Focus: Ecosystem
Location: Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada is a small tourist town in Egypt on the coast of the Red Sea. The region is very dry, and the only green spaces in sight are gardens surrounding hotels. Thus, the region suffers from water scarcity, desertification, and frequent droughts. In addition, the lack of native forests has left the country dependent on wood imports.
In order to protect Hurghada against desertification and attract tourists and new inhabitants, ForestFinance has worked with the Technical University of Munich and the Egyptian government to implement a sustainable afforestation project. The aim is to protect the environment and generate income from wood, biomass, energy crops, ecotourism, and C02-emissions trading.
Instead of waste water being discharged into the Red Sea, it is effectively being used for new forest plantations in arid lands which will protect the town against sandstorms and soil erosion. Furthermore, the production of valuable timber and energy crops will generate income and help the country reduce their reliance on wood imports.
Certainly, these forests will bring new life to Hurghada’s image as a holiday haven and ecotourism destination.
Environmental Impact: Avoided water contamination, reduced soil erosion, and avoided desertification
Measurement: ForestFinance
Credits: ForestFinance
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