Omayed, Biosphere reserve in western Egypt
Omayed is a biosphere reserve in western Egypt featuring coastal dunes, inland ridges, and saline depressions. The landscape comprises diverse terrain types including calcareous formations and low-lying basins that support varied plant and animal life.
The area gained UNESCO biosphere designation in 1981 with boundary extensions added in 1998 to protect additional ecological zones. This expansion allowed better protection of different natural habitats and their inhabitants.
Four villages within the reserve maintain traditional farming methods, particularly fig cultivation and pastoral activities that shape the local landscape. Residents have used the natural resources in ways adapted to this fragile coastal environment for generations.
The reserve can be accessed via marked pathways with guided visits and educational programs available for visitors. On-site research facilities continuously monitor the ecosystem and document the species present.
The reserve contains an exceptional moss flora with 29 documented species despite occupying less than one tenth of one percent of Egypt's land area. This concentration of species in such a small space makes it a valuable location for botanical research.
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