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Engaging local communities in restoration projects: reconsidering the role of traditional knowledge in Wadi Allaqi, Egypt

Although there may be large differences between scientific and traditional knowledge (TK) traditions, the possible role of TK for natural management and ecological restoration is increasingly recognized and implies the engagement of local people in conservation and restoration projects. This article explores several forms of community engagement: public participation, citizen science, and responsible research and innovation and argues for an integrated approach as they cover different aspects with regard to the engagement of local people in the context of TK. We illustrate our approach with examples from Wadi Allaqi, a remote area in Southern Egypt. It is concluded that both scientists and local people could profit from such an interaction in ecological restoration and conservation, but that effective policy and management strategies are needed to improve and develop mutually fruitful relationships between scientists and local people.