Photo: Al Ahram
After two decades on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Danger, the Abu Mena restoration project should now lead to the site’s removal, writes Nevine El-Aref.
Source: Abu Mena project completed – Heritage – Al-Ahram Weekly
Photo: Cairo Scene
Egypt is home to some of the world’s most important historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Egypt – Abu Mena
More than 193 countries will show their support for environment protection on the occasion of Earth Day on April 22. This year, around 120 countries, including USA and China, are also expected to sign the landmark Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. Climactic change, rising sea levels, desertification, torrential monsoons and melting glaciers are rapidly altering the landscape of our planet. There are many scenic locations in the world that could disappear in the next few decades.
BELIZE BARRIER REEF RESERVE SYSTEM
The largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The spectacular coastal lagoons, clear water and the intriguing ‘Great Blue Hole’ (pictured) make it a perfect adventure destination. But in 2009, UNESCO included it in the ‘danger list’ feeling that there needs to be a stricter control on the abated construction.
Photo: Egypt Independent
The archaeological city of Abu Mena, west of Alexandria, the only Coptic archeological site in Egypt registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is threatened by the 5.5 meter rise of groundwater levels in the area. Abu Mena, which is an important Christian pilgrimage destination, is located in the city of Borg al-Arab, about 120 kilometers west of Alexandria. The 970-acre city includes a monastery, a church, and an archaeological cemetery of Saint Abu Mena, which has been completely flooded by groundwater.
Source: Groundwater threatens to flood Abu Mena City – Egypt Independent
Photo: Yahoo News
World Heritage Organisation offers $100,000 grant to help restore Abu Mena city and monastery…
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Aizudin Zainal
IU7. UNL.
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