INTRODUCTION

Each individual landscape possesses unique environmental conditions. So it is that various natural and cultural conditions require specific local solutions.

Basata, the first tourist project in Sinai established in 1986, was designed and constructed by Sherif El-Ghamrawy, an Egyptian construction engineer from Cairo. Basata and the Basata Concept evolved in a completely untouched and undeveloped area. It is an attempt to develop a unique form of tourism, one which has a relatively low impact on the surrounding environment and it’s native inhabitants.

Basata means “simplicity” in Arabic. It was not designed on a drawing board, but developed and is still developing according to the needs of its guests and the environment. 

Basata is in Sinai, along the Gulf of Aqaba. It is situated in a small cove on a stretch of sandy beach set back from the road. It has huts made of bamboo and reeds for guests with a similarly constructed central area incorporating space for relaxing, eating and cooking. There are, as well, a few buildings and new chalets constructed of clay and natural stone, which fit naturally into the landscape in a complimentary way. One further addition to the buildings of Basata has been the greenhouse. Here organic produce is grown using drip irrigation, thus conserving water. Basata is a quiet place where people can rest, recreate and recuperate from their stressful daily lives. Activities that support individual creativity are encouraged. Lunch and dinner are served, or the guests make their own meals. There is plenty of outdoor room for children to run and play safely and for parents to participate in the fun with them. Also, animals such as goats, chickens, camels, sheep, ducks, donkeys, pigeons, cats and others (which recycle organic waste) are a source of pleasure for children and adults alike. 

The distinctive environmental issues concerning Basata and, indeed of the whole coast of Sinai, include preserving the abundant life of the sea (not least the coral), the beauty of the desert and conserving the culture of the Bedouin, the native inhabitants of Sinai. This, therefore, centres on questions of architecture, waste, recycling and responsible tourism.

Local people and their culture are part of Basata. Even a kindergarten and school have been integrated into the Basata Concept. 

Basata´s open system puts responsibility back into the hands of the guests, increasing awareness of the effects of their actions on nature and on other people, whilst leaving the area unspoilt for future generations. Finally, Basata is a picturesque, sunny place where people enjoy being and return year after year. The effects of Basata are long lasting, teaching all who experience it, to work together with nature and not against it.

There are three main components of the Basata Concept and its effects:
 

1. ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING 
    
   PROBLEMS

1. Planning and construction of the buildings is quite difficult because this requires a specialised knowledge of the area, surroundings and local building materials. 
2. Locating labourers skilled in the use of natural materials is also difficult.
   
   CONSTRUCTION

1. Buildings compliment the landscape.
2. Traditional Egyptian architecture is reflected in all the buildings.
3. Only Egyptian architects and workers are involved in the conception, design and building.
4. Erection of the buildings is completed by traditional methods.
5. Each unit is designed individually; hence, there is no standard or uniform plan.
6. Through optimum use of natural wind patterns, there is no need for air-conditioning or any other form of artificial cooling.
7. There is no artificial planting and landscaping of flora not endemic to the region.
   
   USE OF LOCAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

• Building materials, which are biodegradable (e.g. bamboo, clay and natural stones).

1. Window, doorframes and shutters are handmade in the traditional style.
2. Substances that pollute or damage are not used.
   
   
   FAVOURABLE ASPECTS
   
   Logistical

1. No building waste is produced.
2. The use of such materials allows for the flexibility to move, repair and redesign buildings as needed.
   
   Inhabitants

1. Use of organic materials promotes a healthy climate of living for all inhabitants and leads to an increasing number of guests.
2. The amount of space between the bungalows allows for privacy and spaciousness, even during the high tourist season.
3. Through the unique architecture, people acquire a feeling of the local culture. 
4. There is no noise disturbance because traditional forms of building do not include the use of heavy construction equipment. 
   
   Nature

1. Through the use of traditional architecture, the special character of the desert is preserved and enhanced.
2. Use of local materials guarantees the prevention of vermin.
   
   
   DEALING WITH THE PEOPLE  
    
   PROBLEMS

1. It is difficult to reach the desired target group through normal marketing strategies. Instead, knowledge of Basata´s existence has spread though person-to-person advertisement, articles in tourist guide books, newspapers, industry trade magazines and travel magazines worldwide.
2. Accommodating guests safely and comfortably requires a great deal of time and energy.
   
