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IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
SITE INFORMATIONCountry EgyptInscribed in 2005Criteria (viii)
Wadi Al-Hitan Whale Valley in the Western Desert of Egypt contains invaluable fossil remains of the earliest and now extinct suborder of whales Archaeoceti These fossils represent one of the major stories of evolution the emergence of the whale as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal This is the most important site in the world for the demonstration of this stage of evolution It portrays vividly the form and life of these whales during their transition The number concentration and quality of such fossils here is unique as is their accessibility and setting in an attractive and protected landscape The fossils of Al-Hitan show the youngest archaeocetes in the last stages of losing their hind limbs Other fossil material in the site makes it possible to reconstruct the surrounding environmental and ecological conditions of the time copy UNESCO
SUMMARY
GOOD
2020 Conservation Outlook Finalised on 01 Dec 2020
The conservation outlook for Wadi Al-Hitan is good overall Wadi Al-Hitan comprises exceptionally rich values related to the record of life and these are generally in a very good state of conservation An appropriate management framework is in place through the updated 2019 Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area including Wadi Al-Hitan as a separate component within its program of action The management unit still needs to develop a site-level plan for Wadi Al-Hitan within the main management plan document including its own site maps Financial resources have increased from previous years and bode well for implementing future management actions
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
FULL ASSESSMENT
Description of values
Values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
Criterion(viii)
Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth the evolution of the whales It portrays vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from land animals to a marine existence It exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of the number concentration and quality of its fossils and their accessibility and setting in an attractive and protected landscape (World Heritage Committee 2012) Iconic assemblage of fossilized skeletons of Archaeoceti (primitive whales documenting cetacean transition to marine life) sirenians and reptiles as well as shark teeth from Gehannam Formation (40-41 million years ago) Additional whale skeletons from Birket Qarun Formation 4 classes 15 families and 25 genera of vertebrates represented Largest concentration of intact skeletons worldwide Qasr El-Sagha Formation (39-40 million years old) with fossilized marine and shallow marine invertebrate remains (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Assessment information
Threats
Current Threats Low Threat
Damage theft and vandalism by visitors including damage by offroad vehicles are the main current threats to the fossils protected by the site Natural wind erosion also affects exposed fossils Whilst this is a natural process and can be considered part of the dynamics of the site the fragility of the whale skeletons is such that they require protection in order to conserve their Outstanding Universal Value
Tourism visitors recreation(Vandalism theft andor damage by visitors)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
There was a threefold increase of annual visitor numbers to ca 12000 between 2005 and 2008 (UNEP-WCMC 2011) but a subsequent drop in numbers by almost 50 after January 2011 (El-Kholei 2013) By summer 2018 the number of visitors had reached 40000 (IUCN Consultation 2020) While the impact from theft on the whale skeletons remains low as detailed in UNESCO 2010 due to their size and weight they are physically fragile and sensitive to impacts from vandalism A 2017 survey of experts stated that vandalism occurrs in the site through visitors carving their name on walls of the valley to memorialize their visit (Kamel et al 2017) This is in accordance with Ibrahim 2008 who previously reported this action in Wadi Al-Hitan Enforcement and control on fossil collection has been strengthened through police check points at the park main gate and permanent presence of Wadi Al-Hitan staff members Several workshops were also organized to raise public awareness (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Tourism visitors recreation(Damage by offroad cars and tracks)
Very Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Some unofficial access tracks to the site (eg from the northern Baharia road) lead through areas
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
containing fossils which may lead to damage or destruction One case of fossil destruction was documented however this was over a decade ago in in 2007 (Nasrawi 2007) Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) however it is believed that the official track to the Baharia road serves tourism pathways for the most part and limits unofficial tracks to outside the boundaries of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020) Remaining subsidiary tracks have been physically closed by natural sandstone blocks preventing the possible access to the property (IUCN Consultation 2020) Along all official tracks to Baharia and others outside the property signposts are established with geographic coordinates indicating the only access to the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Erosion and Siltation Deposition(Physical degradation of exposed fossils through wind erosion)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Damage by natural erosion is slow and overall not significant (UNEP-WCMC 2011) It is a natural process that is part of the dynamics of the site but the fragility of the whale skeletons requires that they are protected against additional destruction eg Exposed parts have been protected through polymer embedding by site managers To address this threat in 2013 an MOU was signed with the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center for research capacity building and monitoring and maintenance activities including a mandate to train students in in situ fossil restoration and maintenance which continues to be implemented (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Potential Threats Low Threat
Climate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation
Temperature extremes StormsFlooding(Temperature extremes and stormsflooding)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Outside siteClimate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level (World Data 2020) including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation in site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Overall assessment of threats Low Threat
Damage theft and vandalism by visitors including damage by offroad vehicles remain the main current threats to the sites fossils however these tourism and visitation associated threats are managed in order to mitigate their impacts on the values of the site to the extent possible and as such can be considered low threats overall Whilst the natural process of wind erosion can be considered part of the dynamics of the site the fragility of the exposed fossils of Wadi Al-Hitan requires that this is treated as a threat to the values of the site and managed accordingly especially in the context of climate change whereby altered climatic conditions in the future may potentially lead to increased erosion of the fossils held at the site
Protection and management
Assessing Protection and Management
Management system Mostly Effective
Although it has no separate plan Wadi Al-Hitan is part of Wadi El-Rayan protected area and is managed within its administrative system and boundaries under the national regulatory law on Nature
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) In 2019 the management plan of Wadi El-Rayan was updated and implemented (Mohammad et al 2019) in which the site values boundaries characteristics infrastructure threats etc are set out in detail In addition objectives to manage the reserve were provided including specific articles for Wadi Al-Hitan as well as a detailed workplan Also in 2018 the site was added to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas having successfully fulfilled the required criteria including good governance effective management and successful conservation outcomes (IUCN 2020)
