The role of traditional knowledge policies in Egypt: the case of Wadi Allaqi

Abstract

AbstractGlobally, traditional knowledge is at stake, notwithstanding intentions recorded in international policy conventions. Egypt has accepted and ratified several conventions on implementation of traditional knowledge in the fields of environment and sustainable development; yet this implementation is hampered by a lack of concrete plans. Focusing on the Bedouin community in the Southern Egypt protectorate of Wadi Allaqi, this paper investigates whether traditional knowledge plays a role in Egyptian policy, as reflected in policy documents and by interviews with regional stakeholders. We found that local actors of Wadi Allaqi protectorate-involved institutions appreciate the importance of traditional knowledge especially in environmental affairs. It can be concluded that a strengthened position of traditional knowledge in regulation and law should be supplemented by social measures and actions to overcome bureaucratic, geographical, and communicative barriers. Derived recommendations imply that the perspective of the Bedouin community should be taken into account.