Egypt is a country of great environmental diversity, this is equally apparent in its cultural as in its natural heritage. The Nile River is the most significant feature of its landscape; it is the main source of fresh water, which sustains much of the biodiversity and human life in this otherwise very dry desert. The Nile divides Egypt into two very different parts: the Eastern Desert, which is rugged and mountainous, and the Western Desert, which is flat and sandy. Sinai has its own characteristic features. Each of these diverse regions has unique natural features and animals and plants which live in them. Another factor contributing to Egypt's rich natural heritage is its unique geographical position. Egypt occupies the north-eastern corner of the African continent, at the junction of three continents and four biogeographical regions.
Hence, despite its predominantly hyper-arid environment, the country hosts a wide variety of habitats and species. This habitat diversity is clearly reflected in the faunal and floral components ranging from typical desert organisms to wetland creatures and tropical trees to the extremely rich coral reefs of the Red Sea.
This richness in biodiversity is appreciated by all nature lovers. Unfortunately, it is continuously under threat due to over-exploitation, pollution, and unsustainable development. Egypt's natural heritage, therefore, needs to be protected and the first step toward this is to know, appreciate, and enjoy this treasure.