Decision 43 COM 7A.17

Abu Mena (Egypt) (C 90)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/19/43.COM/7A,
2. Recalling Decisions 41 COM 7A.32 and 42 COM 7A.17 adopted at its 41st (Krakow, 2017) and 42nd (Manama, 2018) sessions respectively,
3. Notes that the State Party has commenced the implementation of a number of the corrective measures to protect and conserve the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, including the removal of inadequate new constructions and the preparation of a condition survey and resulting action plan for ensuring the conservation of archaeological remains;
4. Continues to express great concern regarding the state of conservation of the property and the slow implementation of other corrective measures, including particularly the preparation of a comprehensive Management Plan and preparation of a Conservation Plan and therefore, urges the State Party to proceed with the comprehensive implementation of all corrective measures, to protect and conserve the OUV of the property;
5. Welcomes the appointment of the Supreme Committee for the Management of World Heritage Sites in Egypt, the preparation of the urgent plan to address rising underground water table at the property, the contract for investigations, and the allocation of funds for the de-watering project, as well as the involvement of conservators from the Ministry of Antiquities in monitoring and mitigation measures needed to avoid further damage to archaeological features;
6. Also welcomes the 2018 Advisory mission, involving UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and also urges the State Party to adopt and implement fully the mission recommendations, including advice on appropriate irrigation and water management technologies towards a sustainable and long term solution;
7. Reminds the State Party of its obligations to submit, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, details of all on-going or planned restoration interventions at the property, particularly at the Great Basilica, the reburial strategy, and initiatives arising from the project for restoration and rehabilitation of the property, as well as any new envisaged constructions, for review prior to implementation;
8. Requests the State Party to consider any proposed minor boundary modification request in close consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, and in line with Paragraphs 163-165 of the Operational Guidelines;
9. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2020, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 44th session in 2020;
10. Decides to retain Abu Mena (Egypt) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.