Maadi Petrified Forest in Cairo, Egypt, as a Geologic Heritage Under Urbanization Pressure

Abstract

The Petrified Forest Protectorate near Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, holds considerable geological heritage value. Over the past 10 years, substantial geo-loss has been reported in this area. Like other sites of urban geological heritage, the protectorate faces environmental and anthropogenic pressures linked to urbanization. Such pressures have led to an increased depletion of geological resources, seriously threatening what is an important part of the geological heritage of Egypt. This study aimed at detailing the geological heritage value of the Petrified Forest Protectorate and, using ETM imaging, to evaluate the effects of urbanization and the resultant geo-loss. In Egypt, more forward-looking decisions are needed to insure the full legal protection of such sites and the conduction of safe geotourism. Currently, a full appreciation of the value of geoheritage and the importance of geoconservation is lacking. This study attempted to quantify geoconservation into basic units of the geological heritage in order to add to our pool of knowledge and increase awareness. Specific inventories were conducted. Valuation and monitoring procedures were designed in order to organizing geoheritage information, aiming towards informed planning of geoconservation projects and of geotourism, and, as a result, better management of the protectorate. Notable success in implementing such steps has been reported in comparable cases in Greece and should be easy to conduct in Egypt.