Study and Analysis of Hotels Established in Desert Natural Reserves

Abstract

The Corona pandemic has significantly impacted tourism, prompting travelers to embrace eco-tourism and prioritize environmental preservation. Tourists are now drawn to remote natural locations and nature reserves due to their rich biodiversity, offering unique and non-traditional experiences. This shift has led to a surge in interest in sustainable tourism practices that promote responsible travel and conservation. The World Tourism Organization’s 2021 report reveals a remarkable rise in ecological and sustainable tourism in key countries like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (90% increase), the United Arab Emirates (35% increase), and the Arab Republic of Egypt (20% increase). This surge underscores the growing importance of nature-based and eco-friendly tourism practices. This research paper focuses on the development of tourism facilities in desert natural reserves, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental sensitivity. These eco-lodges aim to benefit local communities, preserve indigenous architecture and cultural heritage, and respect the customs and values of the local population. The study delves into global and Arab models of such eco-lodges to explore their design, construction, and management approaches that foster the preservation of natural resources and minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, the research highlights their positive contributions in investing back into the local communities. By investigating these eco-friendly paradigms, the research endeavors to draw insights that can be applied to future sustainable tourism initiatives. Ultimately, the aim is to create a harmonious balance between tourism development and ecological conservation, ushering in a new era of responsible and environmentally conscious travel practices.

1 Introduction

Tourism and environmental protection are inextricably linked, with each relying on the other for sustainability. A deteriorating environment not only hampers the potential for tourism growth but also poses significant challenges for the global economy, especially in developing nations. Over the years, the tourism industry’s rapid expansion has exerted immense pressure on the environment, exacerbating issues related to global warming, climate change, and pollution crises. The impact of tourism facilities, from the construction phase to their ongoing operations, has further contributed to this environmental predicament.

The consequences of this environmental strain have necessitated a paradigm shift in the way we approach tourism development. Addressing the urgent need for responsible and eco-friendly practices, the concept of eco-hotels has emerged as a vital solution. These eco-hotels play a pivotal role in not only minimizing their own ecological footprint but also aiding in the recovery of an environment that has endured years of abuse.

In light of the pressing environmental challenges and the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences, the construction and management of eco-hotels have assumed paramount importance. These innovative establishments prioritize harmony with nature, embracing design principles that consider the local climate, energy sources, and cultural context. By fostering a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and the environment, eco-hotels exemplify a positive step toward promoting sustainable tourism practices.

In this context, this research aims to explore the significance and impact of eco-hotels, particularly in desert natural reserves. By investigating global and Arab models of such lodges, we seek to uncover valuable insights that can guide future tourism initiatives, fostering a harmonious coexistence between tourism development and environmental preservation. Through this endeavor, we hope to contribute to the collective effort of protecting our planet while promoting responsible and enriching travel experiences.

The research problem indicates the fact that the tourism sector is considered one of the sectors most affected by the outbreak of (COVID-19), as it is negatively affected both supply and demand for travel. This has led to an increase in the demand for eco-hotels built in nature reserves, which requires increased attention to this type of hotels.

Research Hypothesis: The study proposes that building eco-lodges is highly significant in expediting the world’s recovery from environmental degradation. These thoughtfully designed lodges seamlessly integrate with the environment, minimizing negative impacts and maximizing the use of natural energy sources. Embracing this hypothesis acknowledges the potential of eco-lodges as sustainable havens, promoting ecological conservation and harmonious coexistence with nature.

Methodology: This research paper adopts a two-fold approach. Firstly, a theoretical axis is employed, focusing on identifying the most significant vocabulary pertinent to the study. Secondly, an analytical axis is utilized to examine international and Arab models of eco-lodges situated in desert tourist areas. Case studies are carefully selected based on specific criteria, including their location in desert regions, presence within natural reserves rich in biodiversity, existence in areas where minimal human intervention has occurred, availability of natural resources on-site, and the presence of unique local communities with distinct characteristics, traditions, culture, and products. This comprehensive methodology aims to shed light on the effective practices and principles employed in the development of eco-lodges that contribute to the preservation of natural resources, environmental sustainability, and positive engagement with local communities.

2 Concepts

2.1 Eco-tourism

It is a term that appeared since the early eighties of the twentieth century and came to express a new type of environmentally-friendly tourism activity practiced by humans. Eco-tourism is a process of learning, culture and education about the components of the environment; and thus it is a means to introduce tourists to the environment and engage with it, as it is the framework that brings together the local population, visitors, and the environment in a positive and balanced system that guarantees benefit and protection of rights for all, i.e., the framework in which people live [1].