Effectiveness of management system Highly Effective
The most up-to-date plan published in 2019 is implemented according to the set workplan The management system is highly effective as evidenced by its inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN 2020) and a score of 67 in a 2020 Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessment for the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas of which Wadi Al-Hitan is a component of This is further evidenced through the collaboration protocol signed with Mansoura University in 2013 still active and implemented successfully where several research projects have been conducted in order to enhance the management of the site
Boundaries Mostly Effective
Boundaries are defined in the updated management plan including a zonation map which identifies the buffer zone of Wadi Al-Hitan (Mohammad et al 2019) However it is still recommended to establish more detailed maps which are specific for Wadi Al-Hitan in which a description for each zone should be provided Jebel Qatrani was included in the updated management plan as recommended by IUCN and World Heritage Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 However the Jebel Qatrani site is administered under Qaroun Protected Area which has its own technical and administrative staff
Integration into regional and national planning systems Mostly Effective
Site protection is supported by Prime ministerial Decree No 29541997 (World Heritage Committee 2012) and well integrated into the wider Wadi El-Rayyan National Park which encompasses the site In 2018 Wadi Al-Hitan was included on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas and is part of regional planning systems
Relationships with local people Mostly Effective
There are no permamnent residents in the site but there is an effective relationship with locals mainly through employment as guards in management and tourism The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists (Borges et al 2011) Although an earlier report (Paleczny et al 2007) produced by the Nature Conservation Sector of the EEAA found that local communities around the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area had limited awareness of the benefits the protected area provided to their communities Wadi Al-Hitan has been identified as a good example of how well planned tourism development can provide local benefits (Borges et al 2011) Since 2011 stronger involvement of the local communities has been built through increased opportunities for local jobs (UNDP EIECP III 2019) in Wadi El-Rayan and Qaroun mainly for World Heritage promotion The management unit of both WRPA and Qaroun have also developed multiple on the job training projects and workshops for local tour guides to enhance their performance in the site management and control However overall considering the decline of tourism in Egypt and the current political challenges involvement of local communities might need to include other mechanisms such as allowing for a stronger role in decision making and management planning of the site
Legal framework Mostly Effective
The property is protected as part of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) under Egyptian Law No 102 (1983) for Protected Areas and enforced by Nature Conservation Sector (NCS) of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) (World Heritage Committee 2012) The 2014 Egyptian Constitution commits the State towards the conservation of natural resources for next generations
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
under Acts 32 45 amp 46
Law enforcement Mostly Effective
Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the Sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) The number of staff who are able to carry out functions relating to law enforcement has fallen to nine rangers and 2 security guards from 28 such staff in 2011 Despite the limited number of rangers the fixed security station has supported the enforcement efforts and other team members (such as financial and administrative staff) are acting as rangers and following up any violations Whilst this is not an ideal scenario the level of law enforcement required at this remote property is relatively low and so can be considered mostly effective
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Mostly Effective
Recommendations from Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 regarding visitor infrastructure strengthening management capacities and vehicular traffic management were mostly met by the 34th session of the Committee in 2010 (UNESCO 2010) In response to Committee Decision 32 COM 7B5 there was significant progress in the management of the property including in relation to monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism (UNESCO 2010) Recommendations from Committee Decision 34 COM 7B8 regarding developing a proposal for changing the property boundary remain to be reported on formally through the mechanisms of the Convention however these issues are by-and-large covered under the revised management system for the wider Wadi El-Rayyan PA
Sustainable use Highly Effective
There is no significant resource use other than tourism within the property Although the impacts from illegal fossil collection has been decreased significantly after having a security station fixed at the site as well as the raised awareness tools for visitors (IUCN Consultation 2020) Therefore the sustainable use at the property is assessed as Highly Effective
Sustainable finance Mostly Effective
Annual governmental funding through the EEAA (for both WRPA and Lake Qarun PA) has increased over the course of the last decade from ca $28220 in 2007 to US$ 89171 in the 201819 fiscal year (IUCN Consultation 2020) In addition external funding to the tune of around US$ one million to develop infrastructure that will be put to bid by nationals and local communities for eco-tourism and other natural activities in both Protected areas has been brought by the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation A concession study for tourism activities had been developed and comes to eleven activities to be bid for during the year 2020 which are enhancing the financial sustainability of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Staff capacity training and development Mostly Effective
The staff capacity is mostly effective and the site is managed ldquowith loverdquo by the staff members who are qualified committed and excelling in their work (IUCN 2020) However there is no evidence of a structured program for staff training and capacity development
Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective
Adequate education and interpretation facilities (visitor centre signposting information panels leaflets brochures and video) are in place (Debonnet 2007 El-Hennawy et al 2010) A Fossils Climate Change Museum opened in January 2016 featuring the Basilosaurus (of which a fully intact fossil was recently discovered) as its main figure (IUCN 2015)
Tourism and visitation management Mostly Effective
Vehicle access is not permitted (World Heritage Committee 2012) with vehicular traffic regulated in the open air museum (UNESCO 2010) and visitors are restricted to pre-arranged tours along prescribed trails by foot or camel (UNEP-WCMC 2011) There are specialized eco-tourism zones with others for
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
FULL ASSESSMENT
Description of values
Values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
Criterion(viii)
Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth the evolution of the whales It portrays vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from land animals to a marine existence It exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of the number concentration and quality of its fossils and their accessibility and setting in an attractive and protected landscape (World Heritage Committee 2012) Iconic assemblage of fossilized skeletons of Archaeoceti (primitive whales documenting cetacean transition to marine life) sirenians and reptiles as well as shark teeth from Gehannam Formation (40-41 million years ago) Additional whale skeletons from Birket Qarun Formation 4 classes 15 families and 25 genera of vertebrates represented Largest concentration of intact skeletons worldwide Qasr El-Sagha Formation (39-40 million years old) with fossilized marine and shallow marine invertebrate remains (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Assessment information
Threats
Current Threats Low Threat
Damage theft and vandalism by visitors including damage by offroad vehicles are the main current threats to the fossils protected by the site Natural wind erosion also affects exposed fossils Whilst this is a natural process and can be considered part of the dynamics of the site the fragility of the whale skeletons is such that they require protection in order to conserve their Outstanding Universal Value
Tourism visitors recreation(Vandalism theft andor damage by visitors)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
There was a threefold increase of annual visitor numbers to ca 12000 between 2005 and 2008 (UNEP-WCMC 2011) but a subsequent drop in numbers by almost 50 after January 2011 (El-Kholei 2013) By summer 2018 the number of visitors had reached 40000 (IUCN Consultation 2020) While the impact from theft on the whale skeletons remains low as detailed in UNESCO 2010 due to their size and weight they are physically fragile and sensitive to impacts from vandalism A 2017 survey of experts stated that vandalism occurrs in the site through visitors carving their name on walls of the valley to memorialize their visit (Kamel et al 2017) This is in accordance with Ibrahim 2008 who previously reported this action in Wadi Al-Hitan Enforcement and control on fossil collection has been strengthened through police check points at the park main gate and permanent presence of Wadi Al-Hitan staff members Several workshops were also organized to raise public awareness (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Tourism visitors recreation(Damage by offroad cars and tracks)
Very Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Some unofficial access tracks to the site (eg from the northern Baharia road) lead through areas
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
containing fossils which may lead to damage or destruction One case of fossil destruction was documented however this was over a decade ago in in 2007 (Nasrawi 2007) Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) however it is believed that the official track to the Baharia road serves tourism pathways for the most part and limits unofficial tracks to outside the boundaries of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020) Remaining subsidiary tracks have been physically closed by natural sandstone blocks preventing the possible access to the property (IUCN Consultation 2020) Along all official tracks to Baharia and others outside the property signposts are established with geographic coordinates indicating the only access to the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Erosion and Siltation Deposition(Physical degradation of exposed fossils through wind erosion)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Damage by natural erosion is slow and overall not significant (UNEP-WCMC 2011) It is a natural process that is part of the dynamics of the site but the fragility of the whale skeletons requires that they are protected against additional destruction eg Exposed parts have been protected through polymer embedding by site managers To address this threat in 2013 an MOU was signed with the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center for research capacity building and monitoring and maintenance activities including a mandate to train students in in situ fossil restoration and maintenance which continues to be implemented (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Potential Threats Low Threat
Climate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation
Temperature extremes StormsFlooding(Temperature extremes and stormsflooding)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Outside siteClimate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level (World Data 2020) including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation in site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Overall assessment of threats Low Threat
Damage theft and vandalism by visitors including damage by offroad vehicles remain the main current threats to the sites fossils however these tourism and visitation associated threats are managed in order to mitigate their impacts on the values of the site to the extent possible and as such can be considered low threats overall Whilst the natural process of wind erosion can be considered part of the dynamics of the site the fragility of the exposed fossils of Wadi Al-Hitan requires that this is treated as a threat to the values of the site and managed accordingly especially in the context of climate change whereby altered climatic conditions in the future may potentially lead to increased erosion of the fossils held at the site
Protection and management
Assessing Protection and Management
Management system Mostly Effective
Although it has no separate plan Wadi Al-Hitan is part of Wadi El-Rayan protected area and is managed within its administrative system and boundaries under the national regulatory law on Nature
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) In 2019 the management plan of Wadi El-Rayan was updated and implemented (Mohammad et al 2019) in which the site values boundaries characteristics infrastructure threats etc are set out in detail In addition objectives to manage the reserve were provided including specific articles for Wadi Al-Hitan as well as a detailed workplan Also in 2018 the site was added to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas having successfully fulfilled the required criteria including good governance effective management and successful conservation outcomes (IUCN 2020)
Effectiveness of management system Highly Effective
The most up-to-date plan published in 2019 is implemented according to the set workplan The management system is highly effective as evidenced by its inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN 2020) and a score of 67 in a 2020 Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessment for the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas of which Wadi Al-Hitan is a component of This is further evidenced through the collaboration protocol signed with Mansoura University in 2013 still active and implemented successfully where several research projects have been conducted in order to enhance the management of the site
Boundaries Mostly Effective
Boundaries are defined in the updated management plan including a zonation map which identifies the buffer zone of Wadi Al-Hitan (Mohammad et al 2019) However it is still recommended to establish more detailed maps which are specific for Wadi Al-Hitan in which a description for each zone should be provided Jebel Qatrani was included in the updated management plan as recommended by IUCN and World Heritage Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 However the Jebel Qatrani site is administered under Qaroun Protected Area which has its own technical and administrative staff
Integration into regional and national planning systems Mostly Effective
Site protection is supported by Prime ministerial Decree No 29541997 (World Heritage Committee 2012) and well integrated into the wider Wadi El-Rayyan National Park which encompasses the site In 2018 Wadi Al-Hitan was included on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas and is part of regional planning systems
Relationships with local people Mostly Effective
