Egypt has entered into a joint initiative with UNESCO and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to breathe new life into two of its most iconic heritage sites—the Agricultural Museum in Giza and the historic Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Cairo on Friday between Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, UNESCO Regional Director Nuria Sanz, and FAO’s Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Abdel Hakim Al-Waer.
At the heart of the plan is a shared commitment to safeguarding Egypt’s agricultural and ecological legacy, with a focus on modernizing the sites and aligning them with global conservation standards.
A Living Chronicle of Farming Traditions
The Agricultural Museum, established in 1938 and built on royal land once owned by Princess Fatima Ismail, traces Egypt’s farming history from ancient Pharaonic times to the present day. Occupying 125,000 square meters, the museum includes rare botanical exhibits, archival collections, and a Syrian hall added in 1959 during Egypt’s brief union with Syria.
Farouk stressed the importance of leveraging international expertise to digitize collections, enrich visitor experiences, and promote research opportunities. “This isn’t just about restoration—it’s about making these sites living educational platforms for future generations,” he said.
Zamalek’s Forgotten Jewel
The Aquarium Grotto Garden, nestled in the heart of Cairo’s Zamalek district, was once the crown jewel of Khedive Ismail’s modernization drive. Commissioned in 1876 to impress French royalty, the 9.5-acre garden was later handed over to the Giza Zoo and has since lost much of its original luster.
With the new partnership, the site is poised for a revival that could restore its status as a rare example of 19th-century aquatic landscape design in Africa.
Global Standards, Local Roots
UNESCO’s Nuria Sanz reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to balance global best practices with local cultural narratives. She also invited Egypt to participate in an upcoming international forum in Cairo spotlighting the historical evolution of Egyptian fruit cultivation.
“This partnership reflects a broader regional priority: conserving our heritage not just as memory, but as a resource for innovation, education, and sustainable growth,” Sanz said.
A Regional Model for Heritage Revitalization
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint task force of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, UNESCO, and FAO. The team will assess current conditions and craft a comprehensive development roadmap for both sites.
As Egypt looks to restore its heritage, the move could offer a blueprint for other African nations aiming to transform underutilized cultural landmarks into vibrant centers of knowledge and tourism.