StrategyOrganizational and people transformationMarketing and CommunicationsSustainability and social impactproject management and implementation

Implementing Sustainable Systems To Improve Community Livelihood And Increase Tourism

Challenge

The USAID-funded project sought to engage local Red Sea residents equitably in the economic, social and cultural benefits generated by the tourism sector in their governorate, with a focus on job creation and the protection, management, and sustainable use of the community’s natural and cultural assets. As part of the consortium implementing this project, CID was responsible for designing a new approach to solid waste management that was sustainable, effective, and inclusive.

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Approach

While the specific objective for this project was to introduce a new approach for community-based solid waste management, there was a much larger overall objective which we were working towards: promoting sustainable natural and cultural tourism development in the region which satisfies the influx of tourists and their needs, without disrupting – and, in fact, benefitting – the lives of local residents. Working closely with the project’s partners and the local community we were able to introduce at-source segregation schemes for the first time in the Red Sea. This system was complemented by a series of new initiatives, including waste recovery, transportation and recycling schemes; Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs); clean-up campaigns; controlled dumpsites and cross-cutting environmental education, awareness and communications activities. All of these important strands of work helped us to realize the refreshed, progressive vision and system for the region which we had established.

Results

Through implementing these processes, we were able to enhance the competitiveness of Egypt in the fast-growing international tourism market. As a result of our three-year engagement on the project we also helped ensure the protection, management and sustainable use of the natural assets upon which the Southern Red Sea Region’s community’s livelihoods are based. Most rewardingly of all, we were then able to communicate this to the region’s inhabitants – discussing the economic, social and cultural benefits increased tourism would have, including those new job opportunities which would be created.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We worked closely with CID on the Community Engagement Plan for our Lazoghly Complex in Downtown Cairo, and it was a very positive experience. From project intiation, the team showed a strong understanding of the local context and the importance of engaging thoughtfully with the surrounding community in such a unique and historic area. The CID team’s communication was clear, efficient, and easy to work with, keeping us fully updated throughout the process. Their reporting was equally strong, well organized, easy to follow, and full of practical insights that helped us expand our strategy in previously unappreciated directions. The project was also very well planned and managed. Timelines were clear, expectations were well set, and everything moved smoothly. Whenever challenges came up, the team handled them calmly and professionally, always offering solutions and support. Above all, CID brought a knowledgeable, committed, and approachable team to the project. Their dedication and collaborative attitude made them feel like true partners rather than external consultants. We would happily work with them again and confidently recommend their services.

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Seif El Sadek
Reliance Developments Business Development

We worked with the CID team for over 2 years to develop our strategies, and CID has provided two teams; one specialized in social issues and community development and the other in reputation management and corporate communications. The two teams are staffed with experienced professionals who are knowledgeable in their fields and have been working closely and effectively with the ERC team. We believe that CID’s guidance and support in developing and implementing our community engagement and communications strategy has been essential in positioning ERC to meet its corporate social responsibility obligations and its commitments to the stakeholders necessary for ERC to secure its social license to operate.

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Tom Thomason
Former Chief Executive Officer, The Egyptian Refining Company