There are no permamnent residents in the site but there is an effective relationship with locals mainly through employment as guards in management and tourism The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists (Borges et al 2011) Although an earlier report (Paleczny et al 2007) produced by the Nature Conservation Sector of the EEAA found that local communities around the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area had limited awareness of the benefits the protected area provided to their communities Wadi Al-Hitan has been identified as a good example of how well planned tourism development can provide local benefits (Borges et al 2011) Since 2011 stronger involvement of the local communities has been built through increased opportunities for local jobs (UNDP EIECP III 2019) in Wadi El-Rayan and Qaroun mainly for World Heritage promotion The management unit of both WRPA and Qaroun have also developed multiple on the job training projects and workshops for local tour guides to enhance their performance in the site management and control However overall considering the decline of tourism in Egypt and the current political challenges involvement of local communities might need to include other mechanisms such as allowing for a stronger role in decision making and management planning of the site
Legal framework Mostly Effective
The property is protected as part of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) under Egyptian Law No 102 (1983) for Protected Areas and enforced by Nature Conservation Sector (NCS) of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) (World Heritage Committee 2012) The 2014 Egyptian Constitution commits the State towards the conservation of natural resources for next generations
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
under Acts 32 45 amp 46
Law enforcement Mostly Effective
Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the Sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) The number of staff who are able to carry out functions relating to law enforcement has fallen to nine rangers and 2 security guards from 28 such staff in 2011 Despite the limited number of rangers the fixed security station has supported the enforcement efforts and other team members (such as financial and administrative staff) are acting as rangers and following up any violations Whilst this is not an ideal scenario the level of law enforcement required at this remote property is relatively low and so can be considered mostly effective
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Mostly Effective
Recommendations from Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 regarding visitor infrastructure strengthening management capacities and vehicular traffic management were mostly met by the 34th session of the Committee in 2010 (UNESCO 2010) In response to Committee Decision 32 COM 7B5 there was significant progress in the management of the property including in relation to monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism (UNESCO 2010) Recommendations from Committee Decision 34 COM 7B8 regarding developing a proposal for changing the property boundary remain to be reported on formally through the mechanisms of the Convention however these issues are by-and-large covered under the revised management system for the wider Wadi El-Rayyan PA
Sustainable use Highly Effective
There is no significant resource use other than tourism within the property Although the impacts from illegal fossil collection has been decreased significantly after having a security station fixed at the site as well as the raised awareness tools for visitors (IUCN Consultation 2020) Therefore the sustainable use at the property is assessed as Highly Effective
Sustainable finance Mostly Effective
Annual governmental funding through the EEAA (for both WRPA and Lake Qarun PA) has increased over the course of the last decade from ca $28220 in 2007 to US$ 89171 in the 201819 fiscal year (IUCN Consultation 2020) In addition external funding to the tune of around US$ one million to develop infrastructure that will be put to bid by nationals and local communities for eco-tourism and other natural activities in both Protected areas has been brought by the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation A concession study for tourism activities had been developed and comes to eleven activities to be bid for during the year 2020 which are enhancing the financial sustainability of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Staff capacity training and development Mostly Effective
The staff capacity is mostly effective and the site is managed ldquowith loverdquo by the staff members who are qualified committed and excelling in their work (IUCN 2020) However there is no evidence of a structured program for staff training and capacity development
Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective
Adequate education and interpretation facilities (visitor centre signposting information panels leaflets brochures and video) are in place (Debonnet 2007 El-Hennawy et al 2010) A Fossils Climate Change Museum opened in January 2016 featuring the Basilosaurus (of which a fully intact fossil was recently discovered) as its main figure (IUCN 2015)
Tourism and visitation management Mostly Effective
Vehicle access is not permitted (World Heritage Committee 2012) with vehicular traffic regulated in the open air museum (UNESCO 2010) and visitors are restricted to pre-arranged tours along prescribed trails by foot or camel (UNEP-WCMC 2011) There are specialized eco-tourism zones with others for
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
containing fossils which may lead to damage or destruction One case of fossil destruction was documented however this was over a decade ago in in 2007 (Nasrawi 2007) Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) however it is believed that the official track to the Baharia road serves tourism pathways for the most part and limits unofficial tracks to outside the boundaries of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020) Remaining subsidiary tracks have been physically closed by natural sandstone blocks preventing the possible access to the property (IUCN Consultation 2020) Along all official tracks to Baharia and others outside the property signposts are established with geographic coordinates indicating the only access to the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Erosion and Siltation Deposition(Physical degradation of exposed fossils through wind erosion)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Damage by natural erosion is slow and overall not significant (UNEP-WCMC 2011) It is a natural process that is part of the dynamics of the site but the fragility of the whale skeletons requires that they are protected against additional destruction eg Exposed parts have been protected through polymer embedding by site managers To address this threat in 2013 an MOU was signed with the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center for research capacity building and monitoring and maintenance activities including a mandate to train students in in situ fossil restoration and maintenance which continues to be implemented (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Potential Threats Low Threat
Climate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation
Temperature extremes StormsFlooding(Temperature extremes and stormsflooding)
Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known
Outside siteClimate change is a growing potential threat which may alter the rate and impact of natural erosion of fossils with Egypt facing dramatic changes in the climate in the temperatures and precipitation level (World Data 2020) including more storms and rainfall in winter spring and autumn This will require a comprehensive program for fossil maintenance and conservation in site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Overall assessment of threats Low Threat
Damage theft and vandalism by visitors including damage by offroad vehicles remain the main current threats to the sites fossils however these tourism and visitation associated threats are managed in order to mitigate their impacts on the values of the site to the extent possible and as such can be considered low threats overall Whilst the natural process of wind erosion can be considered part of the dynamics of the site the fragility of the exposed fossils of Wadi Al-Hitan requires that this is treated as a threat to the values of the site and managed accordingly especially in the context of climate change whereby altered climatic conditions in the future may potentially lead to increased erosion of the fossils held at the site
