Abu Mena Monastery Delisted From UNESCO's 'Heritage in Danger' List
Jul 10, 2025
UNESCO has officially removed the Abu Mena archaeological site in Borg El Arab, Alexandria, from its List of World Heritage in Danger. The announcement came during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, following a review of the 2025 Joint Reactive Monitoring Mission report conducted by the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS.
The report confirmed that Egypt had completed all necessary corrective actions, including the implementation of a groundwater monitoring and control system and the restoration of critical archaeological features. It concluded that the Desired State of Conservation for Removal had been fully achieved.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy credited the project to joint efforts between government bodies, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Coptic Church. He also extended congratulations to Pope Tawadros II, acknowledging the Church's support in advancing the conservation efforts.
Abu Mena, added to the World Heritage List in 1979, was placed on the danger list in 2001 due to rising groundwater threatening its structural integrity. The site includes the believed tomb of Saint Menas, the Great Basilica, and a historic courtyard for pilgrims. Restoration work began in earnest in 2019, with the new groundwater system inaugurated in 2022.
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