World heritage sites management as approach to improving quality of life: Memphis and its Necropolis as a case study

Abstract

World Heritage sites face many challenges that affect the quality of life (QOL), it is thus empirical that more research studies shed light upon this important topic. This research examines the most important problems of Egyptian World Heritage Sites, with a focus on the Memphis site due to its outstanding universal value (OUV) and the posed threats that may affect its global value. The necessity of maintaining world heritage sites in accordance with UNESCO's guidelines has recently come to the state's attention so a supreme committee was formed, according to a presidential decree. Thus, this paper aims to present an applied strategy for managing Memphis site in an integrated manner to contribute to raising the QOL indicators while maintaining the OUV of the site through a multiphase research approach; first the theoretical approach, where a literature review and the basic concepts; second, an empirical desk-based literature review of similar sites. This in turn yielded quantitative and qualitative results and allowed for the measurement of the link between QOL and heritage sites management. Then a third phase which consisted of devising an applicable strategy management plan for Memphis site. The strategy has been proposed in light of the country’s vision, strategy for sustainable development: Egypt vision 2030, and the strategic plan for Greater Cairo Region 2050.