Environmental Quality International (EQI), a private firm established in 1981, operates in the Middle East and Africa providing services in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, Policy and Governance and Enterprise Development. EQI's objective is to contribute to the growth and development of the region by bringing about sustainable improvements in the living conditions of its peoples. EQI’s services are directed at promoting economic and social development that respects the region’s natural assets and preserves its rich cultural heritage.

In 1997 EQI began privately investing in Siwa through a series of community-based initiatives. The Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative is an integrated sustainable development plan that addresses economic, cultural and environmental challenges. EQI’s investments in Siwa are in the following areas: (1) Eco-lodging; (2) Traditional Artisanship; (3) Organic Agriculture and Trade; and (4) Renewable Energy. Together, these activities have established a sustainable private-sector-led development model which is socially and environmentally responsible.

Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative

In 1997 EQI began privately investing in Siwa through a series of community-based initiatives. The Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative is an integrated sustainable development plan that addresses economic, cultural and environmental challenges. EQI’s investments in Siwa are in the following areas: (1) Eco-lodging; (2) Traditional Artisanship; (3) Organic Agriculture and Trade; and (4) Renewable Energy. Together, these activities have established a sustainable private-sector-led development model which is socially and environmentally responsible.

1. INTRODUCTION

Siwa Oasis, located about 70km east of the Libyan border on the edge of the Qattara Depression, possesses an exceptional natural environment, a number of attractive archaeological sites and spectacular geomorphologic features. Living through the centuries in relative isolation has allowed the Siwan community to maintain their own identity and traditions. These qualities, all indicative of the potential that the oasis holds, dictate the importance of preserving its fragile eco-system, maintaining its cultural heritage and developing economic activities in a sustainable way.

In 1997 EQI began privately investing in Siwa through a series of community-based initiatives. The Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative is an integrated sustainable development plan that addresses economic, cultural and environmental challenges. EQI’s investments in Siwa are in the following areas: (1) Eco-lodging; (2) Traditional Artisanship; (3) Organic Agriculture and Trade; and (4) Renewable Energy. Together, these activities have established a sustainable private-sector-led development model which is socially and environmentally responsible.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INTERNATIONAL

Environmental Quality International (EQI), a private firm established in 1981, operates in the Middle East and Africa providing services in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, Policy and Governance and Enterprise Development. EQI's objective is to contribute to the growth and development of the region by bringing about sustainable improvements in the living conditions of its peoples. EQI’s promoting economic and social development that respects the region’s natural assets and preserves its rich cultural heritage. More information can be found at www.eqi.com.eg.

3. SIWA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

3.1. Adrère Amellal: an ecolodge overlooking Lake Siwa and nestled at the foot of the Adrère Amellal1 mountain cliffs. Traditional Siwan houses were restored and expanded using the same building styles and techniques that had been used in the oasis for centuries. Ceilings are made of palm beams, while doors, windows and fixtures are made of olive wood from annual tree trimmings. Furnishings are simple, yet of the highest quality, drawing exclusively on local materials and designs.

Contemporary plumbing is used throughout. Wastewater is first settled in self-contained sedimentation tanks, allowing the supernatant to flow through perforated pipes into a sealed wetland where indigenous papyrus plants are grown to complete the biodegradation and waste reduction process. Food prepared at the lodge is organically grown and predominantly local.

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Adrère Amellal means White Mountain in the native Siwan language.

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Adrère Amellal attracts travelers who are looking for unique, high quality, environmentally and socially conscious accommodation, and at the same time are financially able to afford it. The uniqueness of the location, the lodge’s structure, and the visitor experience continue to attract coverage by reputable publications, bringing international recognition to the oasis and to the initiative.

3.2. Shali Lodge: On the other side of Lake Siwa lies the town of Siwa with its 13th century-old enclave, the Fortress of Shali. Shali Village Lodge is situated in the hub of activity and is only a 5-minute walking distance from the Shali Fortress. The lodge itself has become a local meeting point and is well liked by both visitors and Siwans alike. Moderately priced, the lodge offers 8 rooms and a warm and friendly atmosphere. It targets travelers that are environmentally conscious and culturally aware, yet have limited financial means in comparison to the guests at Adrère Amellal. The lodge also appeals to travelers who, regardless of cost, prefer spending their time in the center of activity. Shali Lodge has played an important role in ensuring that EQI is actively engaged and present in the village, thereby consolidating the partnership between EQI and the community.

