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CAIRO OFFICE
Final Report
Economies of Biosphere Reserves in The Arab Countries
Cairo 20-22 December 2005
Jointly Organized by:
-UNESCO Office in Cairo In Collaboration with Institute of African Research and Studies of Cairo University
SUMMARY
This report details the workshop on Economies of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Countries, held in Cairo, Egypt. A special emphasis is given to reconcile the conservation and use of natural resources and to provide the inhabitants of Biosphere Reserves with a balanced relationship with the basic needs of their societies for sustainable future. The texts in the annexes go into more details regarding the actual presentations done concerned with various case studies. Recommendations proposed: pages 12-14
CAIRO OFFICE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction……………………………………… 5 A. Background…………………………………….... 5 B. The ArabMAB (Man and Biosphere Reserves)..... 5-6
II. Main Topics of Discussion…………………….. 6
A. Opening Session……………………………. 7-8 B. Account of Proceedings…………………….. 9 1. Al-Ommayed Reserve, Egypt……………. 9 2. Al-Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon…... 10 3. Natural Reserves and Friendly Agricultural Products: Target and Reality Libya………. 10-11 4. Development of Economies of Biosphere Reserves, Morocco ………………………. 11 5. Marketing Friendly Agricultural Products, Tunisia……………………………………. 12 6. Friendly Agricultural Products: Exportation Mechanism, Yemen………………………. 12
III. Conclusion and Recommendations………….. 13-15
ANNEXES
I. Agenda…………………………………………... 16-17 II. List of Participants…………………………….... 18 III. Country Presentations A. Egypt............................................................. 19 B. Lebanon......................................................... 27
C. Libya.............................................................. 33 D. Morocco......................................................... 38 E. Tunisia…………………………………….... 45 F. Yemen………………………………………. 48
CAIRO OFFICE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background
The origin of Biosphere Reserves goes back to the "Biosphere Conference" organized by UNESCO in 1968, the first intergovernmental conference to seek to reconcile the conservation and use of natural resources, thereby foreshadowing the present-day notion of sustainable development. Also to establish terrestrial and coastal areas representing the main ecosystems of the planet in which genetic resources would be protected, and where research on ecosystems as well as monitoring and training work could be carried out. The "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Programme was officially launched by UNESCO in 1970. One of the MAB projects consisted in establishing a coordinated world network of new protected areas, to be designated as "Biosphere Reserves", in reference to the programme itself. Other organizations such as UNEP and PERSGA have taken initiative to establish protected areas to conserve and protect eco land and marine ecosystems with objective to achieve environmental sustainability. Biosphere Reserves therefore p lay the role of special areas in which innovative approaches to sustainable development are demonstrated at the global level. Not only will they be a means for the people who live and work within and around them to attain a balanced relationship with the natural world; they should also explore ways to meet the basic needs of society towards a more sustainable future
B. The Arab MAB (Man And Biosphere Reserves)
The UNESCO-MAB activities are coordinated on the regional level by the Arab MAB Network of biosphere reserves that was launched through the Amman Declaration in 1997. It was guided by the Arab Declaration on Environment and Development, the Recommendations of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992) and the Seville Strategy on Biosphere Reserves (1995).
The network activities include the following:
a. Undertake comparative studies in the Arab MAB Member States. b. Identify and establish biosphere reserves and transboundary
biosphere reserves in the Member States that act as loci for sustainable development.
c. Develop and implement pilot projects. d. Organizing training activities and capacity building programs. e. Facilitate exchange of information between different stakeholders. f. Increase biodiversity awareness among the public.
II. MAIN TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
Within the framework of the Ecological and Earth Sciences Programme at UNESCO Office in Cairo, a Regional Workshop on the Economics of Biosphere Reserves in Arab Countries was organized by UNESCO Office in Cairo in collaboration with the Institute of African Research and Studies of Cairo University. The workshop aims at building the capacities of the Member States policy-makers as well as managers operating in the Biosphere Reserves concerning the economies of these Biosphere Reserves. The workshop constituted of general objectives in regard to the scientific, economic and social aspects. These general objectives are:
? The role of Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, similar protected areas, and elsewhere and value of environment friendly agricultural products.
