Quarterly Report: Cultural Heritage Tourism Project in Egypt (APS) January 1, 2016 – March 31, 2016

The project is implemented by the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities. The project's main objective is to conserve and open more tombs and sites in Luxor and Sohag, increasing tourism and supporting the local economy. In the first quarter of 2016, the project made significant progress in Luxor. At the Tomb of Djehuty (TT110), site preparation continued with the clearance of recently discovered shafts and burial chambers. The impact of the two new tombs' discovery has been assessed, and ARCE is preparing a proposal for their conservation. The enclosure wall around TT110 was completed, and limestone paving was installed in the forecourt. An average of 26 workers were employed on the site, with some relocated to Dra Abu Naga and Qurnet Mara'i due to reduced workscope. In Dra Abu Naga and Qurnet Mara'i, the site of hundreds of noblemen's tombs, clearance and removal of debris is ongoing. An average of 390 workers were employed clearing debris from the sites. The MoA plans to increase tourism to both areas by conserving and opening more of the tombs coupled with site improvements. A topographic map of existing conditions was developed, and remaining structures were documented as they were cleared of debris. Small finds were registered and documented, and the documentation was placed within the Luxor Data Management System. The project also focused on job creation and training. An average of 26 workers received mentoring in skills such as installation of partial pathways and installation of mastabas with shade covers, solar security lights, and trash receptacles. An average of 390 workers were employed clearing debris from the sites, with some receiving training in skills that can be replicated in other conservation projects. In Sohag, the Red Monastery project faced delays due to security clearance issues. Despite the late start, Nicholas Warner and his team were able to embark on site management activities during March, which will continue through April 2016. Some tasks are still pending approval by the Ministry of Antiquities, including the wooden shelter to protect the wall paintings and the partial rebuild of the south wall of the nave. The project also focused on cultural heritage awareness capacity building, with classes for young female volunteers from Sohag continuing under the leadership of Dina Bakhoum and Abuna Antonious. The classes included classroom presentations by each class member and field trips to nearby heritage sites. However, the multi-disciplinary capacity building component was delayed due to lack of response from Egyptian partners, and ARCE is considering adjusting this proposed component to focus more on the local touristic development aspect and reprogramming some of the allocated funds. The project's quarterly report highlights the progress made in the first quarter of 2016, including the completion of site preparation at the Tomb of Djehuty, clearance and removal of debris in Dra Abu Naga and Qurnet Mara'i, and job creation and training initiatives. The report also highlights the challenges faced by the project, including delays in the Red Monastery project and the need for further approval from the Ministry of Antiquities.