AQABA — A three-day workshop, spearheaded by the joint
Jordanian and Egyptian ecological communities alongside BirdLife International,
on developing a regional ecotourism strategy took place in Aqaba, Jordan from
9th to 11th August 2023. The core objective of the workshop was to advance
sustainable tourism practices, amplify the significance of natural resource
conservation, and cultivate synergies among tourism industry stakeholders.
اضافة اعلان
Such engagements are key to fostering a robust ecotourism
sector throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Through multilateral
collaboration, the region could potentially emerge as a global leader in
ecotourism, aligning with increasing consumer demand and setting the foundation
for sustainable economic growth.
Sessions throughout the workshop encapsulated a broad
spectrum of ecotourism facets, ranging from sustainable development strategies,
heritage site conservation, to community involvement and the economic prospects
of eco-tourism.
A critical discussion point revolved around building
capacity for local communities and tourism operatives in ecotourism management.
Participants accentuated the importance of sustainable tourism training,
biodiversity conservation, and community involvement as pillars for eco-tourism
success.
The conversation also highlighted the necessity for
stringent regulations to ensure the enduring sustainability of ecotourism
activities.
Multi-faceted partnerships
Governor Khaled Mohammed of South Sinai Governorate
conveyed, "Our aspiration through this initiative is to inspire
stakeholders to adopt sustainable methodologies in tourism, positioning
eco-tourism as a linchpin for our region's economic prosperity."
Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP’s resident representative in Jordan,
expressed, "The Aqaba meeting epitomizes the combined dedication of Jordan
and Egypt towards intensified regional ecosystem protection efforts,
particularly in the Gulf of Aqaba. The global interest in the Gulf of Aqaba and
the Red Sea underscores its global significance, urging us to extend collective
efforts in safeguarding it."
Highlighting the essence of multi-faceted partnerships, the
workshop underscored the need for holistic collaborations among governments,
NGOs, communities, and private sector players to sculpt and actualize
sustainable ecotourism blueprints.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