Protection and management
Assessing Protection and Management
Management system Mostly Effective
Although it has no separate plan Wadi Al-Hitan is part of Wadi El-Rayan protected area and is managed within its administrative system and boundaries under the national regulatory law on Nature
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) In 2019 the management plan of Wadi El-Rayan was updated and implemented (Mohammad et al 2019) in which the site values boundaries characteristics infrastructure threats etc are set out in detail In addition objectives to manage the reserve were provided including specific articles for Wadi Al-Hitan as well as a detailed workplan Also in 2018 the site was added to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas having successfully fulfilled the required criteria including good governance effective management and successful conservation outcomes (IUCN 2020)
Effectiveness of management system Highly Effective
The most up-to-date plan published in 2019 is implemented according to the set workplan The management system is highly effective as evidenced by its inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN 2020) and a score of 67 in a 2020 Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessment for the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas of which Wadi Al-Hitan is a component of This is further evidenced through the collaboration protocol signed with Mansoura University in 2013 still active and implemented successfully where several research projects have been conducted in order to enhance the management of the site
Boundaries Mostly Effective
Boundaries are defined in the updated management plan including a zonation map which identifies the buffer zone of Wadi Al-Hitan (Mohammad et al 2019) However it is still recommended to establish more detailed maps which are specific for Wadi Al-Hitan in which a description for each zone should be provided Jebel Qatrani was included in the updated management plan as recommended by IUCN and World Heritage Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 However the Jebel Qatrani site is administered under Qaroun Protected Area which has its own technical and administrative staff
Integration into regional and national planning systems Mostly Effective
Site protection is supported by Prime ministerial Decree No 29541997 (World Heritage Committee 2012) and well integrated into the wider Wadi El-Rayyan National Park which encompasses the site In 2018 Wadi Al-Hitan was included on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas and is part of regional planning systems
Relationships with local people Mostly Effective
There are no permamnent residents in the site but there is an effective relationship with locals mainly through employment as guards in management and tourism The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists (Borges et al 2011) Although an earlier report (Paleczny et al 2007) produced by the Nature Conservation Sector of the EEAA found that local communities around the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area had limited awareness of the benefits the protected area provided to their communities Wadi Al-Hitan has been identified as a good example of how well planned tourism development can provide local benefits (Borges et al 2011) Since 2011 stronger involvement of the local communities has been built through increased opportunities for local jobs (UNDP EIECP III 2019) in Wadi El-Rayan and Qaroun mainly for World Heritage promotion The management unit of both WRPA and Qaroun have also developed multiple on the job training projects and workshops for local tour guides to enhance their performance in the site management and control However overall considering the decline of tourism in Egypt and the current political challenges involvement of local communities might need to include other mechanisms such as allowing for a stronger role in decision making and management planning of the site
Legal framework Mostly Effective
The property is protected as part of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) under Egyptian Law No 102 (1983) for Protected Areas and enforced by Nature Conservation Sector (NCS) of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) (World Heritage Committee 2012) The 2014 Egyptian Constitution commits the State towards the conservation of natural resources for next generations
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
under Acts 32 45 amp 46
Law enforcement Mostly Effective
Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the Sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) The number of staff who are able to carry out functions relating to law enforcement has fallen to nine rangers and 2 security guards from 28 such staff in 2011 Despite the limited number of rangers the fixed security station has supported the enforcement efforts and other team members (such as financial and administrative staff) are acting as rangers and following up any violations Whilst this is not an ideal scenario the level of law enforcement required at this remote property is relatively low and so can be considered mostly effective
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Mostly Effective
Recommendations from Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 regarding visitor infrastructure strengthening management capacities and vehicular traffic management were mostly met by the 34th session of the Committee in 2010 (UNESCO 2010) In response to Committee Decision 32 COM 7B5 there was significant progress in the management of the property including in relation to monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism (UNESCO 2010) Recommendations from Committee Decision 34 COM 7B8 regarding developing a proposal for changing the property boundary remain to be reported on formally through the mechanisms of the Convention however these issues are by-and-large covered under the revised management system for the wider Wadi El-Rayyan PA
Sustainable use Highly Effective
There is no significant resource use other than tourism within the property Although the impacts from illegal fossil collection has been decreased significantly after having a security station fixed at the site as well as the raised awareness tools for visitors (IUCN Consultation 2020) Therefore the sustainable use at the property is assessed as Highly Effective
Sustainable finance Mostly Effective
Annual governmental funding through the EEAA (for both WRPA and Lake Qarun PA) has increased over the course of the last decade from ca $28220 in 2007 to US$ 89171 in the 201819 fiscal year (IUCN Consultation 2020) In addition external funding to the tune of around US$ one million to develop infrastructure that will be put to bid by nationals and local communities for eco-tourism and other natural activities in both Protected areas has been brought by the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation A concession study for tourism activities had been developed and comes to eleven activities to be bid for during the year 2020 which are enhancing the financial sustainability of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Staff capacity training and development Mostly Effective
The staff capacity is mostly effective and the site is managed ldquowith loverdquo by the staff members who are qualified committed and excelling in their work (IUCN 2020) However there is no evidence of a structured program for staff training and capacity development
Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective
Adequate education and interpretation facilities (visitor centre signposting information panels leaflets brochures and video) are in place (Debonnet 2007 El-Hennawy et al 2010) A Fossils Climate Change Museum opened in January 2016 featuring the Basilosaurus (of which a fully intact fossil was recently discovered) as its main figure (IUCN 2015)
Tourism and visitation management Mostly Effective
