How Community Engagement Approach Enhances Heritage Conservation: Two Case Studies on Sustainable Urban Development in Historic Cairo

A community engagement approach significantly enhances heritage conservation by empowering local residents as dynamic decision-makers. In two case studies—Al-Darb Al-Aqaba (URHC) and Souq El-Silah—in Historic Cairo, participatory workshops, capacity building, and mapping tools led to over 70% of participants reporting increased ownership in heritage protection. The study demonstrates that such methods effectively involve communities in sustainable urban development, fostering a sense of responsibility and active participation in conservation efforts. This qualitative research combines literature review with case analysis, revealing the transformative potential of community-driven strategies in preserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Fahmy, A., & Thamarat, M. (2025). How Community Engagement Approach Enhances Heritage Conservation: Two Case Studies on Sustainable Urban Development in Historic Cairo. Sustainability, 17(10), 4565. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104565