2.2 Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials, and reflecting local traditions. At least originally, vernacular architecture did not use formally schooled architects, but relied on the design skills and tradition of local builders [2].

2.3 Eco-tourism Facilities

It is one of the products of eco-tourism that is designed, built, and managed in a way that contributes to and supports the preservation of natural and cultural resources, but it is determined according to special specifications and binding standards [3].

2.4 Eco-lodge

The design of the “Eco-Lodge” project requires following an architectural style called “Eco-Design”. This method relies on three principles that should be taken into account, and these principles are [4]:

• Design solutions should be stemmed from the natural environment surrounding the place and its interaction with its cultural background.

• Local communities should participate in the design and implementation process to benefit from their experience accumulated over many years in these areas.

• The design should seamlessly integrate with nature, complementing and respecting the site’s natural characteristics.

Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the essential element in establishing an eco-lodge is the access to the process of merging and integrating with the weather, culture, and nature in the surrounding area.

3 Eco-lodge Analysis

3.1 Nayara Alto Atacama

It is located in the Alto Atacama Reserve in the Atacama Desert in Chile, South America. The lodge is surrounded by the colorful Andes Mountain Series, deep caves, and the Valley of the Moon, where one can enjoy moon-like desert landscapes, hot water springs, salt flats and many more unusual natural geological phenomena, and watch stars in the famous clear sky of the Atacama Reserve [5]. The lodge offers 42 spacious accommodation units with a private patio for each room. There are also service elements, such as a reception area, a living room, dining halls, multi-purpose halls, a health center, an observatory, and a shop.

Design Thought and Project Objectives The Eco-Lodge features modern and elegant architecture while maintaining simplicity and respect for the environment. The eco-lodge mission is to go beyond sustainability. The eco-lodge tries to slow environmental impacts but actively restoring nature to its former glory through reforestation projects and investing in the local community. The eco-lodge focuses on energizing and enhancing the Atacama Desert for generations to come [5].

Building Materials and Construction Techniques Local natural building materials have been used, where the walls of the building were designed from earthen walls (Rammed earth walls), which is an ancient technique used by the indigenous Atacamaians, as the idea of this technique is to create solid wooden molds that take the shape of the walls of the building. Clay soil is placed inside these molds and then rammed and compacted with a heavy hammer to increase its density to the stage of complete hardening. In many cases, some stabilizing materials are added to this soil, such as lime, due to the poor proportion of clay. After filling those molds, they are removed and then raised to a higher level to complete the rest of the building’s height. This technique is characterized by the fact that it takes the heat of the sun during the day to protect the building from heat and then releases it at night when needed, and it has a low carbon imprint and good sound insulation [6].

Terracotta stone was used in some decorative walls and floors, and natural wood was used in the ceilings to make good insulation for the ceiling, which was used without painting or dyeing in order to preserve the surrounding natural environment (Fig. 18.1).

Fig. 18.1

Rammed earth walls’ construction

Elements of General Site Coordination The lodge has the Andean Garden, for which the Botanist Veronica Poblete worked for, and which was created using local materials and seeds, and planted entirely by hand. More than 2000 m² of desert land has been planted with trees, cardi plants, shrubs, and edible Andean plants. Moreover, llama garden, stonework, and water features consisting of seven pools and a Jacuzzi exist on the site. Due to a humble respect for the local nature and culture, the ancestral culture of the desert was saved all over garden designs [7] (Figs. 18.2 and 18.3).

Fig. 18.2

Layout for Nayara Alto Atacama

Fig. 18.3

Natural material in Nayara

Rationalization of Energy Consumption This is done through the use of earthen walls to protect from climatic factors, and solar panels are used to heat the water used in the swimming pool and kitchens.

Rationalization of Water Consumption About 100% of water is extracted from its own well, then the water is treated through a reverse osmosis plant, and then this gray water is reused again through drip irrigation that improves water use and revives arable land.

Waste Management It is done through recycling cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and plastic, which reduces carbon emissions [5].

3.2 Feynan Eco-lodge

The site chosen by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to build the lodge is the Dana Reserve in the desert of Jordan, which is the second largest nature reserve in Jordan and characterized by diverse wildlife, geographic topography, and natural spaces. This lodge was built in the valley where the former camp site of the Natural Resources Authority was located in the 1960s. The lodge consists of 26 rooms in addition to the public spaces, reception, restaurant, living room, and a candle and leather atelier. The lodge was established in 2002 [8].

