SEKEM Model Sets a Precedent

It was amazing to witness the openness and transparency with which our group was welcomed,” said Nariman Mostafa during the workshop “Sustainable Development and Community Building in the Desert”. “Of course there are challenges but we can see the solutions emerging”, added the workshop participant. Maximilian Abouleish-Boes, SEKEMs Chief Sustainable Development Officer, organized the five-day workshop together with his staff last weekend. The aim of the meeting was to get to know SEKEMs experience of building a sustainable economic and life model.

Sustainability in Bilbeis and Bahariyya

The event took place three days on the SEKEM main farm in Belbeis and two days at the Al-Bahariyya oasis. The approximately 20 young participants from various Egyptian organizations and institutions were able to witness the differences and developments between the two SEKEM farms. SEKEM founder Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish and SEKEMs CEO Helmy Abouleish also met the participants and presented the SEKEM vision to them. In Bahariyya  the group was able to examine the solar pumping systems and discuss with the farm management the related challenges with regard to irrigation automatization and sustainable water management. “The SEKEM community inspired me a lot. I have many questions and need to gain more knowledge in order to apply it at my own farm and cultural center in Aswan,” said Abdel Khalek El Betity enthusiastically.

SEKEM has been a successful for 40 years and has been awarded multiple times for its sustainable holistic development approach. Since SEKEM has set itself the goal of giving something back to the community, the workshop is a good framework for encouraging other people to follow SEKEMs example.

Sherif Abou El Naga

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