? Measures of inspection to ensure application of international standards.
? Storage, packaging, and safe transport of such products.
? The economic and social impact of export of such products on local rural communities (population, demography, migration, etc .).
? Institutional aspects for dealing with the production and export of such products.
? The role of universities, media, government administrations, and the civil society, in promoting the development of environment friendly products.
The main objectives of this workshop were to build a strategy to enrich the Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Region by encouraging self reliance through profitable projects to benefit the local inhabitants of these
Biosphere Reserves, focusing on the importance of sustainable and environmental friendly approaches.
A. Opening Session
Dr. Samir Ghabbour- Chairperson, Institute of African Research and Studies, Department of Natural Resources, Cairo University opened the workshop which began on December 20, 2005 with an address welcoming the guests and all the participants of the workshop. In his speech, he stressed on the importance and significance of establishing and developing Economies in Biosphere Reserves, in order to attain the required balance between preserving the environment and developing the economies of civil societies. Dr. Ghabbour wished all the participants a successful and fruitful workshop, where they could reach the expected conclusion and recommendations.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Aawah__Ecology Programme Specialist __UNESCO Office in Cairo welcomed the guests on behalf of Dr. Mohamed Abdulrazzak__Director of UNESCO Office in Cairo. He also thanked Cairo University represented by the Institute of African Research and Studies and the Egyptian National Committee for Organizations on their participation and cooperation in this workshop. Dr. Al Aawah stressed on the great challenges facing the Arab Region in the field of sustainable development. He pointed out the significance of the "Know How" process in this field and concentrated on the importance of the economic development in Biosphere Reserves through the usage of high technological means for managing and implementing projects for these reserves. Dr. Al Aawah also about the fulfilled activities concerning the Arab MAB Programme and the importance of finding suitable ways for sustainable development through the comprehensive management for its natural resources and maintenance of biodiversification.
The core of this workshop, as noted by Dr. Mohamed Al Aawah, is the way of overcoming concern about finding environmentally friendly products, which leads in the end to sustainable economy. He finalized his address by noting that the UNESCO will continue on promoting its role in the different environmental issues. He wished all the participants have a successful workshop that would be beneficial in implementation and application.
Dr. Adel Saad El-Hassanien, Dean of Institute of African Research and Studies of Cairo University, welcomed all the honorable guests participating in the workshop of Economics of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Countries, which organized by UNESCO Office in Cairo in
collaboration with Institute of African Research and Studies of Cairo University. He also welcomed them on behalf of Dr. Ali Abdel Rahman Youssef, President of Cairo University and wished them a fruitful workshop. Dr. Adel El-Hassanien summed up the reasons of carrying out this workshop as follows:
? By this workshop, the department of Natural Resources follows up its targets of establishments.
? The unification of the Arab World and Africa in terms of environment.
? For the Arab region, Africa and the developing countries in Asia and Latin America to benefit from this workshop.
? Preservation of biodiversification as a matter of achieving sustainable development.
? Preservation of biodiversification altogether with economic development, especially for civil societies.
At the end, Dr. Adel El-Hassanien thanked Dr. Fawzya Mursi for her exerted effort in the department of Natural Resources and stressed on the importance of having more initiatives from her in that concern for more development.
Dr. Fawzya Moursy , Head of Natural Resources Department and Member of the Environment Committee in the Supreme Council of Universities and Vice-President of the workshop welcomed the honorable participants in the workshop and gave a detailed speech concerning the establishment of the Department of Natural Resources in the Institute of African Research and Studies of Cairo University. In her speech, Dr. Fawzya indicated that the department was first established in the year 1970, when desertification was discovered by Dr. Mohamed Abdel Fatah Al Kasas, who was the first scientist to alarm the world with this phenomenon. Since the establishment of this department, it worked on fulfilling the goals and targets of its establishment. The department was also developed when MSc. and Ph.D. degrees started to be granted to students. She gave a brief overview on the subjects of these degrees, in addition to other types of diplomas. Finally, she invited all who wish to enroll in such degrees, in order to rise up with the students and the department as well. She thanked all the participants and wished them a successful workshop.
