Solutions

Protect the Argan trees Community mobilization for protecting the Argan trees against unsustainable use

Known as the “Tree of Life” to the Berbers for the many health benefits it brings, this spiny tree (argania spinosa) grows wild exclusively in the south-west of Morocco in the Souss Plain, where there are 21 million trees covering almost 800,000 hectares. As a rare and endangered species, the Argan forest was declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1999. The Argan tree can reach a height of between 8 and 10 metres, and some have been known to live as long as 200 years. The … Read more

Sustainable wind and solar energies Exploit the natural climactic predisposition of the South Western region

Region: GEN Africa

Areas of Regeneration:
- Ecology
  - Renewable Energy & Transport

The South west Region is generally sunny and very windy. As such, it has the perfect climate for the development of off-grid clean, renewable energy technologies for domestic uses. … Read more

Naht Stone Carving

Regions: GEN Africa, GENNA, GENOA

Areas of Regeneration:
- Culture
  - Art & Celebration

The history of stone carving dates to periods of time that go back before recorded history. These civilizations are believed to have been very fascinating and astonishing races of people, e.g. The Mayans and the Egyptians. They built vast cities, majestic temples and palaces, filling them with their history and beliefs carved in stone. Some groups were known for their ceremonial centers and fortresses built of stone. The enormous, irregularly shaped stones, weighing many tons, were cut with … Read more

Pigeons towers Pigeons Breeding Towers

Areas of Regeneration:
- Ecology
  - Seeds, Food & Soil
- Economy

Pigeons have been bred in Egypt since the ancient Egyptian periods. Pigeons stuffed with rice is considered a special Egyptian meal. In addition breeding pigeons is practiced as a traditional hobby, specially those type of pigeons called 'Zagil' which are the first historical messages courier. Breeding pigeons is considered a good business for people in countryside specially that pigeons are easily fed with grains such as lentils, corn and barley. The farmer usually adds simple minerals to the … Read more

Hassan Fathy Architecture The Vernacular Architect of the Egyptian Architect, Hassan Fathy

Areas of Regeneration:
- Ecology
  - Green Building

Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy died in 1989 but left behind a legacy of 160 building projects ranging from small projects to large-scale communities complete with mosques and schools. Hassan Fathy is the most famous of the Egyptian Architects, who used traditional materials, means of construction, and vernacular styles in his search for an inexpensive form of architecture for the poor. His projects are based on the use of a narrow range of forms made from morphological and structural elements … Read more

Traditional Water Harvesting Systems Traditional water harvesting systems in North Africa and Southwest Asia

Areas of Regeneration:
- Ecology
  - Water Cycles

At present there are two main classifications of traditional water harvestng systems: firstly by Oweis et al. (2004), and secondly, by Prinz (1996. 2000). The classification by Oweis et al. (2004) (see below) starts by subdividing techniques on the basis of the size of the catchment area, which is the area from which water is collected. Small catchment areas (micro-catchments), are then further classifed as roof-top and on-farm techniques. By contrast, techniques that depend on large catchment … Read more

Sabil and Kutab Public water drinking and education complex from Islamic architecture

Region: GEN Africa

Areas of Regeneration:
- Culture
  - Wisdom & Innovation

The 'sabil' is a building famous in Islamic architecture built by nobles, princes, and other rich people for providing fresh drinking water for the people in streets. Its a charity and public welfare building. This type of architecture started during the Mameluke period. Its either a separate building or one built inside mosques. The construction of the 'sabil' includes a big water reservoir in the underground level and above it, amfew step above ground level, the 'tasbil' room or the room for … Read more

ٍScarecrow ‘khayal Miatah’ Traditional scarecrow for combating birds

Areas of Regeneration:
- Ecology
  - Seeds, Food & Soil

In the Egyptian countryside farmers use a very simple way they believe it protects their fields from birds who feed on their gains. They distribute in the fields a fixture in the form of 2 cross wooden bars. they dress this fixture a 'gilbab', which is long Arab shirt worn by Egyptians in the countryside. The efficiency of such method is debatable. Yet Its a tradition in the countryside which farmers believe is efficient in combating birds. Its also an ecological solution which involves zero … Read more

View More Posts