Latest news with #ListofWorldHeritageinDanger
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt welcomes Abu Mena Monastery removal from UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger - Tourism
Egypt welcomed UNESCO's decision to remove Abu Mena Monastery from the List of World Heritage in Danger, describing it as a new milestone that underscores the country's commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage according to international standards, a cabinet statement said Wednesday. Related Reviving a sacred legacy The decision regarding Abu Mena Monastery in Borg El Arab, southwest of Alexandria, was taken during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held on 6-16 July at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, a recent statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities read. The 2025 Joint Reactive Monitoring Mission report by the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) praised Egypt's efforts to implement previously recommended corrective measures, confirming that the Desired State of Conservation for Removal (DSOCR) had been fully achieved. According to UNESCO, the DSOCR is a clearly defined condition that a World Heritage property on the List of World Heritage in Danger must reach to demonstrate it is no longer under serious and specific threat. The report also highlighted significant progress in the site's conservation, especially the installation of a sophisticated groundwater monitoring and control system, proven effective through continuous measurements. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979 for its religious and architectural value, Abu Mena had been placed on the endangered list in 2001 due to rising groundwater levels that threatened the integrity of its centuries-old structures. The site also includes a well, a Great Basilica, and a pilgrims' courtyard — each bearing witness to its religious and architectural significance. National cooperation Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed satisfaction with this achievement, commending the extensive efforts to lower the groundwater levels and restore archaeological elements, the statement indicated. He credited the success to the coordinated work between state institutions, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that this reflects Cairo's commitment to heritage preservation. He also thanked Pope Tawadros II for his support and the church's contributions. The conservation initiative, launched in 2019, saw the groundwater management system begin trial operations in late 2021 before being inaugurated in 2022 by then-minister Khaled El-Enany. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
ICESCO Holds Event on List of World Heritage in Danger
Mohamed Mandour The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized a side event on the sidelines of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, to showcase its efforts to support the removal of Member States' properties from the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger and promote international cooperation in this field. Titled 'ICESCO Strategy for Supporting the Removal of Properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger within Member States,' the event was organized in partnership with several distinguished partners and was moderated by Somia Djacta, Head of ICESCO's Office to UNESCO. Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, opened the event with a statement of appreciation to the host organizations and underscored ICESCO's recent accomplishments in assisting Member States in the removal of their sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. Zinelabidine reaffirmed the Organization's unwavering commitment to proactive engagement and international cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar affirms its interest in protecting heritage sites at risk
QNA Paris Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad Al Henzab has affirmed that Qatar, through its membership in the World Heritage Committee, attaches great importance to the protection and rehabilitation of heritage sites in danger. This came during his participation in an event titled 'ISESCO Strategy to Support the Withdrawal of Member States' Properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger,' organised by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in cooperation with a number of partners on the sidelines of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from July 6 to 16. Al Henzab emphasized that protecting endangered sites is a shared international responsibility that requires coordinated action, innovative tools, and strong partnerships. He noted that through this cooperation, 'we can support the final removal of sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger, particularly in ISESCO Member States.' He said that the State of Qatar, through its competent national institutions, is fully committed to this effort, investing in advanced database systems that enhance transparency, accountability, and the protection of cultural property. This enables accurate documentation and monitoring, helping to prevent illicit trafficking, which continues to pose a significant threat to endangered heritage sites. Dr Nasser Al Henzab added, 'We recognise that meaningful progress requires the participation of all stakeholders: heritage institutions, customs, law enforcement authorities, and international organizations. By empowering frontline workers with knowledge and technology, we can better detect and prevent the illicit transfer of cultural assets.' He emphasised Qatar's support for ISESCO's strategy, its efforts to encourage best practices, support regional cooperation, and strengthen preventive frameworks to ensure the survival of threatened sites.