B. Account on Proceedings
Nine representatives from six Arab countries and eleven local scientists attended this workshop. Biosphere Reserves differed from any other natural reserve in regard to the economic and social aspects. Biosphere Reserves were concerned with the protection of the environment and the contribution in the development of the local communities and areas through economic and social activities. The participants contributed effectively in the workshop through the presentation of case studies from their countries on the topic of the workshop. They displayed a number of the common problems and solutions were suggested through discussions and exchange of views among the participants. Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen succeeded in to show the amalgamation of the environment with the economy in the mould of their Biosphere Reserves.
1. Mr. Ahmed Gad, Egypt, presented the experience of Egypt in Al-Omayed Biosphere Reserve in relation to its economic development. His presentation started with a brief summary about the location and area of the reserve, in addition to a number of facts about the Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, the presentation included details on several ecosystems that were characterized by the diversity of fauna and flora. Mr. Gad also mentioned that several significant activities were held in Al- Omayed Biosphere Reserve. These activities ranged from agriculture, sheep herding, hunting, ventures, environmental monitoring and awareness. Mr. Ahmed concluded by stating that all these activities were fulfilled through a well established digital database. Finally, he noted that all these efforts aimed at having sustainable development within the borders of a balanced environment and the participation of the local community.
2. Mr. Walid Hassan, Lebanon, gave a presentation about Al Shouf Cedar Biosphere Reserve. He stated that it is the biggest protected area and the only Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon. He briefed the geography of the area and elaborated on the activities that had been carried out in the reserve for the sake of development. He mentioned that some of these activities as cultural heritage, ecotourism, environmental monitoring and awareness and capacity building had developed lately. In his presentation, he showed a chart which indicated the number of visitors in the reserve and the increase in the rate of these visits steadily each year. According to his presentation, Mr. Walid highlighted two main programmes in the Biosphere Reserve. The first programme was the Rural Development which aimed at economic development for the local community. The second programme was Traditional Products which aimed at the best practice of traditional products for the local community with special emphasis on the participation of women. Mr. Walid ended his presentation as he stated the significance of the sustainable use of medicinal, edible and aromatic plants, canning and marketing the products of the reserve.
3. Mr. Saleh El Mashri, Libya, presented the issue of protected reserves in Libya. He pointed out that 90 % of Libya's land was subjected to dry climate which led to desertification. He indicated that combating desertification was a major concern in Libya. He elaborated by mentioning that the authorities have been exerting great efforts to preserve theses lands. He highlighted the laws and procedures taken in
this regard. Mr. Saleh ended his presentation by indicating that ecosystems in Libya were diverse and need to be protected to preserve the environmental balance.
4. Mustapha Marraha, Morocco, presented a paper on Biosphere Reserves in Morocco. In his presentation, he mentioned the high biodiversity of the Biosphere Reserves in Morocco. He indicated this biodiversity by listing various fauna and flora that exist in the reserve. He pointed out that the irrational use of natural resources and deterioration of forests were the main problem that face Biosphere Reserves in this area. He indicated that several attempts and actions were carried out to preserve the natural richness there . Mr. Mustapha pointed out that Biosphere Reserves in Morocco included various economic activities and points of attraction that were reflected on ecotourism. He ended up his presentation when he highlighted the significance of the Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve and stressed that a Trans-boundary BR should be established in the future between Morocco and Spain. ..
5. Al Sadeq Tunisia , stated Saeedani, presentation in his was considered that Tunisia countries one of the
characterized by various biological productions. He first defined the sustainable agriculture as a group of activities that engage human capabilities to attain secured life. He mentioned different kinds of agricultural productions with special emphasis on biological products. He pointed out that inequality in the rate of production and exportation was the problem that faced Tunisia. He end his presentation by indicating that researches and studies were conducted, strategy was formulated, and authorities worked on the imple mentation of this strategy to reach the required target. ……………………………
6. Hadi Qurai, Yemen , presented a working paper entitled "Environment Friendly Agricultural Products and the Mechanism of Exportation". In this paper, Mr. Hadi gave a brief account on Yemen with its location, area and population. He stated that studies had shown more than fifty sites were suitable to be natural reserves. The most famous reserve, as he indicated, was Socatra Island, which was already known as a BR. It was famous for its biodiversity. According to his paper, the random use of insecticides was the problem, but this problem was reconsidered. Another significant element in his paper was the issue of marketing. He noted that standardization had its prominent role in marketing. New ideas were introduced in his paper as opening new markets for exportation. A number of obstacles were also presented. These obstacles, according to Mr. Hadi, were the inefficient use of agricultural products and the limited exportation rate to the excess production, weakness of infrastructure, limited number of resolutions and laws concerned with exportation of agricultural products, insufficient government funding, high expenditures which affect the competition with other markets and he ended up with the last obstacle which was the absence of an organized plan for advertising the products. ……………………………………………………………..
