Project Strengthening business environment for the eco-touristic development of New Valley Governorate

Title: Strengthening business environment for the eco-touristic development of New Valley Governorate 
Sector: environment, ecotourism, job creation, training, education.
Date of beginning: 2018
Duration: 3 years

New Valley Governorate occupies a wide sector in the Western desert of Egypt with a total area of 440 km2. New Valley oases are one of the most promising destinations offering an ecotourism product in Egypt. Appropriate and professional skills, together with a development plan, can awaken the alleged potential of the region resulting in sustainable development, economic growth and improved living conditions for its population. CISS operates to contribute to promote socio-economic development in New Valley Governorate through the project “Strengthening business environment for the eco-touristic development of New Valley Governorate”. The project is funded by the Italian - Egyptian Debt for Development Swap Program and it has been implemented since March 2018. It aims at strengthening the social and economic role of women and youth in New Valley Governorate by fostering income generating activities strictly related to local needs and natural resources availability, such as handicraft, organic farming and ecotourism services. It supports business environment in the region through the implementation of:

• vocational trainings targeted specifically to youth and women interested in starting or improving their business activities;
• a Micro-Small Enterprises Incubator (MSEI thereinafter), that responds to the local needs of improving employment’s skills and promotes awareness on the importance of tourist environment and the strategic role of traditional handicrafts, organic farming and ecotourism services. The MSEI provides business support programs and services such as management training and office space to new start-ups. Read more about the Micro-Small Enterprises Incubator;
• a marketing and communication plan strategy, campaign to improve territorial marketing in an eco-touristic perspective and to support local producers to expand their markets. Check products of local producers and Order from New Valley;
• workshops, seminars and exchange visits to improve networking among key-factors for the eco-touristic development in New Valley oases.

The project aims at contributing to support poverty alleviation in New Valley as well as in Egypt, by involving disadvantaged groups, especially women and young people, in virtuous and lasting paths towards sustainable, social, human, environmental and economic development.