UNESCO places Gebel Qattrani on the Natural Heritage list

Egypt State Information Service

Today is a good day - here's another post about an area close to my heart:

Minister of Environment Maged George said that a comprehensive file about Qatarani Mountain in el-Fayyoum was prepared to be presented to UNESCO to be placed on the International Natural Heritage list.

The minister said that the Qatarani Mountain is a rocky area which contains many marine and river excavations which goes back to more than 40 million years. The area also includes the oldest monkey excavation called "Egyptopetex" and also the old Fayyoum animal which resembles the rhinoceros in its shape but have 4 horns.

He said that the mountain also includes a unique types of sea horses, dolphins, sharks and birds in addition to the historical and scientific geological formations.

The international community would be committed to providing technical and finanical support to preserve this area , the minister said , adding that the UNESCO will make advertising campaigns for this area as it is considered an international natural heritage area and it will be put on the international environment tourism map.

It is expected that Qatarani Mountain in el-Fayyoum will be placed on the International Natural Heritage list in August 2008 to become the 2nd Egyptian area after the Whales' Valley.