الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 16 |  |  |
| | | from | 16 | | |
Abstract
The North West Coast of Egypt, including Burg El-Arab study area, is currently exposed to an increasing development pressure and exploitation of its resources. It is evident in retrospect that this development has had devastating effects upon the natural coastline due to lack ot understanding of the proper application of landscape management principals and concepts compatible with the carrying capacity of special environmental resources.
The current study attempts to establish a methodological framework for the analysis and evaluation of future development possibilities that brings into consideration ecological and social values, and that is specific to the coastal desert environment. In order to be applicable, the proposed management method in the North West Coast of Egypt is aimed to be simple and easy enough to be understood and processed by the average planning or management office. Also, the process outlined should be a systematic and a structured approach.
In retrospect, the carrying capacity and threshold limitations concepts present a comprehensive method for the evaluation of urban and regional development possibilities. Their scientific basis lies on the fact that any available resource (natural or man-made) has a certain capacity and resilience to accept changes before its quality begins to deteriorate. For the best possible use of the existing resources and for the most effective protection of the environment, the objective of the method is to identify this limit and not to trespass it.
The most specific and direct contribution of the concepts to the planning piocess is that they provide the basis for urban and regional design. It does that by offering a framework that allows for the consideration of various development possibilities in the light of different assumptions. These possibilities can take the form of proposals about the location of the proposed development, or even suggestions about the acceptable quantity and quality of development.