This study aims to identify the benefits and challenges facing the participation of local communities in the management of marine protected areas through application to the Ras Mohammed National Park (RMNP) in Egypt. Employing a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 persons from MPA and the local community, either through phone conversations or face-to-face. The findings indicate that engaging the local community is crucial for a positive environment in the context of MPA governance. Collaboration between the MPA agency and local stakeholders improves the protection of resources from negative exploitation. Also, the engagement of the local community in RMNP is still in the infant stage. The main obstacle identified is the absence of appropriate frameworks that would facilitate local community participation in park management