Design Thought and Project Objectives The main objective was to spend resources on training, operating and managing the reserve’s wildlife; therefore, the distinguished architect Ammar Al-Khammash wanted to make a very simple, low-cost building where people could retire, like the monastery where the monks reside, to convey a sense of solitude [9].

Building Materials and Construction Techniques Local natural building materials were used in the construction, such as the available sandstone on Mount Petra, and cement bricks were also used in the construction of the walls of Feynan, as a double layer of cement bricks was used in the building with an air gap in the middle, as this arrangement acts as a good heat insulator. The wall was also covered from the outside with sand to make it a building in harmony with the surrounding environment. Since most of the heat escapes through the upper surfaces, the huge, ultra-thin domes are made of ferrocement concrete. These protruding, bulging domes face the sun on one side and shade the other, which is another climate control strategy used in the project [10] (Figs. 18.4 and 18.5).

Fig. 18.4

Ferrocement dome in Feynan

Fig. 18.5

Ferrocement dome construction

Stone chips were used as sunscreens in the southern and western highlands, which is a technique common in Asir region of Yemen and some regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In summer, stones block the walls from the vertical sun, and as the sun moves, the direction of the shadow on the facades changes. During winter, the sun is low and the shade is shallow, so heat is retained in the walls to heat the interior of the building [6] (Fig. 18.6 and 18.7).

Fig. 18.6

Stone chips on the façade

Fig. 18.7

Shadow created by stone chips

Elements of General Site Coordination The comfortable seclusion that characterizes the lodge makes sure that it is 8 km away from the nearest road in order to preserve the natural vegetation on site. The designer was inspired by the elements of the furniture from the Jordanian farmer’s house, where women used to form furniture from gypsum based on clay [11].

Rationalization of Energy Consumption The lodge relies on natural lighting during the day and locally makes candles at night. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the lodge, in order to generate electricity that is used only in the bathrooms, administration, and kitchen and in heating the water as well.

Rationalization of Water Consumption Springs and natural water resources are relied upon from groundwater and desalinated from salts to obtain pure water. Rainwater is collected in tanks and used in the lodge. Kitchen and room equipment are also used to save water consumption.

Waste Management Wastewater is treated and used in agriculture through an innovative wastewater treatment system called Biolytix; this system uses an underground tank containing polythene, which is composed of handling layers between dry soil and polythene pipes to create an environment with bacteria for the natural treatment of organic matter [12].

4 El-Babinshal Eco-lodge

The lodge is located in the Siwa Reserve, next to Shali Castle in Siwa, Arab Republic of Egypt. The lodge was given this name due to its proximity to the main gate of the ancient city, which means the gate of the city in the Amazigh language of the people of Siwa. It is considered as a restoration and reuse of five Siwian vernacular houses in the Siwa Oasis. The location of the lodge was chosen amidst the jagged ruins of the ancient thirteenth-century Shali Castle, which consisted of houses built of rock salt. The lodge currently consists of 14 rooms, a reception area, and dining halls [13] (Figs. 18.8 and 18.9).

Fig. 18.8

Old Siwian houses

Fig. 18.9

Restoration of the old Siwian houses

Design Thought and Project Objectives The lodge is inspired by the ancient Siwa dwelling and the facades are inspired by the unique historical façade of Shali Castle, which dates back eight centuries. The project aimed to show a vivid example in the implementation of a pilot project (El-Babinshal Lodge), whereby Siwians can convert their distressed houses—if there is no one living in there anymore—into lodges to create tourist attractions that can be a source of income. The project also aims to revive traditional building know-how such as carpentry, stone carving, and karshief masonry. The project also encouraged the authorities and stakeholders to restore Shali again [13].

Building Materials and Construction Techniques The construction of the El-Babinshal relied on the natural materials found in the surrounding environment and on the karshief material (it is a local building material consisting of salt, sand, and loess deposits gathered together and is the origin of the soil in Siwa) characterized by high thermal resistance that reduces the heat transfer between the external and internal environments. The walls rest on strip foundations (60 cm wide) made of limestone and karshief. The thickness of the walls varies according to their use and location. The thickness of the external walls ranges between 50 and 60 cm, and this thickness decreases in the upper floors, reaching 30–40 cm [14] (Fig. 18.10).

