ASRT Organizes Int’nal Conference to Protect Heritage Sites

The International Conference activities on the Protection of World Heritage Sites were launched in Luxor.

The conference is organized by the Academy of Scientific Research Technology, the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, the Italian Embassy in Cairo, the UNESCO Commission and under the auspices of the Antiquities Ministry.

The opening session of Int’nal Conference to Protect Heritage Sites was attended by Dr. Mahmoud Saqr, the Academy’s President, Dr. Jad Mohamed El-Kady, President of the National Institute of Astronomical Geophysical Research, the Italian Ambassador in Cairo, the UNESCO Office director in Cairo, and representatives of the Antiquities Ministry and Luxor Governorate.

During the sessions, scientific papers will be discussed on the role of geophysics in detecting archaeological sites and protecting them from natural hazards such as earthquakes and groundwater problems, in addition to soil mechanics research and limiting the erosion of archaeological installations and weathering processes to which these buildings are exposed.

Furthermore, other research papers will tackle the role aerial photos in the optimal planning for the operations of preserving heritage sites, determining the safe sanctuary, as well as controlling encroachments, analyzing these data in the optimum way scientifically and economically.

Other sessions will deal with environmental risks and hidden observation of environmental changes and their impact on these historical sites.

During these sessions, some examples of Egyptian heritage sites will be reviewed as well as different regions of the world such as Italy, Jordan, and sites subject to war risks such as Syria, Iraq, in addition to Nepal and Tibet.

Noteworthy, Egypt, as one of the oldest civilizations of the world, has unique a historical temples and sites on its land.

The state represented in the antiques Ministry, Higher Education and Scientific Research is exerting efforts to include the largest number of those sites on the World Heritage List.

The National Institute for Astronomical Research and geophysics, throughout the year, offers training to large number of archaeologists and associates of the Antiques Ministry in the disclosure work, maintenance and documentation of archaeological sites.

The trainees use the latest technologies owned by the Institute, and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology supports and funds many of the research projects that serve these efforts to protect Egypt's ancient and historical sites.