By Hassan Sadallah
It might be strange to know that Fayyoum, the large fertile depression in
the desert, used to have a large number of whales, fish and dolphins
specifically at Wadi Hitan (Valley of the Whales).
It was a few months ago that Wadi Hitan was included on the UNESCO list
of international natural heritage. The site which is the first Egyptian and
sixth Arab one on the list will not be the last because the Ministry of
Environmental Affairs is working on another 26 potential sites that could be
gradually put on the list of natural heritage.
Since the early 20th century, the area has been the focus of scientific
attention. Studies show that Wadi Hitan incorporates 406 skeletons of whales
of which 205 are complete in addition to skeletons of mammals, sharks,
mermaids and dolphins.
The coordinated efforts of the Geology Museum, the Geological Survey
Authority, the Environmental Affairs Agency and Egyptian universities have
rendered an all-embracing study of Wadi Al Hitan, which ultimately entitled
the site for inclusion on the international list.
Generally speaking, Egypt has joined the UNESCO agreement of
international heritage in l975. According to the list, there are more than
570 accredited cultural sites across the world compared to l30 sites of
natural heritage in addition to 30 sites that combines both cultural and
natural heritage.
Wadi Hitan, being a nature reserve, is a great asset for tourism. But as
Wahid Salama of the Environmental Affairs Agency said, the site needs to be
upgraded in order to be converted into an outdoor museum that displays some
406 skeletons of whales. The first step, he said, would be paving the way
leading to the site and then prepare the site itself for visits.
About the historic background of the area, Khaled Saad, the Director of
Pre-dynastic Antiquities Administration, told Egyptian Mail that up until
the Palaeolithic period the area had a vast salt water lake. The lake
actually dated back to 42 million years but owing to weather changes,
desertification and the retreat of water through millions of years the
topography of the area has changed. Fayyoum has actually witnessed one of
the oldest civilisations that pertained to the pre-dynastic age. Historians
and archaeologists estimate that the Fayyoum civilisation is about 7500
years old, said Saad.
However, Wadi Hitan might face a problem in the near future if officials
do not take precautionary measures. Agrarian encroachment is likely to take
place since large areas of land are being reclaimed in its vicinity.
Irrigation of this land could pose a threat to environmental life in the
area.
Saad explained that among the perils facing Wadi Hitan is a rally held
annually. For despite measures taken by the Environmental Affairs Agency,
some cars cause damage to Wadi Hitan, which is as old as 5000 years BC.
Saad noted that files on other potential sites are being prepared as for
instance the dinosaurs site at the Bahariya Oasis, the White Desert in
Farafra Oasis and the Great Sand Sea area.
The Western Desert, added Saad, is one of the most important and richest
sites of natural heritage whose potential was only recently discovered. As
illustrated by Dr Mohamed Fathi Awad in his book Geological Excursions in
the West Desert of Egypt, up until the middle 20th century there were only a
few journeys made by Kennedy Char in the Darb Al Arbeen area.
When the second largest dinosaur worldwide was discovered four years ago
in the West Desert, there was much talk about the need to dig into the
history of this promising area. One wonders when many sites in the Western
Desert will be turned into open museums relating the history of the natural
environment of Egypt.
