Nabq Protected Area

NABQ Protected Area (NPA) is a 600 km2 (230 mi2) protected area located in the Egypt, South Sinai Governorate. It was established by the Prime Ministerial Decree no.1511/1992 and was extended by Decree 33/1996 where Dahab marine section was added to the protected area as a Dahab Environmentally Managed Area DEMA and finally having NABQ Managed Resource Protected Area which is known shortly as (NMRPA).

Management institutional framework

The Protected Area Management Unit (PAMU) of Nabq is one of the Sinai Protected Area Net Work which is affiliated to the Central Department of the Protected Areas in Egypt under the Nature Conservation Sector of EEAA. The PAMU is responsible for controlling, developing protection actions, cooperation with stakeholders, enforcing the environmental laws (law 102/1983 and law 4/1994) and reporting to the Sinai Regional PA Office in Sharm El Sheikh, which in turn reports to NCS/EEAA in Cairo.

NMRPA management objectives

The protected area had the status of Managed Resource Protected Area (MRPA) IUCN Category VI which is managed mainly for sustainable use of natural ecosystem. It is an area containing mostly unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long-term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while at the same time providing a sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet community needs.

Accordingly, the main proposed management objectives for NMRPA are:

To maintain the natural and cultural resources in good conditions and conserve NPA biodiversity.

To enhance the sustainable utility of natural resources in the PA.

To promote NPA as a focal point for ecotourism in the region, and supporting socio-economic benefits to the local community

To increase public understanding and appreciation of NPA natural and cultural heritage.