What does the bright future of humanity look like? Which role Egypt plays in the world`s sustainable development? Can a single person make positive changes? Dr Mouneer Neamatalla [Munīr Niʿmatallāh], Egyptian pioneer environmentalist shared his experience and views on the future course of development of humanity, education and relationship with nature.
 

Dr. Mounir Neamatalla

Dr. Munīr is “a firm believer that the success of Ecosystem Restoration is best achieved by a commitment to Environmental Degradation Prevention. To achieve this, government actions at the national and international levels are not enough. They need to be reinforced by a change in mindset and behavior among producers and consumers of goods and services, alike. They also need to be reinforced by guidance from religious leaders, and educators at homes and schools. Together, they have to work on sensitizing a new generation of providers, consumers, and services that is respectful of all life forms, vigilant in their use of natural resources, and mindful of the importance of living in harmony with their surrounding environment. The prevailing notion that man has the exclusive and absolute right over the planet’s natural resource base ought to change. In fact, it needs to be totally edited out of our educational protocols, if we are to have reason for hope for the survival of our planet. Meaning, that the secret device that can save our planet is being able to have producers of goods and services, and consumers of goods and services on the planetary scale, guided by the principles of sustainability. This notion needs to be elevated to new heights to permeate the entire public domain. Without that, it is very, very difficult, in my opinion, to be able to set new trends and meet the challenge of sustainability.”

Dr. Munīr is well-known for his involvement in the preservation of the eco system in Siwa. He founded Adrere Amellal eco lodge where Prince Charles stayed one night in March 2006, and has been frequented by ambassadors and other dignitaries.
 

https://www.adrereamellal.com/adrere/images-about-adrere-amellal-siwa-oasis-egypt-desert/

“All of our activities depend on how much water the two natural springs give us”.  “We rely only on the amount of water that two natural springs give us. Together, they gauge the level of activity at the lodge, whether they have to do with accommodation, farming, or recreational activities. I think that at Adrere we came as close as possible to combining a valued experience in travel and sustainable living.”

Dr. Munīr believes “Egypt has a great potential to become one of the world’s leading examples for sustainable living.”

For the full text of this most interesting interview please click here.

Cairo, August 19, 2021

Kseniiia Popova

Sustainability consultant, Russia and intern with CAWU since July 23