About us > Cultural preservation

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Cultural Preservation

 

Khaset Preservation Project is a global initiative fighting against potential threats to the natural and cultural heritage in the Egyptian deserts. 

The object is to share the most information possible about the Sahara's cultural significance and make visitors more aware of how to respect and preserve the desert.   

Furthermore, Khaset encourages the development of sustainable tourism in desert areas.

Why ?

Tourists do not always behave adequately in the desert and unknowingly pose, simply by their presence, the potential threat of environmental or cultural  damage. In most cases, it is due to a lack of information rather than deliberate acts.   

  • Some natural sites are polluted and destroyed by all sorts of litter, waste and garbage.
  • Minerals, like silica glass and plant and animal species are disappearing.
  • Too many wall paintings and carvings have been destroyed.
  • Archaeological sites have been pillaged. 

Ongoing Programs

We are currently in the process of developing a number of campaigns, in collaboration with the Egyptian government : 

  • Mission for the evaluation of the condition of paintings and carvings in the Gilf Kebir: In view of it's recent classification as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO, Khaset has organised a scientific mission planned for the end of 2006  to study the pre-historic sites in the Gilf Kebir region.
  • Creation of a "Desert Center"in Bahariyya Oasis: The objective is to build a structure with the local population, making available information on: the environment, the desert ecosystem, cultural heritage (pre-historic paintings and carvings, archaeological sites, etc.), and advancements made in environmental and cultural protection.
  • Creation of an NGO with the support of the Egyptian government: The NGO, "Friends of the Desert", is based in Bahariyya and it's primary objective is to create protected areas in the endandered areas of the desert, controlling entrance, organising cleaning operations, etc. Furthermore, the NGO promotes awareness and education of the local people about their environment and heritage.