Jatropha Forests: A New Trend in Promoting Green Tourism and an Economic Source of Revenue

Abstract

The shift toward eco-tourism is, in essence, the realization of a green economy in which resources are utilized efficiently, ensuring the achievement of environmental goals that seek to create a carbon-free environment and transform fossil fuels—which were harmful to the environment—into a resource that positively impacts the environment. The Jatropha tree stands at the forefront of environmentally friendly options; it is a perennial plant that can live up to 150 years and reaches a height of 2–4 meters. This plant withstands harsh climatic conditions, making it suitable for the Libyan desert environment. It is a tree with significant economic returns and provides employment opportunities for local communities due to its labor-intensive nature. Its cultivation and management do not require specialized qualifications or extensive experience, and its financial requirements are minimal. It helps establish settlements in areas targeted for cultivation, and the planting of Jatropha forests contributes to increasing per capita access to green spaces. It is also recommended for planting in the most polluted areas.