UNESCO Removes Abu Mena Monastery in Alex. from List of World Heritage in Danger
In a major achievement for Egypt's cultural heritage preservation efforts, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has officially removed the Abu Mena archaeological site in Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The decision came during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, following a 2025 joint monitoring report by UNESCO and ICOMOS.
The report highlighted Egypt's significant progress in safeguarding the site, including the successful implementation of a groundwater monitoring system, which helped stabilize water levels that previously threatened the site's structural integrity.
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, praised the milestone, crediting years of work to reduce groundwater levels, restore architectural elements, and enhance visitor services.
He also extended gratitude to all involved, including the Egyptian Church and Pope Tawadros II, whose support was key to the project's success.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized that the removal of Abu Mena from the endangered list reflects global recognition of Egypt's commitment to protecting its cultural legacy. He added that Egypt is developing long-term sustainability plans to maintain the site's preservation.
Dr. Gamal Mostafa, head of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities, noted the site's exceptional historical and religious value.Once the second-most significant pilgrimage destination after Jerusalem, Abu Mena was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. However, due to rising groundwater caused by nearby agricultural development, it was added to the endangered list in 2001.
In response, Egypt launched a groundwater reduction project in 2019, which went operational in 2021 and has proven effective. Combined with restoration efforts, these actions fulfilled UNESCO's criteria for delisting, securing the site's future for generations to come.
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