3.3. Albabenshal: Also in Siwa Town, this is an 11-room heritage hotel, located on the periphery of Shali Fortress. The rooms were constructed out of once inhabited kershef houses that had been destroyed by unusual heavy rains. Albabenshal was created through a process of restoring and restructuring these dilapidated and abandoned homes. The lodge aims to revitalize this important area in Siwa and encourage the continued restoration of the remaining abandoned homes surrounding the Fortress.

3.4. Siwa Creations: Siwa is considered a highly conservative society, even by the standards of Egyptian society. Siwan girls have extremely limited mobility outside their homes, and married women even less so. The primary opportunity for work is in the production of handicrafts. Girls typically learn sewing, embroidery and basketwork from their mothers and grandmothers. Overtime, however, many of these local crafts have deteriorated and the pressure to produce saleable items coupled with the lack of access to good quality raw materials has resulted in the production of mediocre items that rely on artificial dyes and synthetic materials. Furthermore, most of the artisans are forced to produce their work and then wait several months until the item is sold, at which time they are able to receive payment for their work.

The Women’s Artisanship Initiative began as a community development intervention designed to increase the empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of Siwan women through the revitalization of traditional handicraft production and the promotion of a culture of artisanship. The project has focused on opening up viable business opportunities for Siwan women and enhancing their skills to ensure that their workmanship is of the highest standard.

Working with the women of the Siwan community, EQI developed a brand of artisanal products called Siwa Creations; a product line designed to incorporate traditional Siwan embroidery styles and techniques with the fashions of today. Siwa Creations products are sold in the Adrère Amellal boutique and in high-end outlets in countries throughout Europe, including Italy, France and England. The Siwan artisans also produce an exclusive line for the Florentine haute couture establishment, Ermanno Scervino.

3.5. Siwa Organic: Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood in Siwa, engaging between 70 to 80 percent of Siwan families. The oasis boasts an environment largely free of chemical fertilizers and practically untouched by herbicides and pesticides. The most important crops are olives and dates.

Siwan farmers face serious impediments in selling their crops, primarily in regards to the lack of financing made available. Informal credit schemes available to the farmers are insensitive to seasonal fluctuations in productivity and to the farmers’ lack of liquidity. This forces farmers to accept below market prices before the harvest season so that they are able to finance the harvesting of their crops. If the season proves unproductive and they are unable to deliver the crops to the trader, they are then forced to sell parts of their land. To safeguard against such risks, many of the farmers have begun using chemical fertilizers to maximize their yields. In doing so, they compromise the very assets that distinguish Siwan agricultural produce in the international marketplace.

The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative aims to stop this transition from natural to chemical. Instead it promotes the use of organic farming methods and provides Siwans with the needed capacity to improve harvesting techniques and farm management practices. EQI certifies the land organic, pre-purchases the crops at a fair market price and then sells the products to the international market.

Siwa Organic is the brand name established for Siwa’s organic products. It positions itself as a product of excellence offering organic produce originating from a unique and special destination. The product line includes olives, dates and agri-culinary products such as olive tapenade, sycamore jam, and hibiscus syrup.

3.6. Partnerships: EQI has partnered with the local community and local government authorities as well as with international development organizations such as UNCHS, UNDP, the Ford Foundation, and the British Embassy to address the special needs of the Siwan community. In addition, EQI partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2005 to co-finance the expansion of its activities under the Siwa Initiative.

3.7. Publications: The Siwa Initiative was designed to set an example of sustainable development that would be a source of inspiration to other communities around the world. The uniqueness of the initiative has created widespread publicity among the business community, both locally and internationally.

3.8. Awards: The Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative has received international recognition from a host of prestigious awards that highlight Adrère Amellal and the Siwa Initiative as an innovative and successful example of sustainable development. These awards include: Travel and Leisure Global Vision Award in the category of Green/Eco Hotel (2006); International Chamber of Commerce and UNDP World Business Award for the Siwa Initiative (2006); Condé Naste Green List Top 5 Lodges award for Adrère Amellal (2005); Hip Hotels Orient 2005 Top 20 Hotels; and British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award. Adrère Amellal also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Tourism for “a remarkable effort in promoting tourism in Egypt” on the occasion of World Tourism Day (2004).

Guests prepay for their entire stay before leaving to Siwa four weeks in advance.

Copies of the passports are required to secure the necessary permits for desert trips.

A deposit of 1 night is required to confirm the reservation and is non-refundable upon cancellation. All cancellations must be made 4 weeks prior to arrival date. If a cancellation is made within the 4 weeks, full amount is non-refundable.

Full amount is non-refundable to no-shows.

Children aged 5 and under stay and eat free when sharing with two adults. Our standard rates apply to any child above the age of 5.