Egyptian Experts Tackle Heritage Conservation with Filipinos in Cairo

Ms. Asmaa Khatab, originator of the Walk Like an Egyptian walking tours, and Mr. Moamen Othman, General Director of Conservation and Preservation at the Egyptian Museum, discuss heritage conservation in Egypt during the event.

19 June 2017 CAIRO – Mr. Moamen Othman, General Director of Conservation and Preservation at the Egyptian Museum, and Ms. Asmaa Khatab, originator of the Walk Like an Egyptian walking tours in Cairo, highlighted the importance of technical expertise and community involvement during a talk entitled “Malasakit Para sa Pamana: Learning from Egypt’s Experience in Heritage Conservation”, held at the Sentro Rizal Cairo.

Mr. Othman stated that the integrity of ancient artifacts is paramount. Rather than reconstructing artifacts using modern materials, for instance, the museum has shifted to non-destructive methods of analysis and display of these treasures.

From a tourism standpoint, Ms. Khatab said communities are key in promoting heritage conservation and must be made stakeholders. She cited campaigns to promote local travel among Egyptians following the 2011 uprisings as an example of community-led initiatives that have worked.

Ordinary Egyptians had also taken ownership of their heritage when faced with threats. The Nubian people of southern Egypt, for instance, insisted on building their relocated shelters in the traditional style when they were displaced by the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. More recently, everyday citizens had stood guard around the Egyptian Museum in 2011 to prevent looting of artifacts.

Despite these successes, both speakers agreed that challenges remain in safeguarding Egypt’s cultural treasures, including shortfalls in funding and human resources for sites management.

For its part, the Embassy provided an overview of heritage conservation efforts in the Philippines, including relevant laws, recent cases and challenges.

“Malasakit Para sa Pamana” is an initiative of the Sentro Rizal Cairo.

For more information, visit www.cairope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/cairo.philippineembassy. END