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RED SEA SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INITIATIVE
(RSSTI)
A United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) funded project with the Tourism Development Authority
(TDA), Ministry of Tourism, and implemented by Hagler Bailly Services,
Inc.
The
Red Sea Sustainable Tourism Initiative
(RSSTI) is an activity of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA),
with funding support and technical assistance provided by USAID.
RSSTI is being implemented by Hagler Bailly Services, Inc. of
Arlington, Virginia, USA. RSSTI is part of the broader Egyptian
Environmental Policy Program (EEPP), a joint USAID - Government of
Egypt policy support program. RSSTI's program is based on technical
assistance, training, and limited equipment purchases, with a
primary focus on TDA and private sector investors, developers and
managers.
RSSTI WORK COMPONENTS
Best
Practices
This work
component involves the demonstration and introduction of selected
"Best Environmental Practices" during the planning, construction and
operation of touristic projects.
- Environmental/energy
assessments conducted to identify opportunities for
environmental improvement.
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
developed with properties along the Red Sea Coast
- An environmental management plan framework
for an Integrated Development Center (IDC)
- Best Practices for alternative tourism
development, including mountain I desert activities, health
spa facilities and Ecolodges in Egypt.
- Best Practices for infrastructure
development, including construction site preparation and
development and innovative water I wastewater systems.
- International environmental certification
programs for Red Sea Coast properties will be reviewed with
support for creation of an Egyptian environmental tourism
recognition program.
Sustainable Tourism Awareness
The objective of this component is to increase the
awareness of the opportunities and means to support and sustain the
environment by the tourism sector.
- Seminars andforums will be conducted for
each of the Best Practice guidelines developed.
- Training programs in support of Best Practices, environmental assessments
and EMS will be undertaken.
- An Ecolodge Forum covering marketing, finance, design and construction, case
studies and linkages with visitor activities and protected
areas will be conducted.
- An International Conference/ Trade Show on
Sustainable Tourism will be
organized and held in Egypt.
A public awareness program
will be developed
relating linkages between the environment, individual investor
profits, and the general well being of the economy and community
health.
Poilcy and Institutional Strengthening
This component involves
support for TDA's activities related to environmental planning and
monitoring.
- Institutional plans for the Authority's Policy Implementation Unit
and a new Environmental Monitoring Unit will be
supported.
- A computerized management information system
will be designed, and technical assistance
provided, including creation of a vibrant TDA website.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and TDA
permitting review procedures and guidelines will be assessed, with
particular emphasis placed on coordinating mechanisms
with other agencies.
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