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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habiba organic farm Building a sustainable community in Sinai Goal: Developing a sustainable community in Nuweiba and beyond, through innovation of desert agriculture as well as social development of the local community for better education, hygiene and communication skills.
Key Partners: -Maged El Said - Founder -Egypt Desert Research center -Dr. Ahmed abdelazim - Suez Canal University
Model: A community based farm that trains and employs the people of South Sinai on agriculture and eco-tourism Key ingredients: Sustainable agriculture, technical workshops, educational center, research hub Size & Reach: 8 full time employers and benefiting over 70 organic farm owners in South Sinai
Background: The Bedouin community in Egypt including the area where Habiba ecolodge and farm were established in in Nuweiba, has for many years been neglected, marginalized and excluded from the rest of the Egyptian society. Bedouins in this spot depended financially on grazing activities which only allowed them a limited and seasonal income. As a result, some of the bedouins resorted to the growing and trading of illegal drugs.
Solution: Habiba ecolodge, one of the pioneering ecolodges in Egypt since 1991, has expanded its model to include an organic farm that acts as the first social experiment in the region in the fields of agribusiness, scientific research, ecotourism and education. Habiba farm attracted a new sector of tourists to South SInai; retired foreigners who want to volunteer their time and skills to benefit the local community of the area. Habiba partners with scientific research institutes and universities to conduct a series of technical trainings to the local community, and provide them with resources, equipments, and consultation, which allowed them to innovate in desert agriculture and expand in organic farming. This intercultural cooperation resulted in the creation of “Sinai Palm Date foundation� which now supplies the local market in the region, providing a sustainable income source for local families, and the exporting of Moringa and other medical herbs to European markets. Moreover, Habiba has conducted another series of workshops on water management, veterinary disease control, palm date cultivation and sustainable food practices. Impact: Inclusive Business Impact: Inspiring 20 family-owned farms to start desert farming for more sustainable income & opening new market channels in the European market Environmental impact: Preserving the nature in Nuweiba and investing in its natural resources Business Impact: Attracting new sectors of tourists interested in desert agritourism and want to benifit communities in Egypt Contact: Maged El Said nuweiba@gmail.com
Sources: Habiba Organic Farm habibaorganicfarm.com/
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