Wadi Al-Rayyan Reserve Project: Eco-tourism and sustainable development in Jordanian partnership
Wadi Al-Rayyan Reserve Project.. Ecotourism and sustainable development in Jordanian partnership
To resettle many animals threatened with extinction, and to establish an ecosystem that helps them reproduce; Egypt announced an environmental investment project inWadi El Rayan Reserve, located southwest of Fayoum Governorate. It is a unique project, and after its implementation it will be a safe haven for wildlife.
The Wadi Al-Rayyan Reserve Project is one of the results of Alia Bint Al-Hussein’s visit, where the Jordanian Princess sought to discuss ways of cooperation in the field of investing in natural reserves between Egypt and Jordan, noting the feasibility of the project that will transfer the experience of the Al-Ma’wa Reserve in Jordan to the Wadi Al-Rayyan Reserve. To protect animals from illegal trade, and to reduce threats that affect their livelihood.
It is worth noting that the Wadi El Rayan Reserve project is a promising project, and one of the eighteen green projects that won in the first phase of the National Green Projects Initiative, an initiative that came within the work of the climate summit that was held in Egypt months ago.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Botanical Gardens, the project aims to: increase awareness about methods of adaptation tomultiple climate changes, such as the method of planting indigenous trees in the reserve, and enhancing Biodiversity. The project will include – in cooperation with universities and non-governmental organizations – establishing a school for people of determination, while providing the necessary training for school teachers.
In addition, the Wadi al-Rayyan Project aims to establish 50 environmentally friendly hotels to receive tourists visiting the reserve, as the Wadi al-Rayyan Reserve is an attractive place for eco-tourism, in which tourists from everywhere are keen to go to the reserve. So that they can enjoy watching the picturesque landscapes, especially in the gondola areas, which are considered the most attractive areas of the reserve for visitors, and the only one of its kind in Egypt. In addition to taking souvenir photos in front of the waterfalls, which allow practicing many marine sports.
The waterfalls area has wonderful beauty and a stunning view, and tourists are allowed to fish without harming the environmental balance in the area. The waterfalls area is also suitable for practicing many recreational and tourist activities, such as horse riding. The only thing missing from this area is the addition of facilities that provide amenities for visitors, such as paved roads, fresh water, telephones, and other services.
It is worth noting that the reserve is a desert environment with relative humidity levels of up to 50%, and it contains animals suitable for this environment, and it also includes natural springs and marine fossils. Regarding the history of Wadi Al-Rayyan Reserve, the year 1989 is the year it was declared a natural reserve, to protect biological, cultural and geological resources, and this over an area estimated at 1,759 square kilometers. However, before it was declared a natural reserve, two artificial lakes were formed – specifically in 1973 – where a desert depression was flooded with agricultural drainage water, so that reed bushes could grow, forming areas for fish and birds. Water.