…
…………
III. CLOSING SESSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The organizers thanked all the participants for their contribution in the success of the workshop through the presentation of their case studies and the discussions that enriched the workshop. In this regard, the workshop tended to come out with a number of recommendations, in order to develop the points of strength and work on the points of weakness of each country to reach with all the countries an ideal state and make them effective model for other countries regarding Economies of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab Countries. Recommendations are divided into:…….
- General Recommendations. - Recommendations concerned with education, training and research. - Implementation aspects.
Recommendations
The participants thank the Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, the UNESCO Cairo Office, and the Egyptian National Commission, for the effort of holding the Workshop on Economics of Biosphere Reserves in Arab Countries”, 20-22 Dec. 2005 at the Institute, and approve the following recommendations.
A. General Recommendations
1. Emphasis is placed on the role of Biosphere Reserves in support of
sustainable development in Arab countries at both local and national levels.
2. The necessity of informing all parties concerned about the expertise gained in some foreign and Arab countries for the economic utilization of possibilities offered by Biosphere Reserves in the production and export of environment friendly agricultural products and handicrafts, as well as in ecotourism, in these Reserves.
3. The active participation of Arab countries in the activities of the MAB International Coordinating Council, and making use of its work in the field of quality economics of Biosphere Reserves.
4. Exchange of expertise among Arab countries in the field of quality economics of Biosphere Reserves and in other nature Reserves, and making use of their networking.
5. Emphasis on the necessity of Biosphere Reserves and other nature Reserves to be independent economic units for the production of
environment friendly goods that promote their developmental role, from economic, social, and environmental aspects.
6. Encourage establishment of new Biosphere Reserves in all Arab countries, commensurate with their rich natural and cultural diversity, and the emphasis on the desire to establish trans-boundary Biosphere Reserves as conditions permit.
7. Follow-up of the social and environmental impacts of economic activities in Biosphere Reserves, through continued social and environmental monitoring, to avoid any harm that may occur and to control the course, in order to obtain maximum benefit from such activities.
8. Encourage connections and exchange of visits between local communities and managers in Arab Biosphere Reserves.
9. Use of the Arabic language in brochures and publications related to the MAB Programme.
B. Education, Training, and Research
10. Continue capacity building efforts for workers of Arab Biosphere
Reserves, especially as concerns their economics, through training courses, including on the management of trans-
boundary Biosphere Reserves. 11. Support the establishment of specialized professional diplomas in
Arab universities about the management of Biosphere Reserves and the natural heritage of the Arab World.
12. Request the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), to establish a system of Arab Young Scientists Awards at the level of Arab countries that would allow young Arab scientists to conduct research and studies in the field of Arab nature Reserves, especially what concerns their economics.
C. Implementation Aspects
13. Establishing registered trade marks to distinguish products and
services offered by Arab Biosphere Reserves, in conformity with international regulations and laws.
14. Preparation of an Arab common pilot project in the field of Biosphere Reserve economics, in order to obtain maximum benefit from them, requesting its funding from the UNESCO Participation Programme, and establishment of a Consultative Committee and/or a Task Force, for the preparation and implementation of the project.
15. That UNESCO increase the information on Biosphere Reserves in its website, and contribute to the marketing of their products on
that site and the sites of Arab National UNESCO Committees, and put up exhibitions for their promotion.
16. Request the Council of Arab Environment Ministers, ALECSO, UNESCO, UNESCO Regional Offices, Arab National UNESCO Commissio ns, and the ArabMAB Network, to adopt the implementation of these recommendations.
