Papyrus is a thick
paper-like material
produced from the
pith of the papyrus
plant. Ancient Egypt
used this plant for
boats, mattresses,
mats and paper





The Egyptian
Arabian horse is
reputed for its
intelligence, spirit,
and stamina.
Their beauty and
long history of
committed breeders
in their native
land have insured
their popularity





Parrotfish are named
for their oral dentition;
their numerous teeth
are arranged in a
tightly packed mosaic
on the external surface
of the jaw bones,
forming a parrot-like
beak which is used to
rasp algae from coral
and other rocky
substrates

Ecotourism


“Ecotourism” is perhaps the most over-used and mis-used word in the travel industry. But what does it mean? The Ecotourism Society defines it as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people".A walk through the rainforest is not eco-tourism unless that particular walk somehow benefits that environment and the people who live there. A rafting trip is only eco-tourism if it raises awareness and funds to help protect the watershed.

7 Points to define Ecotourism:

1) Involves travel to natural destinations. These destinations are often remote areas, whether inhabited or uninhabited, and are usually under some kind of environmental protection at the national, international, communal or private level.

2) Minimizes Impact. Ecotourism strives to minimize the adverse affects of hotels, trails, and other infrastructure by using either recycled materials or available local building materials, renewable sources of energy, recycling and safe disposal of waste and garbage, and environmentally and culturally sensitive architectural design. Minimization of impact also requires that the numbers and mode of behavior of travelers be regulated to ensure limited damage to the ecosystem.

3) Builds environmental awareness. Ecotourism means education, for both travelers and residents of nearby communities. Essential to good ecotourism are well-trained, multilingual naturalist guides with skills in natural and cultural history, environmental interpretation, ethical principles and effective communication. Ecotourism projects should also help educate members of the surrounding community, schoolchildren and the broader public in the host country.

4) Provides direct financial benefits for conservation: Ecotourism helps raise funds for environmental protection, research and education through a variety of mechanisms, including park entrance fees, tour company, hotel, airline and airport taxes and voluntary contributions.

5) Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people: National Parks and other conservation areas will only survive if there are "happy people" around their perimeters. The local community must be involved with and receive income and other tangible benefits (potable water, roads, health clinics, etc.) from the conservation area and it's tourist facilities.

6) Respects local culture: Ecotourism is not only "greener" but also less culturally intrusive and exploitative than conventional tourism. It strives to be culturally respectful and have a minimal effect on both the natural environment and the human population of a host country. Part of being a responsible ecotourist is learning beforehand about the local customs, respecting dress codes and other social norms and not intruding on the community unless either invited or as part of a well organized tour.

7) Supports human rights and democratic movements: Ecotourism demands a more holistic approach to travel, one in which participants strive to respect, learn about and benefit both the local environment and local communities.

FLORA:
 Although the lotus and papyrus are symbols of Egypt, it is the date palm that dominates the landscape. The Nile Delta and the Nile River Valley have a rich variety of trees – some indigenous, some imported – including the tamarisk, acacia, eucalyptus, mimosa, jacaranda, cypress and sycamore as well as a wide variety of fruit trees from citrus to fig to mango. Other fruits and vegetables flourish in the fertile land along the Nile, as well as a vivid array of flowers from the rose, poincianca, lotus (of course), jasmine, lily and bird of paradise. A multiplicity of grasses grows along the Nile as well.

FAUNA:
 Camels, buffalo and donkeys are the most prevalent animals to be found in Egypt. As for desert wildlife, the gazelle, jackal, jerboa and desert fox are indigenous to the country, as well as lizards and several venomous snakes. Egypt is also one of the greatest centers of Arabian horse breeding in the world with large government controlled stud farms under the auspices of the Egyptian Agricultural Organization. There are about 200 species of migratory birds and 150 species of local birds, including the Marsh Sandpiper, spoonbill, Pink Flamingo, Hoopoe, herons, storks, quails egrets and Golden Oriole. Eagles, falcons, vultures, hawks and owls are among the birds of prey to be found. Egypt also has a plethora of insect life, including mosquitoes, flies, fleas and scorpions. There are said to be as many as 190 species of fish in the Nile and many more in the Mediterranean and Red Seas.