Overview

Marcelia Farm & Eco-Village is one of the first locations developed as part of the Foresteer Green Spot in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. Covering approximately 11 feddan, the site combines agriculture, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and community development within a single integrated location.

The land originally contained approximately 2 feddan of olive trees, date palms, and other trees. Since its acquisition, substantial investments have been made to restore the farm, improve its infrastructure, expand tree planting activities, and establish the first Foresteer Eco-Village.

The investments required to acquire the land, improve the agricultural operations, develop the Eco-Village, install renewable energy systems, and expand the Green Spot have been funded by private investor Marcel Jong and his company Access2.IT.

The local Egyptian company Marcelia Al Salam is responsible for the day-to-day operations, implementation, maintenance, and development activities on the ground in Siwa Oasis.

Restoration and Agricultural Development

When the location was acquired, many of the existing trees required immediate attention. Significant efforts have been made to improve the health and productivity of the farm through:

• Restoration of existing olive and date trees
• Improved irrigation systems
• Improved composting and soil management
• Pruning and rehabilitation of existing trees
• Expansion of tree planting activities
• Ongoing improvements to agricultural infrastructure

The objective is not only to preserve existing trees but also to increase biodiversity and create a productive and sustainable environment that supports the broader goals of the Foresteer Green Spot.

Nursery Development

An old deteriorated structure that existed on the property was removed and replaced with a nursery constructed primarily from local natural materials.

The nursery utilizes Casuarina wood and traditional palm-leaf roofing, creating a practical and environmentally appropriate space for propagating trees and plants that support the ongoing development of the Green Spot.

The Foresteer Eco-Village

Marcelia Farm & Eco-Village is home to the first Foresteer Eco-Village.

The Eco-Village is not a hotel, resort, or commercial tourism project. It is an essential component of the Green Spot concept and is designed to support the people involved in creating and maintaining Green Spots.

The Eco-Village provides accommodation and facilities for:

• Workers
• Families living and working on the project
• Volunteers
• Researchers
• Supporters of the Foresteer mission
• Visitors interested in ecological restoration and sustainable land development

The purpose of the Eco-Village is to create a permanent living and working environment that supports the long-term success of the Green Spot.

Renewable Energy and Infrastructure

To support both the farm and the Eco-Village, extensive infrastructure has been developed, including:

• Solar energy systems
• Battery storage systems
• Inverters and electrical infrastructure
• Improved irrigation networks
• Drainage systems
• Water management improvements
• Community and recreational areas

These investments contribute to a more resilient, self-sufficient, and environmentally responsible operation.

Current Status

Marcelia Farm & Eco-Village continues to serve as a key development location within the first Foresteer Green Spot in Siwa Oasis. Tree planting activities continue to expand, agricultural systems continue to improve, and the Eco-Village provides a foundation for the people helping to develop the Green Spot.

The location serves as a practical example of how investment, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and community development can work together to transform land into a productive and sustainable environment.

The experience, knowledge, infrastructure, and resources developed at Marcelia Farm & Eco-Village contribute directly to the future development of Green Spots in other locations around the world.