Protected Areas and National Parks

Protected areas are our natural and cultural heritage, which provide in fact unlimited service and no-service values. They are also valuable resources that should be carefully managed and protected from negative natural and anthropogenic impacts. Maintenance of such resources will guarantee their presence for the next generation. Protected areas are part of the biosphere we live in. They are characterized by sensitive ecosystems, rare geological structures, aesthetic values, and or unique cultural heritage that should be preserved.

In 2007, the number of protected areas in Egypt reached 27 ones representing almost 15% of Egypt 's land. According to the Egyptian Protected Areas Network "EPAN", and the National Conservation Strategy, the number of protected areas in 2017 will be 40 protected areas or 17% of Egypt 's land. This will represents samples of all the Egyptian natural ecosystems, habitats, and almost all the existing wildlife species. Declared and proposed protected areas are chosen carefully; a lot of studies should be done when choosing an area for protection.