Threatened World Heritage Site located in Egypt: Abu Mena - Dissertation Example

Threatened world heritage site located in Egypt: Abu Mena Abu Mena in Egypt is one of the threatened world heritage sites located 45 kms southwest of Alexandria. This was added in the threatened list in 2001due to the increased agricultural activity in the region. This happened due to the construction of several canals in order to distribute water from the river Nile and the land is gradually being transformed into a fertile agricultural land. This is leading to an increase in the water table level which may eventually destroy the historic pilgrimage site.

(Archaeology Excavations, 2010). In order to save this archaeological site from further destruction, it is very necessary for the government to intervene and educate people about the importance of this place. There is an urgent need to stop agricultural produce in the nearby areas. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris is working with 187 countries in order to aware the masses about the severity of the problem and implements rescue measures for the same. It has been observed that the previous tourism development in Egypt has had many negative impacts.

There is urgent need for sustainable tourism to be promoted with special emphasis on Abu Mena in order to save this place from further damage. It is very important to promote authenticity in tourism. In this case, the people in Abu Mena should be educated not to commoditize the cultural heritage in a bid to attract tourists. This is very necessary to save this threatened world heritage site. One of the major external forces negatively affecting this site is unchecked tourism. The government must have control over the tourist activities and proper checks must be made in order to ensure that no further damage is caused to these archaeological monuments.

The government along with UNESCO should work in educating tourists and by making them proud of their cultural heritage. This feeling will further foster a culture for preservation of these affected sites. The local people should be educated in order to promote effective visitor management. Also they should make sure that the tourists do not break rules or damage the historical structures. (Kepnes, 2009). The World Heritage Committee has urged the State Government to carry out a rapid survey and implement urgent conservation measures to protect this site.

There is a need to create a network of drainage ditches and pipes around the archaeological site to lower the water table level and establish a system to monitor the water table level. It is urgently needed to prepare a conservation plan by defining short and long term objectives and also forming a management plan in consultation with stakeholders. The state party has been requested to make a rough draft of Outstanding Universal Value of Abu Mena and this must include the conditions of integrity and authenticity.

(World Heritage Convention, 2007). Archaeology Excavations, 2010, May, 14. “Abu Mena a Christian Monument Egypt”. Retrieved on 7 April, 2011 from http://archaeologyexcavations.blogspot.com/2010/05/abu-mena-christian-monument-egypt.html Kepnes, Matthew, 2009, December, 17. “Tips to avoid hurting the sites you visit”. Retrieved on 7 April, 2011 from http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-to-Avoid-Hurting-the-Sites-You-Visit&id=3444639 World Heritage Convention, 2007. “Decision – 31COM7A.16 – Abu Mena (Egypt) (C90).

Retrieved on 7 April, 2011 from http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1279