Fig. 18.10

Structure system in Siwa Oasis

Fifty percent of the materials that were in the building were used, old materials were reused, and even the doors and windows were reused. This includes olive tree wood, palm trunks, recycled stone, and recycled metal. The room openings have been re-orientated to allow the natural flow of air. They overlook an open courtyard and the building plan runs along an east–west axis for maximum airflow and optimal solar protection and control [15].

Elements of General Site Coordination The exterior landscaping includes native plants including mint, parsley, basil, olive trees, and palm trees. The ancient Shali Castle can be seen from the open terraces. As for the interior furnishings, it is home-made, furnished, and decorated in the authentic Siwian style, with colorful Bedouin carpets, and palm-leaf chairs [16].

Rationalization of Energy Consumption The lodge depends on natural lighting during the day, where the building is naturally ventilated by outside air through opening windows on the inner courtyard of the building. As for the night, the lodge relies on candles placed in locally manufactured white salt pots to increase the reflection of light.

Rationalization of Water Consumption The building depends on the local water network to supply drinking water as it is located in the heart of Siwa.

Waste Management The lodge has a sewage system. Wastewater (black and gray water) is treated through a large tank of 4000 L, with filtration systems. The final filtered water is treated with calcium powder to treat solid waste, resulting in clear gray water. The water is then transported to feed into a bio-cleaning wetland, 4 km from the building site, and used to grow sedge and bamboo. Kitchen waste is separated and organic waste is composted, and there is no waste from the construction process and all local materials used in El-Babinshal are recyclable [13].

Here, we find, by analyzing international and Arab Eco-Lodge models built in desert nature reserves, that they are designed, built, and managed in a manner that contributes and supports the preservation of natural resources and the preservation of the environment. Ancient facilities in desert tourist areas can be exploited by adding some architectural modifications and environmental treatments to convert them into eco-lodges that preserve the identity and culture of the local community while preserving its cultural heritage and traditional architectural character. Through the use of traditional environmental treatments and through the use of renewable energy in the building, energy was rationalized, which also led to the preservation of the environmental balance of the site. Both environmental treatments and renewable energy are integrated to maintain and develop the environmental balance of the desert tourist site.

5 Results

• 1. The research hypothesis strongly supports the substantial value of constructing eco-lodges in desert nature reserves. These buildings play a vital role in facilitating the rapid recovery of our environment, which has endured years of abuse and degradation.

• 2. The selection of lodge locations strategically focuses on areas where previous human interventions have occurred, ensuring that untouched pristine regions remain undisturbed and preserved.

• 3. The architectural character employed draws inspiration from the rich traditional architecture of the surrounding community, embracing and honoring their cultural and architectural heritage.

• 4. The design and choice of colors, along with the exterior texture of the buildings, play a pivotal role in accentuating the seamless integration with the natural environment. These elements harmoniously blend with the surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and coexistence with nature.

• 5. Utilizing locally sourced construction materials and traditional building techniques, the eco-lodges were erected with a conscious effort to maintain an affordable cost while preserving the natural charm of the region.

• 6. By ingeniously modifying and treating ancient structures, they were transformed into eco-lodges, showcasing a remarkable fusion of heritage and sustainability.

• 7. The strategic orientation of the lodges allowed for optimal exposure to northwest winds, while reducing the width of southern facades, ensuring energy efficiency and climate adaptation.

• 8. Eco-lodges have emerged as powerful catalysts for economic growth, generating numerous job opportunities that uplift the livelihoods of local communities and combat poverty.

• 9. Implementing environmental treatments in eco-lodges not only aids in conserving the surroundings but also leads to cost savings during construction, driving both governmental and private sectors to embrace these sustainable endeavors.

6 Recommendations

• 1. States should be encouraged to expand the establishment of natural reserves and deal with them and their surroundings rationally in order to preserve them.

• 2. It is supposed to work to develop the elements that attract local and international tourism and open new horizons outside the traditional image of tourism in order to cope with the new trends of global tourism.

• 3. Local population in the desert tourist areas should be encouraged to convert their old houses—if there is no one living in there anymore—into eco-lodges to create tourist attractions that can be a source of income for them.

• 4. It is recommended to use local building materials from renewable sources and to prevent the use of energy-intensive and environmentally harmful materials.

• 5. Environmental awareness must be spread at the local and global levels, and forms and sources of pollution must be combated.

• 6. Tourism activities should be activated at local, regional, and international levels, by defining natural areas for their conservation, management, and tourism investment.