2000年-世界发展银行全球_Egypt___Gulf_of_Aqaba_Environmental_Action_Plan_169页_10mb

Egypt Gulf of Aqaba Environmental Action Plan (GAEAP) Summary

Core Content

The Egypt Gulf of Aqaba Environmental Action Plan (GAEAP) is a strategic initiative aimed at protecting the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Gulf of Aqaba while promoting sustainable tourism development. It was developed as part of the Taba-Eilat-Aqaba Macro Area (TEAM) Project, funded by the European Union and the World Bank. The GAEAP aligns with national and regional environmental goals, including the 1992 "Egypt Environmental Action Plan" and the Jeddah Convention, and seeks to ensure that environmental protection and economic development are integrated in the region.

Main Objectives

• Prevent further environmental degradation of coastal areas, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems.
• Promote sustainable economic development in the tourism sector.
• Strengthen institutional frameworks for environmental management.
• Ensure effective implementation of environmental laws and regulations.
• Enhance public awareness and environmental education.
• Support regional cooperation in environmental protection.

Key Areas of Focus

I. Environmental Threats

• Tourism Development: Rapid growth in tourism infrastructure (hotels, roads, desalination plants, etc.) has led to increased pollution and strain on natural resources.
• Maritime Activities: High levels of shipping traffic contribute to oil spills, chemical pollution, and physical damage to coral reefs.
• Land-based Pollution: Insufficient wastewater and solid waste management systems pose risks to both marine and terrestrial environments.
• Population Growth: The resident population is expected to increase significantly, from 10,000 in 1977 to 170,000 by 2017, increasing pressure on local resources.
• Impact on Tourism Revenue: Environmental degradation threatens the long-term viability of the tourism industry, which is a major economic driver in the region.

II. Legal and Institutional Framework

• Government Agencies:
  • Local Government: Manages urbanized areas.
  • EEAA (Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency): Oversees protected areas and environmental management.
  • TDA (Tourism Development Authority): Regulates tourism development.
• Legal Instruments:
  • Law 4/1994: Provides guidelines for environmental impact assessment (EIA).
  • Law 102/1983: Establishes protected areas and provides regulatory oversight.
• Institutional Roles:
  • EEAA: Has a dedicated Environmental Management Sector and Environmental Quality Sector.
  • National Committee for ICZM: Coordinates integrated coastal zone management.
  • NGOs and Private Sector: Play a supportive role in environmental protection and awareness.

III. Environmental Protection Management

• Protected Areas:
  • 98 km of coastline has been designated as protected areas.
  • Three core protected areas include Ras Mohammed National Park, Abu Galum, and Nabq Managed Resource Protected Areas.
• EIA Process:
  • Needs improvement in implementation and enforcement.
  • The GAEAP aims to enhance the EIA process and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Pollution Control:
  • Marine Pollution: Two oil spill combat centers are planned.
  • Water and Wastewater Management: Monitoring of effluent from desalination and treatment plants is emphasized.
  • Solid Waste Management: Current waste generation is around 50 tons per day, expected to rise to 220 tons by 2017.
• Coordination Mechanisms:
  • The GAEAP promotes coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
  • A South Sinai Regional Branch Office of EEAA is established to enhance local coordination.

IV. Strategy for GAEAP

• Institutional Strengthening:
  • Establishment of the Egyptian Aqaba Coastal Coordination Council.
  • Enhancement of the South Sinai Environmental Management Unit.
• Legal Enforcement:
  • Strengthening the enforcement of EIA regulations.
  • Legal protection of areas adjacent to core protected zones.
• Marine Pollution Management:
  • Construction of sanitation facilities in key ports.
  • Implementation of a marine water quality monitoring program.
• Sustainability:
  • Emphasis on long-term environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources.
  • The GAEAP supports the Red Sea Strategic Action Program and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiatives.

Key Information

• The Gulf of Aqaba is a unique marine environment with internationally significant coral reefs and biodiversity.
• The South Sinai Governorate is responsible for managing activities in the area.
• Tourism is the primary economic activity, with Sharm el Sheikh and Aqaba being major hubs.
• The tourist population is expected to grow significantly, from 500,000 in 1996 to over 3 million by 2017.
• Environmental threats include land-based pollution, maritime activities, and unsustainable tourism practices.
• The GAEAP aims to integrate environmental protection with economic development, particularly in the tourism sector.
• Donor support includes EU and World Bank funding, which is crucial for implementing the plan.
• Private sector involvement is encouraged to ensure sustainable development and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

The GAEAP represents a comprehensive strategy for balancing tourism growth with environmental protection in the Gulf of Aqaba. It highlights the need for institutional reforms, legal enforcement, and public-private partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's natural resources. The plan is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the Gulf of Aqaba and supporting the economic benefits derived from tourism.