The Relationship Between Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity

It may not seem as though biodiversity in a given environment would affect the people
that live there. In fact, many would assume that it was the other way around, that people living in
a specific location affect the biodiversity of that area. This is also true. Both biodiversity and
cultural diversity have been found to either hinder or help one another. However, the unexamined
side of this relationship is that biodiversity can and does affect the way that cultures form and the
traditions that develop. Biodiversity has impacted and shaped cultural diversity in Egypt in
ancient times through religion specifically and in modern times through tourism; likewise,
cultural diversity has had a huge impact of species that reside in Egypt.
In the ancient world of Egypt, animals were held in high regards. Many times, they were
used to represent the various Egyptian gods and goddesses. This is particularly true for birds.
Many birds, even today, use Egypt as a crucial point for migratory routes. This exposed Egypt
and the people that live there to more species of birds. An example of one of the birds that was
highly regarded is the ibis, The ibis was a common bird in Egypt and was considered a sacred
bird Many ibises were mummified and buried in many tombs and catacombs across Egypt
(Ancient Egyptian Animals). Birds were very sacred but they were not the only sacred symbol
in Ancient Egypt. The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were often depicted with the bodies
of humans and the heads of various animals. Anubis, the god of death, was depicted with the
head of a jackal, Jackals were often seen in the deserts close to the towns and villages,
scavenging whatever food they could They were also found in cemeteries, and for this reason
jackals became associates with the dead (Partridge). In these ways, the diversity of animals
present in Egypt shaped and determined ancient traditions and religious views. This is only one
example of how biodiversity was able to impact cultural diversity. Even today, biodiversity is
still impacting cultural diversity.

Tourism has become a very big factor in boosting the economy. Egypt is a country rich
in historical background, but is also rich in biodiversity. There are many tourist attractions that
are centered on animals that are native to Egypt. The most famous of these attractions are the
camel rides, A camel ride is a must-do for every first-time Egypt traveler (Giza Camel
Rides). Tourists are susceptible to these types of attractions because it is foreign to them, the
animals are not native to their home countries. This is a big way in which biodiversity is
impacting cultural diversity. Animals attract tourists who bring with them their own cultural
identity and by interacting with the Egyptians they are able to spread cultural ideas. This is good
for Egypt because it allows for many perspectives and way to look at the world. However, the
cycle can go both ways; just as biodiversity affects cultural diversity, cultural diversity affects
biodiversity.
In modern times, the people of Egypt have begun to modernize and industrialize. As
imagined, this has created a very negative impact on the biodiversity. Birds are a species that
have been harmed so much by the development of people and their modernization. As I had
previously mentioned, birds are the most diverse and prominent due to Egypts position as an
important stop over on a number of migratory routes (Winer). This same article by Winer goes
on to say that the Egyptian government has been promoting the development of tourist attraction
that fuel the economy and that it destroys the natural habitats for the birds. The development of
the area creates a dangerous environment for these migratory birds. Imagine that the birds are
flying their regular routes when half the flock collides with telephone wires and buildings. It
would severely limit the bird population flying through Egypt. This will only serve to further
decline biodiversity if birds that fly routes through Egypt are dying.

The relationship between biodiversity and cultural diversity has become exceedingly
clear and easy to track. It is interesting to see how they influence each other in unique ways.
Right from the start, biodiversity influenced traditions and religions, and now, in modern times, it
influences the spread of culture through tourism. Likewise, cultural diversity has impacted
biodiversity just as much, except in a negative manner, by destroying habitats and making it
difficult for organisms to survive, much less thrive. Both biodiversity and cultural diversity have
proven important for any region and will continue to do so.

References:
Ancient Egyptian Animals. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, from http://www.ancient-egyptonline.com/ancient-egyptian-animals.html
Giza Camel Rides. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from
http://en.egypt.travel/attraction/index/giza-camel-rides
Partridge, R. (2011, February 17). Sacred Animals of Ancient Egypt Gallery. Retrieved April 7,
2015, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptian/animal_gallery_07.shtml
Winer, N. (n.d.). Egypts Biodiversity. Opportunities and Constraints. Retrieved April 7, 2015,
from http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNACH842.pdf