Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT)

"The Egyptian Cultural Heritage is of a worldwide interest and importance due to its continuity over a period of more than seven thousand years. It started since prehistoric times and flourished during the Pharaonic, Greco-roman, Coptic and Islamic periods. That is why it encompasses various aspects of human civilization, monitors the development of human heritage and represents a cultural heritage of national and international value. Moreover, the material culture associated with the archaeological sites in Egypt amounts to a considerable percentage of the world cultural heritage. There is an increasing need to take measures towards the documentation and preservation of this unique cultural heritage. On the other hand, Egypt possesses a wide variety of natural resources representing various habitats and a wealth of animal, bird and plant species. Some of these sites and organisms are already protected while others suffer from various dangers and threats. They all need to be accurately and purposefully documented."