The Star
12-07-2025
- General
- The Star
The Buddha's birthplace in Nepal avoids Unesco danger list
KATHMANDU: Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a Unesco World Heritage Site, has been spared inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger after the World Heritage Committee acknowledged Nepal's ongoing conservation and improvement efforts. The decision was made during the 47th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee, held in Paris on Thursday (July 10), and was chaired by Bulgarian professor Nikolay Nenov. The committee decided not to place Lumbini on the danger list for one year, but will dispatch a reactive monitoring mission to evaluate the site's current condition. Unesco describes reactive monitoring as the process of reporting on the state of conservation of World Heritage properties that are under threat. According to Paragraph 169 of its Operational Guidelines, it is part of the procedure used to assess whether sites should be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger or removed from the World Heritage List. The decision to defer inclusion came after discussions recognised conservation-friendly and reformative steps taken. Based on the findings of the upcoming monitoring mission, the committee will later decide whether Lumbini should be reconsidered for the danger list, said Gyanin Rai, senior director at the Lumbini Development Trust, who attended the session. Lumbini had been placed on the tentative danger list in 2024 following concerns raised in a 2022 monitoring report prepared by heritage experts Roland Lin Chih-Hung and Professor Yuga Kariya, who were deployed to the site by the World Heritage Centre and International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos). Discussions took place at the 46th session held in Delhi last year on whether Lumbini should be added to the danger list. At that time, an amendment proposal submitted by India resulted in Lumbini avoiding the listing. However, Nepal's proposals, concerns and suggestions regarding Lumbini were acknowledged, and a 12-point decision and directive were sent via the Nepali Embassy in France. Sanuraja Shakya, member-secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, said Nepal had acted on all 12 points—covering conservation, legal clarity, and policy formulation—and submitted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) report that yielded a favourable outcome. 'We addressed everything comprehensively,' he said. 'This has yielded good results. We will continue with conservation-focused work.' Officials said Unesco responded positively to Nepal's adoption of an integrated management framework and sector-specific strategies aimed at protecting and managing Lumbini's heritage. The five-sector strategies cover archaeology, visitor management, natural disasters, local development and engagement with the Buddhist community. The framework also serves as a broad guiding policy, while the sector strategies provide detailed operational plans. Additional efforts include conservation work on the Ashoka Pillar, Marker Stone and Nativity Sculptures using new technology to prevent seepage and maintain cleanliness—the moves that Unesco welcomed. Upgrades to the Maya Devi Temple included painting walls, installation of fans, lighting and electricity. Unesco had earlier urged Nepal to prepare a comprehensive, focused and results-oriented plan to keep Lumbini off the danger list. Effective on-site implementation—beyond written commitments—resulted in the current positive decision, said Rai. 'To keep Lumbini off the danger list, we invited global heritage experts and hosted the World Heritage International Conference, which proved highly impactful,' Rai said. Shakya added that Nepal thoroughly studied Unesco's past recommendations to understand points of concern and submitted a detailed State of Conservation report. The preparation involved close coordination with national and international experts, ministries, and the Department of Archaeology, he said. The 47th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee runs in Paris from July 6 to 16. Unesco enlisted Lumbini in the World Heritage List in 1997. The UN body has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding human activities and the construction of various structures in the Lumbini area. The extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 10-25, 2023, sought clarification from the trust. Accordingly, the World Heritage Committee wrote a ten-point letter seeking clarification before February 1, 2024. The trust replied to the World Heritage Committee before the set deadline. The UN agency expressed concern about the construction of an assembly hall and other structures in the area. - The Kathmandu Post/ANN
Watani
12-07-2025
- General
- Watani
Abu-Mina site removed from World Heritage in Danger
The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has removed Abu-Mina archeological site, southwest Alexandria, from its list of world heritage sites in danger, following more than 20 years of the site on that list. The decision was taken during the 47th session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Paris in July 2025. The Committee's report commended the efforts made by the Egyptian government in implementing all the recommendations required to remove the site from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), noting that the requirements had been fully realised. The decision came upon the committee's review of the projects completed for protection and preservation of the site. Remarkable progress was made in the establishment of an effective monitoring and control system of groundwater, the restoration of archeological ruins, the building of a wall to protect the site, and upgrading the facilities and services necessary for the site to be a cultural, religious and tourist destination . Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, Governor of Alexandria, congratulated the Egypt and its various institutions: the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and all the entities that contributed to this achievement, stressing that this success reflected the State's keenness to protect heritage and historical sites. For its part, the Coptic Orthodox Church welcomed UNESCO's decision, and thanked all who had worked hard over the past years to save the site, stressing that Abu-Mina is one of the most important Christian shrines in Egypt and the world, and occupies a special place in the hearts of the Copts, as it is associated with the name of one of the most famous and beloved martyrs in the history of the church. Abu-Mina site, which has been included on the World Heritage List since 1979, was placed on the list of threatened sites in 2001 owing to decline caused by groundwater leakage. For full story of Abu-Mona site: How Mar-Mina's Marble City was discovered… A gripping story Saving Mar-Mina's splendid place Comments comments