   
   THE BASATA SYSTEM

1. Every single guest is welcomed personally and receives an introduction into the Basata system and instruction in the proper methods of dealing with nature and the local culture.
2. Tourists come here travel individually as large groups are not permitted. Therefore, the personal atmosphere is maintained.
3. Signs ask the guests in a humorous manner to be environmentally friendly. 
4. The staff is encouraged to engage the guests in conversations about Basata; it’s philosophy and the Basata Concept, the environment, local culture and any other questions or relevant issues. 
5. Children have lots of space for running and playing, at the playground or in the natural environment.
6. There is no modern entertainment such as TV or radio. Therefore, there is a great deal of time for discussions, games, reading, or playing the guitar.
7. Basata offers a complete range of food items in a fully equipped kitchen, open 24 hours. There is no supermarket or shopping facility within 20kms of the ecolodge. The guests help themselves to the food and write down the items taken on a sheet of paper with their names on it. This trust in people’s honesty is one of the main pillars of the Basata system.
   
   FAVOURABLE ASPECTS

1. Many guests of different nationalities return regularly to spend their vacation at Basata, and often stay longer than they originally intended.
2. Person-to-person advertisement saves money that would normally be spent on marketing. This allows for reinvestment, thereby maintaining Basata’s high standards.
3. General awareness of local culture and the environment increases. Therefore cultural and other man made pollution decreases.

Basata supports creativity, activity, harmony of family life, and communication between others.

DEALING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT    
 
ENERGY

1. No electricity in the huts (candles instead)
2. No unnecessary lighting inside and outside the buildings
3. No neon signs
4. No heating system; no air-conditioning
   
   WATER
   
   Steps to save water

1. Taps turn off automatically after a few seconds.
2. Rejected water from the desalination machine is used to flush toilets and for clay building. Dishes are washed with salt water and rinsed with fresh water.
3. There is no laundry and therefore no washing service of towels and sheets.
4. Water meters will be installed in the new chalets.
   
   Favourable aspects

1. Decreases the amount of water consumption and of resultant sewage. The average amount of water a person requires in Basata is 70 lt. per day, compared to 500 lt. used in other hotels.
2. Due to the limited water requirement, only a small desalination machine is required (producing 20 m³ per day). This not only reduces the production of high salinity by-product water resulting from the desalination process, but also utilises less electricity than a larger model. 
   
   SOLID WASTE

1. Purchasing goods with minimal pa. 
2. The produced solid waste is separated into:
   
   Organic waste
   Non-organic waste
   The non-organic waste is separated into glass (reusable in Cairo), plastic (shredded and recycled), and other waste. Separating aluminium and paper (recycled by staff) is planned.

1. The organic waste is used as food for the animals (goats, sheep, donkeys, chicken, ducks, pigeons). The resultant animal waste is then taken for fertilising the greenhouse and for clay building.
   
   ACTIVITIES
   
   Organised Activities 

1. Environmentally damaging activities such as water-skiing, jet skiing and motorboats are not permitted. Diving is also prohibited due to the damaging effect it has on the coral.
2. People who go snorkelling are individually informed about correct behaviour pertaining to the coral and it’s inhabitants.
3. Safaris either by jeep, camel or foot are available, but are only lead by local Bedouins and include detailed introduction.
   
   Favourable aspects

1. There is no noise disturbance for the guests.
2. The coral reef and fish are protected.
3. The local population is a part of the business and benefits from it.
4. Guests are instructed on how to best protect the wadis and natural resources (wood, herbs).

1. SPREADING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

• a solid waste sorting station built at Nuweiba (about 35km. from Basata)
• waste management and the selling of recyclable products (the scheme covers an area of about 70km. from Nuweiba to Taba). 
• encouraging hotels, households, shops, restaurants, and cafes to take such basic steps as separating organic and non-organic waste. 
• organising clean ups with schools from Cairo and Sinai. 
• seminars for the local people. 
• various educational social events. 
• palm tree planting along main roads. 

1. MANAGEMENT
   
   Problems

1. It is often difficult to find the proper staff.
2. For building and maintaining an Ecolodge, money must be invested. This initial investment does not have a short term pay off. Results are often seen many years into the project. This has resulted in a slow but steady development.
   
   Favourable aspects

1. Improving the awareness of nature and culture in staff members, in terms of dealing with energy, water, and solid waste in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, staff members are informed about the culture of foreign tourists.
2. Creating a personal working atmosphere.
3. Co-operation with Non Governmental Organisations that devise concepts to protect and preserve the environment, offering such solutions to the tourist industry at large. Development need not necessitate the destruction of the environment.
   
   FUTURE PROSPECTS

For further information please contact:

Basata

Sherif El-Ghamrawy

23 km north of Nuweiba

Sinai, Egypt

Phone & Fax 062-500 481

E-mail: basata@basata.com