Cairo (TAN): Egypt recently organised a festival in the country’s national reserve Wadi Degla Protectorate, Cairo to promote ecotourism in the region.
The Nature and Local Cultures Festival was organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Environment with support from local communities of the country’s other national reserves, reports said. The three-day environmental festival was attended by environmental experts, representatives from nonprofits, and students.
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Director of Environmental Development at the ministry, Samah Saleh reportedly said the festival is aimed at introducing and showcasing the traditional heritage and cultures of the residents of the natural reserves.
“The festival aims to promote various arts, cultures, environmental products, handicrafts and heritage of local people living in natural conserves, in addition to promoting ecotourism in Egypt,” Saleh was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
“Through such events, we try to integrate the local community in our plans and programs to protect the environment. We also want to show that the bioreserves in Egypt have diversities in terms of characteristics and population as well. Visitors will have an idea about the culture and lifestyles of the residents of these reserves,” she added.
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Saleh reportedly said the festival, in its first year, could push ecotourism in Egypt which boasts 30 national reserves.
“The local communities play a vital role in preserving national reserves. In 2018, the ministry conducted a survey on the local communities and provided them with all the training and teachings required [for this regard],” Minister of Environment Yassmine Fouad was quoted by Egypt Today as saying.
Wadi Degla, located south east of Maadi, Cairo, is a valley that passes through ancient limestone rocks.
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Hussien al-Bishary, head of al-Bishary Tribe Local Society, reportedly exhibited handmade products of daily use from his hometown in Gabal Elba natural reserve in a small tent. Gabal Elba is in Halayeb Triangle southeast of Egypt.
“Today we are showing our homemade products that represent and reflect our culture. Many people, mainly Cairo residents, are not familiar with these daily use tools and home accessories, so it is a good opportunity for them to have a look and even buy,” al-Bishary was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
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