What is ice_ribh?
ice_ribh is the GIZ focal point for responsible and inclusive business based at icecairo. It powers a paradigm shift towards sustainable development in the Middle East and North Africa. We assist the private sector with skills, networks and business model development support around corporate social responsibility and inclusive business.
eco-tourism Case Studies
What is Inclusive Business?
Inclusive Business is a sustainable business that includes disadvantaged segments of society as consumers and/or producers into existing or new value chains. ice_ribh office: 32 Mohamed Sabry Abu Alam, Downtown, Cairo, Egypt Programme Coordinator Michael Janinhoff: michael.janinhoff@giz.de Powered by:
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Ghaliet Spa & EcoLodge - Siwa Back to mother nature Goal: The survival of the slowly indulged Siwan buildings that are being polished off by modern ones through an ecolodge and Spa, integrated with set of desert life activities, helping visitors to reconnect with the nature. Key ingredients: Green building, Green activities, Organic Farm, Investing in Locals
Key Partners: Eng. Magdy Riad - Founder Model: A new ecolodge in Siwa Oasis built around a water spring and palm trees aiming to preserve the original Siwi environment, using local, Siwan, ecofriendly elements in its construction. Size & Reach: 10 local citizens
Background: “Ghaliet” in the Amazigh (Siwan) language means “precious”, which holds the same name of the water spring supplying the water to all the gardens around the ecolodge. It is located 500m from Alexander the greatest oracle and Amoun temple, in a remote and exquisite spot formed over 50 million years ago, displaying a wealth of geological formations and fossils across that ancient timeline. With all those natural resources that were not utilized as should be, and the marginalized Siwan community for long years, Magdy, the founder, decided to invest in this land by building a complete model of inclusive and responsible business through engaging the local citizens and utilizing the forsaken resources of this spot.
Solution: In 2006, “Ghaliet” was built with as minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment as possible. It was built by Siwans in the area around Ghaliet water spring and over palm trees using the “Kershief”, a Siwan stone that rejects the heat, to allow natural air-conditioning inside the buildings. Ghaliet was inclusive in its choice of workforce and staff and decided to train and hire local Siwans, which attracted tourists and visitors to stay there and meet them. Ghaliet also stands out between other ecolodges in Siwa for its integrated Spa service that includes: reflexology, Vichy shower, aromatherapy ,oxygen peeling, oxygen mesotherapy, different types of massage and their own signature therapy course with the traditional Siwi sand bath treatment includes body energy evaluation and treatment, with additional lipolysis course with the most recent technology. Impact: Inclusive Business Impact: Engaging the locals and helping them acquire skills and knowledge to offer better services for the tourists to increase their income Environmental impact: Promoting the idea that businesses can exist untreated, without disturbing the ecosystem and the nature Business Impact: Going green and recruiting local siwans attracted many tourists that were looking for an opportunity to discover the real Siwan culture Social Impact: Preserving the Amazigh culture and language, while implementing today’s environmental and touristic requirements Contact: Magdy Riad info@ghaliet.net
Sources: Ghaliet Siwa ghaliet.net
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