Decision 38 COM 7A.1

Abu Mena (Egypt) (C 90)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-14/38.COM/7A,
2. Recalling Decision 37 COM 7A.23 adopted at its 37th session (Phnom Penh, 2013),
3. Commends the efforts made by the State Party in the implementation of measures at the property and urges it to continue with the implementation of the corrective measures, with particular attention to the following:
   1. Undertake detailed condition surveys to identify priority interventions to ensure stabilization of archaeological remains,
   2. Define a comprehensive strategy to address drainage of groundwater and impacts from other sources of humidity,
   3. Finalize discussions with involved communities and develop a programme for the removal of inadequate new constructions and the creation of facilities to allow for religious uses in areas outside the boundaries of the inscribed property and its buffer zone,
   4. Further develop the management plan to establish a clear policy framework, identify strategies and actions, with precise timeframes, costs and responsibilities for implementation, in main issues for the property such as archaeological research, conservation, maintenance, protection, visitor use, among others. The developed plan should also include clear provisions for the management of the proposed buffer zone,
   5. Finalize the surveys to identify adequate boundaries for the property and buffer zones and submit, by 1 February 2015, a proposal for a minor boundary modification, in accordance with Paragraphs 163-165 of the Operational Guidelines, for examination by the World Heritage Committee;
4. Requests the State Party to submit, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, details of all on-going or planned restoration interventions at the property, particularly those at the Great Basilica and the reburial strategy, for review prior to implementation;
5. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2015, an updated report, including a 1-page executive summary, on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 39th session in 2015;
6. Decides to retain Abu Mena (Egypt) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.