ANNEXES
I-Annex Workshop Agenda
Tuesday 20 December 2005
9:00-10:00: Registration
10:00-11:00: Holy Quran and Opening Session
- Foreword: Prof. Samir Ghabour, Workshop Reporter
- Address by: Prof. Adel Saad El-Hassanein, Dean of the Institute (IARS) and President of the workshop.
- Address by: Prof. Fawzya I. Moursy, Head of the Department of Natural Resources, IARS and Vice-President of the workshop.
- Address by: Prof. Mohamed Al-Aawah, Environmental Specialist, and UNESCO Cairo Office.
- Address by: Eng. Mohamed Safwat Salem, First Deputy Ministry of Higher Education and Secretary General of the Egyptian National Committee for Education, Science and Culture.
- Summary by: Prof. Samir Ghabour, Workshop Reporter.
11:00-11:30: Coffee Break
11:30-13:30: National Reports presented by participants from Arab States on the status of Economies of Biosphere reserves and their production (Lebanon-Yemen-Somamad, Presented by Dr. Boshra, Alexandria University)
13:30-15:00: Lunch Break
15:00-17:00: National Reports presented by participants from Arab States on the status of Economies of Biosphere reserves and their production (Egypt-Libya-Tunisia-Morocco)
Wednesday 21 December 2005:
9:00-11:00: Lectures presented by Members of Teaching Committee, Department of Natural Resources, IARS and the guests.
Dr. Abbass Sharaki: Geology of Arab World.
Dr. Wafai: Soil animal of Biosphere Reserves.
11:00-11:30: Coffee Break
11:30-13:30: Lectures presented by Members of Teaching Committee, Department of Natural Resources, IARS and the guests. (Continue)
Dr. Samir: Economies of Biosphere Reserves.
Dr. Iman: Saint Catherine.
13:30-15:00: Lunch Break
15:00-17:00: Lectures about Economies of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab World, Production, Marketing, Problems and solutions-presented by Members of Teaching Committee, Department of Natural Resources, IARS and the guests.
17:00-17:30: General Discussions and Recommendations.
Thursday 22 December 2005:
9:00-11:00: Lecture about using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System in the Management of Biosphere Reserves- presented by Members of Teaching Committee, Department of Natural Resources, IARS and experts from African Information Center in the Institute.
Dr. Abbass: Remote Sensing.
Dr. Attiah: Geographical Information Systems.
Mr. Salama.
11:00-11:30: Coffee Break.
11:30-13:30: Practical training on using geographical Information Systems in managing Biosphere Reserves- presented by Members of Teaching Committee, Department of Natural Resources, IARS and experts from African Information Center in the Institute.
Dr. Abbass: Remote Sensing.
Dr. Attiah: Geographical Information Systems.
Mr. Salama.
13:30-14:00: Closing Session and distribution of participation certificates.
21:00-23:00: Nile Cruise Dinner offered by UNESCO on the honor of participation.
II-Annex of Participants List
Affiliation Tel./Fax/E-mail NameCountry SRLDean of Institute of African Research
and Studies
http://www.cu.edu.eg/Faculties/a&sr.asp
Dr. Adel Saad El-Hassanein
Egypt 1
Institute of African Research and
Studies
[email protected]. Samir GhabbourEgypt 2
Wadi Allaqi BRDr. Hoda Abdell-Latif Yacoub
Egypt3
Omayed BRMob: [email protected]
Mr. Ahmad GadEgypt4
Responsible du projet de creation de
la Reserve de Biosphere
Intercontinentale de la Mediterranee
Maroco-Andalous
Mob: 21267117460Fax: [email protected]
Mustapha MarrahaMorocco 5
Ministry of Environment &
Sustainable Development
Mob: 0021698542480Tel: 0021670728830Fax: [email protected]
Al Sadeq SaeedaniTunisia 6
National Commission of
Libya
Mob.00218913216043Fax: +218-21-3406780
Saleh El MashriLibya 7
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
Mob: [email protected]
Walid HassanLebanon 8
Yemen Environmental
Science Society
Fax: [email protected]
Hadi QuraiYemen 9
CAIRO OFFICE
Annex-III Countru Presentations
F. Yemen
