CAIRO – Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk probed ways of strengthening joint cooperation with UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the development of the Agricultural Museum in Dokki and the Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek, which are both considered significant cultural and historical landmarks.
This came during discussions he had with Nuria Sanz, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, and Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.
The Agricultural Museum showcases the evolution of agriculture in Egypt throughout the ages, while the Aquarium Garden plays an important role in raising awareness of aquaculture and aquatic biodiversity.
The minister expressed his aspiration to benefit from UNESCO’s expertise, in collaboration with FAO, to enhance these institutions. He emphasized the importance of documenting historical collections, improving visitor experiences, and transforming the sites into attractive centers for researchers and tourists, while preserving their historical, cultural, and recreational value. He also suggested the potential expansion of cooperation to include other historical botanical gardens.
Nuria Sanz acknowledged the vital role of the agricultural sector in Egypt and the importance of preserving agricultural and biological heritage. She affirmed UNESCO’s readiness to provide technical support and expertise to develop the Agricultural Museum and the Aquarium Garden in line with international standards and sustainable development goals.
Sanz invited the agriculture ministry to participate in an upcoming international event in Cairo focused on the historical development of Egyptian fruits. At the conclusion of the meeting, all parties agreed on the importance of safeguarding Egypt’s 7,000-year agricultural legacy and celebrating it. A joint task force of experts from the ministry, UNESCO, and FAO will be formed to assess needs and propose a comprehensive plan for the development of both sites, identifying key areas for collaboration.