Vehicle access is not permitted (World Heritage Committee 2012) with vehicular traffic regulated in the open air museum (UNESCO 2010) and visitors are restricted to pre-arranged tours along prescribed trails by foot or camel (UNEP-WCMC 2011) There are specialized eco-tourism zones with others for
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) In 2019 the management plan of Wadi El-Rayan was updated and implemented (Mohammad et al 2019) in which the site values boundaries characteristics infrastructure threats etc are set out in detail In addition objectives to manage the reserve were provided including specific articles for Wadi Al-Hitan as well as a detailed workplan Also in 2018 the site was added to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas having successfully fulfilled the required criteria including good governance effective management and successful conservation outcomes (IUCN 2020)
Effectiveness of management system Highly Effective
The most up-to-date plan published in 2019 is implemented according to the set workplan The management system is highly effective as evidenced by its inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN 2020) and a score of 67 in a 2020 Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessment for the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas of which Wadi Al-Hitan is a component of This is further evidenced through the collaboration protocol signed with Mansoura University in 2013 still active and implemented successfully where several research projects have been conducted in order to enhance the management of the site
Boundaries Mostly Effective
Boundaries are defined in the updated management plan including a zonation map which identifies the buffer zone of Wadi Al-Hitan (Mohammad et al 2019) However it is still recommended to establish more detailed maps which are specific for Wadi Al-Hitan in which a description for each zone should be provided Jebel Qatrani was included in the updated management plan as recommended by IUCN and World Heritage Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 However the Jebel Qatrani site is administered under Qaroun Protected Area which has its own technical and administrative staff
Integration into regional and national planning systems Mostly Effective
Site protection is supported by Prime ministerial Decree No 29541997 (World Heritage Committee 2012) and well integrated into the wider Wadi El-Rayyan National Park which encompasses the site In 2018 Wadi Al-Hitan was included on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas and is part of regional planning systems
Relationships with local people Mostly Effective
There are no permamnent residents in the site but there is an effective relationship with locals mainly through employment as guards in management and tourism The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists (Borges et al 2011) Although an earlier report (Paleczny et al 2007) produced by the Nature Conservation Sector of the EEAA found that local communities around the Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area had limited awareness of the benefits the protected area provided to their communities Wadi Al-Hitan has been identified as a good example of how well planned tourism development can provide local benefits (Borges et al 2011) Since 2011 stronger involvement of the local communities has been built through increased opportunities for local jobs (UNDP EIECP III 2019) in Wadi El-Rayan and Qaroun mainly for World Heritage promotion The management unit of both WRPA and Qaroun have also developed multiple on the job training projects and workshops for local tour guides to enhance their performance in the site management and control However overall considering the decline of tourism in Egypt and the current political challenges involvement of local communities might need to include other mechanisms such as allowing for a stronger role in decision making and management planning of the site
Legal framework Mostly Effective
The property is protected as part of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area (WRPA) under Egyptian Law No 102 (1983) for Protected Areas and enforced by Nature Conservation Sector (NCS) of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) (World Heritage Committee 2012) The 2014 Egyptian Constitution commits the State towards the conservation of natural resources for next generations
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
under Acts 32 45 amp 46
Law enforcement Mostly Effective
Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the Sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) The number of staff who are able to carry out functions relating to law enforcement has fallen to nine rangers and 2 security guards from 28 such staff in 2011 Despite the limited number of rangers the fixed security station has supported the enforcement efforts and other team members (such as financial and administrative staff) are acting as rangers and following up any violations Whilst this is not an ideal scenario the level of law enforcement required at this remote property is relatively low and so can be considered mostly effective
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Mostly Effective
Recommendations from Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 regarding visitor infrastructure strengthening management capacities and vehicular traffic management were mostly met by the 34th session of the Committee in 2010 (UNESCO 2010) In response to Committee Decision 32 COM 7B5 there was significant progress in the management of the property including in relation to monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism (UNESCO 2010) Recommendations from Committee Decision 34 COM 7B8 regarding developing a proposal for changing the property boundary remain to be reported on formally through the mechanisms of the Convention however these issues are by-and-large covered under the revised management system for the wider Wadi El-Rayyan PA
Sustainable use Highly Effective
There is no significant resource use other than tourism within the property Although the impacts from illegal fossil collection has been decreased significantly after having a security station fixed at the site as well as the raised awareness tools for visitors (IUCN Consultation 2020) Therefore the sustainable use at the property is assessed as Highly Effective
Sustainable finance Mostly Effective
Annual governmental funding through the EEAA (for both WRPA and Lake Qarun PA) has increased over the course of the last decade from ca $28220 in 2007 to US$ 89171 in the 201819 fiscal year (IUCN Consultation 2020) In addition external funding to the tune of around US$ one million to develop infrastructure that will be put to bid by nationals and local communities for eco-tourism and other natural activities in both Protected areas has been brought by the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation A concession study for tourism activities had been developed and comes to eleven activities to be bid for during the year 2020 which are enhancing the financial sustainability of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Staff capacity training and development Mostly Effective
The staff capacity is mostly effective and the site is managed ldquowith loverdquo by the staff members who are qualified committed and excelling in their work (IUCN 2020) However there is no evidence of a structured program for staff training and capacity development
Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective
Adequate education and interpretation facilities (visitor centre signposting information panels leaflets brochures and video) are in place (Debonnet 2007 El-Hennawy et al 2010) A Fossils Climate Change Museum opened in January 2016 featuring the Basilosaurus (of which a fully intact fossil was recently discovered) as its main figure (IUCN 2015)
Tourism and visitation management Mostly Effective
Vehicle access is not permitted (World Heritage Committee 2012) with vehicular traffic regulated in the open air museum (UNESCO 2010) and visitors are restricted to pre-arranged tours along prescribed trails by foot or camel (UNEP-WCMC 2011) There are specialized eco-tourism zones with others for
