Today marks the first day of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) which usually runs for four days. To celebrate the occasion, Egypt’s Minister of Environmental Affairs, Khaled Fahmy, ordered that the country’s national parks should be open to the public at half-price tickets.
The decision was taken with the aim of encouraging ecotourism and raising awareness of the natural wealth Egypt posseses.
According to Dr Fahmy, a state of emergency was announced in the national parks expected to receive the highest turnout of guests. These include Fayoum’s Lake Qaroun and Wadi al-Rayan some 120km southwest Cairo, and Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert. Eid holidays were cancelled for workers at the parks, in order best to cater to the visitors and guide them through the sites. Visits to such national treasures are hoped to raise public awareness of the need to protect and preserve the environment and wildlife.
Egypt’s has 30 national parks that vary in nature; ranging in interest between unique terrestrial, geological, marine, and wildlife elements.
The photos show the Whale Museum and waterfalls at Wadi al-Rayan; and the caves in BeniSweif, 100km south of Cairo.
Watani International
12 September 2016