Sustainable Development of Ecotourism in the Lake Qarun Area, Fayoum

Abstract

Fayoum Governorate possesses unique natural, environmental, and cultural resources that make it one of Egypt's most promising ecotourism destinations. Among these resources, Lake Qarun stands out due to its rich biodiversity and significant environmental, tourism, and economic value. However, the region is currently facing several environmental and urban challenges that have negatively affected the sustainability of its natural resources and tourism potential.
This paper aims to develop an integrated vision for the sustainable development of the Lake Qarun area by achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. The proposed approach is based on analyzing the area's natural, cultural, and tourism assets, identifying the major environmental challenges, and applying principles of urban planning and ecotourism to formulate practical and sustainable development proposals.
The findings indicate that deteriorating water quality, increasing salinity levels, pollution caused by agricultural and industrial wastewater, and sand encroachment represent the major constraints hindering the sustainable development of the region. Accordingly, the study proposes a set of sustainable solutions, including upgrading wastewater treatment systems, establishing a salt extraction plant, reclaiming desert lands, expanding aquaculture projects and environmentally friendly industries, and improving tourism infrastructure through the development of a cable car system, a sustainable tourist resort, daily-use chalets, a public park, an open-air theater, a medicinal plants garden, and the Fayoum Astronomical Center. These initiatives are expected to enhance the region's tourism attractiveness while promoting economic development and conserving its natural resources.
The paper is organized into nine main sections: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Problem and Objectives, Methodology, Results and Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations, Limitations and Future Research, and Declarations.