating employment and protecting the cultural and natural heritage through ecotourism and sustainable agriculture. 2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE The specific objective is to develop the sustainable eco- tourism sector by : Developing Sustainable agriculture in the desert by the growth of olive trees applying modern permaculture techniques. Promoting agribusiness of olive products e.g. olive oil, pickles and Soap by establishing a factory for pickling the olives and an olive oil refinery thus supporting the development of local SME s and associations, Promoting agrotourism and ecotourism of the sinai desert ,raising the awareness of the local population on eco-tourism and its advantages by supporting the project both technically and financially . Nature conservation and cultural protection by technical assistance promoting Sinai as eco-tourist destination on national and international markets.
3. CONTEXT A. Summary  Ras matarma eco- city is an ecotourism project that enhances sustainable development, environmental conservation, economic empowerment protectiting the cultural ethnic heritage. It is composed of three phases including ecovillage development , Ecotourism & Service area . It is a pioneer desert development project in Ras Sudr,Sinai Desert by the Red Sea .It has been nominated to the Equator Prize by UNDP as a model of sustainability and poverty alleviation. It has been able to develop 300 acres of desert land into olive orchard and palm tree oasis . Its main goals are nature conservation,maintaining the biodiversity by the use of sustainable agriculture,sustainable energy ,and ecological building . Community building is experienced by encouraging people to experience rural life ,share cultural heritage of Beduins , exchange experiences to improve their life conditions. It has developed the first eco farm in Sinai called SET EL HOSSN ECO-VILLAGE, where organic olives are planted and pickled to be an example of agro business. It is providing a model of sustainability in the middle east .Last September it presented an international permaculture certificate course where students, researchers, developers ,etc were encouraged to meet and enjoy the development of ecovillage . It is also organizing a slow food project where a new concept of nutrition is viewed in an oriental original healthy way of food production. Ecotourism is also one of the main objectives to maintain sustainability and exchange of intercultural interaction B. Description Of Ras Matarma Eco-City It is composed of three zones :    Badawia Eco-lodge Tamr Henna Eco-village. Ras Matarma Down town
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