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
under Acts 32 45 amp 46
Law enforcement Mostly Effective
Enforcement logistics are challenging due to the Sites remote location (UNEP-WCMC 2011) The number of staff who are able to carry out functions relating to law enforcement has fallen to nine rangers and 2 security guards from 28 such staff in 2011 Despite the limited number of rangers the fixed security station has supported the enforcement efforts and other team members (such as financial and administrative staff) are acting as rangers and following up any violations Whilst this is not an ideal scenario the level of law enforcement required at this remote property is relatively low and so can be considered mostly effective
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Mostly Effective
Recommendations from Committee Decision 29 COM 8B5 regarding visitor infrastructure strengthening management capacities and vehicular traffic management were mostly met by the 34th session of the Committee in 2010 (UNESCO 2010) In response to Committee Decision 32 COM 7B5 there was significant progress in the management of the property including in relation to monitoring and the development of sustainable tourism (UNESCO 2010) Recommendations from Committee Decision 34 COM 7B8 regarding developing a proposal for changing the property boundary remain to be reported on formally through the mechanisms of the Convention however these issues are by-and-large covered under the revised management system for the wider Wadi El-Rayyan PA
Sustainable use Highly Effective
There is no significant resource use other than tourism within the property Although the impacts from illegal fossil collection has been decreased significantly after having a security station fixed at the site as well as the raised awareness tools for visitors (IUCN Consultation 2020) Therefore the sustainable use at the property is assessed as Highly Effective
Sustainable finance Mostly Effective
Annual governmental funding through the EEAA (for both WRPA and Lake Qarun PA) has increased over the course of the last decade from ca $28220 in 2007 to US$ 89171 in the 201819 fiscal year (IUCN Consultation 2020) In addition external funding to the tune of around US$ one million to develop infrastructure that will be put to bid by nationals and local communities for eco-tourism and other natural activities in both Protected areas has been brought by the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation A concession study for tourism activities had been developed and comes to eleven activities to be bid for during the year 2020 which are enhancing the financial sustainability of the site (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Staff capacity training and development Mostly Effective
The staff capacity is mostly effective and the site is managed ldquowith loverdquo by the staff members who are qualified committed and excelling in their work (IUCN 2020) However there is no evidence of a structured program for staff training and capacity development
Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective
Adequate education and interpretation facilities (visitor centre signposting information panels leaflets brochures and video) are in place (Debonnet 2007 El-Hennawy et al 2010) A Fossils Climate Change Museum opened in January 2016 featuring the Basilosaurus (of which a fully intact fossil was recently discovered) as its main figure (IUCN 2015)
Tourism and visitation management Mostly Effective
Vehicle access is not permitted (World Heritage Committee 2012) with vehicular traffic regulated in the open air museum (UNESCO 2010) and visitors are restricted to pre-arranged tours along prescribed trails by foot or camel (UNEP-WCMC 2011) There are specialized eco-tourism zones with others for
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
research and study Extensive interpretation and visitor guiding facilities were established by 2010 There is limited on-site accommodation (World Heritage Committee 2012) including possibly a camping site and eco-lodge which were planned in 2007 (Debonnet 2007) Cooperation with interested tourismtrekking companies offers added value A possible need to further improve 4x4 access management was noted in 2010 but unauthorized access from the north was reduced to non-significant levels by 2010 (IUCN Consultation 2011 IUCN 2010) The previous increase in visitor numbers had been facilitated by a significant investment in well designed tourism facilities outside the main fossil bearing layers The infrastructure of the site has been further enhanced in 2014 and 2016 to have the open air enhancement and site museum (Fossil and Climate Change Museum) Due to the museum and other management measures the 2019 summer visitation to the site reached more than 40000 people (IUCN Consultation 2020)
Monitoring Highly Effective
Inventory works have been ongoing since the 1980s and a monitoring programme has been in place since 1998 Documentation and monitoring of new finds is ongoing whilst more extensive geological surveys are undertaken twice a year Visitor monitoring has been inplace since 2005 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) The site is patrolled daily to catch illegal visitors and twice a week a team monitors the condition of the fossils photographing them and when necessary repairing damage (UNEP-WCMC 2011)
Research Highly Effective
The fossils of the site have been subject to strong scientific interest since 1980s with exploration continuing and more fossils expected to be discovered in the future (UNEP-WCMC 2011) with on-site experitse in geology Exemplary research collaboration between EEAA Egyptian Geological Survey and University of Michigan with a site staff training component agreed in 2005 and ongoing (Debonnet 2007 IUCN Consultation 2011) The worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale ndash the Basilosaurus dating to about 40 million years ago ndash was uncovered during an excavation 2015 The discovery reveals for the first time the creaturersquos complete skeleton and includes fossilized remains of other sea creatures inside its stomach (IUCN 2015)
Overall assessment of protection and management Mostly Effective
Overall the protection and management of Wadi Al-Hitan has improved greatly in the past few years Many achievements have been made including the updated management plan and identification of a buffer zone control of vehicle access and having a security station fixed at the site These improvements have been recognised through the sites inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Financial resources have been a challenge to management however recent increases in the budget allocations seek to address this issue
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
Site management has been enhanced significantly within the wider Wadi El Rayan Protected Area under the national regulatory law on Nature Protectorates (World Heritage Committee 2012) such that the site has been declared on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas However some issues are still observed especially with the boundaries and making specific provisions to deal with Wadi Al-Hitan within the overall management plan of Wadi Rayan Protected Area (WRPA)
Best practice examples
The visitor and interpretation facilities established at Wadi Al-Hitan have not only made this site more attractive and informative to visitors but also greatly contributed to reducing unregulated access with potential negative impacts on the site These facilities and the underlying plans and concepts are a best practice example for other similar sites (Abulhawa et al 2014) The successful and early involvement of local stakeholders in site conservation was instrumental in maintaining its values even during times of political and socio-economic stresses in the country (Abulhawa et al
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
2014)
State and trend of values
Assessing the current state and trend of values
World Heritage values
Large number of skeletons of a wide variety of fossilized Eocene whales and other marine fossils
GoodTrendStable
