SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE-MANAGEMENT IN MARGINAL ENVIRONMENTS - NATURAL-RESOURCES AND THEIR USE IN THE WADI-ALLAQI REGION OF EGYPT

The aim of the paper is to assess the nature and suitability of the natural resource base of a fragile environment for sustainable economic development. The situation is further complicated by the fact that groundwater conditions in the study area, the southeastern desert of Egypt, have been radically altered since the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Results show that soil conditions in the area will support both vegetation and crops over short periods of time, although further work is needed on long-term sustainability. There are three main sources of water in the area: surface water from Lake Nasser; shallow groundwater, associated with Lake Nasser; and ancient groundwater at depth in the Nubian sandstone. It is the former two which offer the most realistic development options. Vegetation resources offer opportunities for grazing, charcoal production and medicinal uses. The perceptions and attitudes of the local people of the area, as well as their livelihood patterns, make up a major element of the proposed development plan of the area.