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Al-Ahram Weekly
16-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt welcomes Abu Mena Monastery removal from UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger - Tourism
Egypt welcomed UNESCO's decision to remove Abu Mena Monastery from the List of World Heritage in Danger, describing it as a new milestone that underscores the country's commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage according to international standards, a cabinet statement said Wednesday. Related Reviving a sacred legacy The decision regarding Abu Mena Monastery in Borg El Arab, southwest of Alexandria, was taken during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held on 6-16 July at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, a recent statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities read. The 2025 Joint Reactive Monitoring Mission report by the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) praised Egypt's efforts to implement previously recommended corrective measures, confirming that the Desired State of Conservation for Removal (DSOCR) had been fully achieved. According to UNESCO, the DSOCR is a clearly defined condition that a World Heritage property on the List of World Heritage in Danger must reach to demonstrate it is no longer under serious and specific threat. The report also highlighted significant progress in the site's conservation, especially the installation of a sophisticated groundwater monitoring and control system, proven effective through continuous measurements. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979 for its religious and architectural value, Abu Mena had been placed on the endangered list in 2001 due to rising groundwater levels that threatened the integrity of its centuries-old structures. The site also includes a well, a Great Basilica, and a pilgrims' courtyard — each bearing witness to its religious and architectural significance. National cooperation Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed satisfaction with this achievement, commending the extensive efforts to lower the groundwater levels and restore archaeological elements, the statement indicated. He credited the success to the coordinated work between state institutions, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that this reflects Cairo's commitment to heritage preservation. He also thanked Pope Tawadros II for his support and the church's contributions. The conservation initiative, launched in 2019, saw the groundwater management system begin trial operations in late 2021 before being inaugurated in 2022 by then-minister Khaled El-Enany. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
10-07-2025
- CairoScene
Abu Mena Monastery Delisted From UNESCO's 'Heritage in Danger' List
UNESCO removes Alexandria's Abu Mena Monastery from the World Heritage in Danger List after Egypt successfully restored the ancient pilgrimage site and put the groundwater damage under control. 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.
