Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands

Submarine Archaeological Heritage, Integrated Urban Water Planning and the Coastal Management of the Qayet Bay Citadel and the Eastern Harbor of Alexandria

A joint activity between the Science Sector : SC/CSI (Coastal and Small Islands Project), SC/HYD (Hydrology) and the Culture Sector.

Following the recommendations of the International Workshop on Submarine Archaeology and Coastal Management, organized by UNESCO and the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Alexandria, in April 1997, two UNESCO consultants on underwater museums (from Australia and Turkey) undertook a mission to Cairo and Alexandria, 11-18 September 1998, to explore the possibility of establishing a submarine museum in the Qayet Bay Citadel site. Following several site visits and meetings with concerned authorities, the consultants recommended immediate remedial actions to this end, including the removal of concrete blocks, restoration of the Qayet Bay Citadel, as well as long-term strategies for the development of the region.

In relation to this activity, Alexandria was selected for a Pilot Project of the Science Sector Project on Coastal and Small Islands to integrate the surface and underwater cultural heritage dimension of the city with environmentally sound, socially equitable and culturally appropriate development in the coastal region of the eastern harbor of the city, where the proposed submarine museum is to be constructed. Throughout 1998, two special technical meetings coordinated by the UNESCO Cairo Office, in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, were organized in Alexandria, with all national and local parties concerned, (on September 18^th. and on 13 & 14 December 98) to discuss and review a draft Plan of Action prepared by UNESCO for follow-up measures to be taken for the future sustainable development of the harbor region. Workshop recommendations included : the need to stabilize the Qayet Bay Citadel, the removal of the concrete blocks in the site, the study of socio-economic aspects, the solution of the pollution problem and the organization of a Technical Workshop in 1999 to evaluate the work achieved, as well as future needs.

Also integrated into this plan is the work undertaken in 1998 by UNESCO Cairo and the Hydrology Division of the Science Sector at UNESCO Headquarters for the study of the conditions of the integrated urban water planning in Alexandria, including the existing problem of wastewater disposal into the harbor area and its negative impact on the environment and underwater heritage in this region. Two UNESCO consultants were commissioned to study this matter, and their reports and recommendations were forwarded to the concerned national authorities, which also made a positive contribution for the integrated development of the harbor region, and will be taken into consideration in related future activities in 1999 and beyond.

Source: in the Annual Report 1998, UNESCO Cairo Office - Regional Office for Science & Technology for the Arab States