Conserving Egypt"s cultural heritage : priority sites needing restoration and protection

This report offers proposals for cultural heritage preservation activities that were outlined in this plan. The participants in the meetings reached the unanimous decision that only the highest priority projects be chosen and that they be projects that could be implemented immediately. This report recommends action at Siwa Oasis, Islamic Cairo, and Luxor, along with activities to upgrade archaeological resource management. At Siwa Oasis, a feasibility and design study is proposed to ensure effective plans for lowering groundwater levels, protecting Siwa"s two most important historic monuments (the Oracle Temple and Old Town Aghurmi), safeguarding the area"s unique flora and fauna, and improving the economic condition of the inhabitants while preserving their traditional culture. In Islamic Cairo, the report proposes the establishment of a 3 sq km cultural zone in the North Gamaliya section to ensure protection of one of the world"s most important collection of Islamic monuments, while at Luxor, proposals call for designating the West Bank area a World Heritage Park under a single management agency, establishing a database and monitoring system, developing plans to increase tourism, and undertaking urgently needed work in the Valley of the KingsTraining programs in archaeological resource management for Egyptian managers of cultural sites and the establishment of a nationwide archaeological database and monitoring system are also proposed. In conclusion, the report suggests an overall framework for integrating these cultural heritage projects.