Whale and vertebrate skeletons remain generally well-preserved 40 of known fossils in good condition 42 weathered 18 severely weathered in 2009 (El-Hennawy et al 2010) However there is a need to assess the impact of climate change impact on the weathering rate of the fossils
Summary of the Values
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
GoodTrend Stable
Overall the status of whale skeletons and other fossils is very good Different stages of weathering (from natural erosion) and some limited impact of damageremoval by visitors can be observed
Additional information
Benefits
Understanding Benefits
Importance for research
The outstanding paleontological values of the site are recognized by its inscription on the World Heritage List under criterion viii In addition a protocol was signed with Al Mansura University to encourage students to explore the field of conservation of geological features and protected areas management This has supported the ownership values toward the site and enabled many students to engage as active members in the conservation process
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Visitation of the site has been limited in the past (ca 12000 visitors in 2008) but increasing to around 40000 in recent years (IUCN Consultation 2020) and attractiveness of the site supports potential further growth in visitation
Contribution to education
The number and diversity of fossil remains at the site offer an impressive insight into evolution and the history of Earth which is of high educational value and has potential to be realized to a greater extent as visitation increases Specimens from Wadi Al-Hitan are currently displayed in several institutions 56 specimens are preserved in the Cairo Geological Museum others are held in London Berlin Stuttgart and the University of Michigan where there is a complete Dorudon atrox skeletal mount on exhibit (UNEP-WCMC 2011) and the worldrsquos only intact fossil of an early whale was uncovered during a new excavation (IUCN 2015)
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
Tourism-related incomeProvision of jobs
Although recent data is unavailble the site supported 19 direct conservation jobs and 15 families benefiting from tourism and visitation of site from the most recent data in an area with limited income sources In Wadi Al-Hitan tourism development has occurred mainly at small scale and through local communities who offer most of the services available to the visitors The site management has worked with the local communities to build their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to building their skills for offering these services to the tourists Economic development of local communities has been another outcome of well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan (Borges et al 2011) Members of the local community have also been trained on restoration and conservation of the sites fossils and are hired as rangers and guardsFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
- Overexploitation Impact level - Low Trend - Continuing
The impacts of the fluctuation of benefits derived from the site by local communities due to tourism decline need to be carefully monitored
Summary of benefitsThe rich benefits of the site are based on its paleontological values and are mainly in the area of tourism knowledge building and education However given the remoteness and desert environment of the site it also provides significant socio-economic benefits to the local population Efforts need to be made to monitor this relationship to ensure the sites ability to remain inclusive and participative
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
REFERENCES References
1 Abulhawa T Abdulhalim H Osipova E Cummings T (2014) TABEA II Report - Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage Amman Jordan IUCN ii + 74pp
2 Borges MA Carbone G Bushell R and Jaeger T (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural World Heritage ndash Priorities for action [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN 29pp Available at httpswwwiucnorgsitesdevfilesimportdownloadssustahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
3 Debonnet G (2007) rsquoMission report of field visit to Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Property (Egypt)rsquo [online] Paris France World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
4 El-Hennawy M T Sameh Anter M (2010) rsquoState of World Heritage Site Wadi El-Hitan 1st 5 year reportrsquo Wadi Al-Hitan Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Nature Conservation Sector EEAA Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
5 El-Kholei A (2013) Evaluation of Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme [online] UNDP-Egypt Available at httpsercundporgevaluationevaluationsdetail6566 [Accesed 24 November 2020]
6 Gee CT Sander PM Peters SE et al (2019) Fossil burrow assemblage not mangrove roots reinterpretation of the main whale-bearing layer in the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt Palaeobio Palaeoenv 99 pp143ndash158 httpsdoiorg101007s12549-018-0337-0
7 IUCN Consultation (2011) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
8 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egypt
9 IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (2020) Wadi Al-Hitan [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpsiucngreenlistorgsiteswadi-al-hitan [Accessed 30 September 2020]
10 IUCN (2014) Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)- World Heritage Outlook assessment [online] IUCN Gland Switzerland Available at httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgexplore-siteswdpaidhellip[Accessed 7 December 2016]
11 IUCN (2015) First intact fossil of prehistoric whale discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan 10 Jun Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswwwiucnorgcontentfirst-intact-fossil-prehistorihellip 7 December 2016]
12 Ibrahim O E (2008) Pharaonic Graeco-Roman and Coptic Archaeological Sites in the Fayoum involved in Ecotourism Programmes PhD Thesis Fayoum Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University
13 Kamel M Y Hassan S B amp Wafik G M (2017) The Challenges of Geotourism in Egypt A Case Study of Wadi Al-Hitan International Journal of Hospitality amp Tourism Systems 10(2) pp32-46
14 Mohammad AS Mohammad MS and Hanawi MT (2019) Wadi El-Rayan Management Plan Ministry of Environment Egypt
15 Nasrawi S (2007) Egypt Belgian Diplomats Damaged Fossils [online] 27 August Newsok Available at httpsoklahomancomarticle3112462egypt-belgian-diplomahellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
16 Paleczny D Allam K Talaat M (2007) The State of Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area and Valley of the Whales World Heritage Site An Evaluation of Management Effectiveness Egyptian-Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Capacity Building Project Cario
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
References
17 Talaat M (2008) Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area Management Plan Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programme Nature Conservation Sector Cairo
18 UNDP Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation (EIECP) Phase III (2019) [online] Available at httpswwwegundporgcontentegyptenhomeprojectsegyphellip [Accessed 24 November 2020]
19 UNEP-WCMC (2011) lsquoWadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Egyptrsquo UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets [online] Cambridge UK UNEP-WCMC Available at httpworld-heritage-datasheetsunep-wcmcorgdatasheetouhellip 13 December 2016]
20 UNESCO (2010) Report on the State of Conservation of Wadi Al-Hitan Egypt State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist1186documents [Accessed 24 November 2020]
21 World Data (2020) Climate in Egypt [online] Available at httpswwwworlddatainfoafricaegyptclimatephp [Accessed 10 July 2020]
22 World Heritage Committee (2010) Decision 34 COM 7B8 Wadi Al-Hitan (Egypt) (N 1186) In Report of decisions of the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee (Brasiacutelia 2010) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions4116[Accessed 24 November 2020]
