‘People are living in the parkʹ. Linking biodiversity conservation to community development in the Middle East region: a case study from the Saint Katherine Protectorate, Southern Sinai

The Saint Katherine Protectorate is one of Egyptʹs largest protected areas and includes the countryʹs highest mountains. This arid, mountain ecosystem supports a surprising biodiversity and a high proportion of plant endemics. The protectorate contains religious and culturally significant sites, including Mount Sinai and the Monastery of Saint Katherine. Seven thousand bedouin from six tribes live in or around the protectorate. Recent development pressure, catalysed by tourism, has resulted in the natural resource base of this fragile region being overexploited. An integrated management plan is under development to conserve the areaʹs natural and cultural heritage, and ensure community participation while expanding opportunities for sustainable tourism. Local community guards now enforce a conservation ethic in one of Egyptʹs most spectacular and fragile regions.