A Sanctuary of Life and Biodiversity

📍 Location and Area
Siwa Oasis is located in the far west of Egypt, within the Western Desert, approximately 300 km from the city of Marsa Matrouh and only about 50 km from the Libyan border.

It was declared a natural reserve by official decree in 2002, covering an area of around 7,800 km², making it one of the largest protected areas in Egypt.

🌱 Ecosystems of Siwa
Siwa boasts unique biodiversity, blending desert landscapes with wetland systems:

Salt lakes such as Lake Zaytun and Lake Siwa.

Over 1,000 natural springs used for drinking, irrigation, and therapy.

Rare species of medicinal and aromatic plants, including wormwood, tamarisk, and colocynth.

Desert wildlife and reptiles like the fennec fox, desert monitor, and various snakes and lizards.

Key nesting sites for migratory birds, such as flamingos.

🏛️ History and Heritage
Siwa is one of the oldest inhabited oases, with a distinct cultural identity:

Temple of Amun: Visited by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.

Mountain of the Dead: Features rock-cut tombs from the Ptolemaic era.

Shali Fortress: An ancient mud-brick citadel built from natural “kershef” material.

Siwi Berber Language: Still spoken today alongside Arabic.

🧂 Local Community and Economy
The oasis is home to around 25,000 people, mostly Amazigh (Berbers), who rely on:

Agriculture: Primarily dates and olives.

Ecotourism and Therapeutic Tourism: Such as hot sand baths for rheumatism treatment.

Handicrafts: Embroidery, pottery, and olive oil/date products.

Salt Trade: Harvested from lakes for industrial and cosmetic uses.

🔥 Environmental Challenges
Despite its protected status, Siwa faces several threats:

Overexploitation of groundwater resources.

Tourism and investment projects that disrupt ecological and cultural balance.

Lack of awareness regarding sustainable resource management.