Green Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Egypt

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It is well recognised that cultural heritage has high significance and value, providing an identity and sense of belonging to individuals, communities and nations. Egypt has a rich and diverse history dating from the Palaeolithic until the present day, including of course the immensely significant Pharaonic era. Despite their global importance, however, Egypt's heritage assets are under threat.This project is based on an interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from Egypt and UK including representatives of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. In the present work, various heritage samples will be collected from selected Egyptian heritage sites and museums. Different microbes including fungal and bacterial strains will be isolated and identified using biomolecular methodologies. Various plant extracts and essential oils (PEEOs) will be tested for their antimicrobial activity against key microorganisms. The most potent PEEOs will be evaluated for their efficacy in reversing biodeterioration using simulated models and/or materials. Finally, the most effective agents will be applied to some Egyptian heritage objects following scientific analysis of their characteristics and in consultation with the heritage conservation personnel. The proposed project team in Egypt (Damietta, Mansoura, and Fayoum Universities) and the UK (University of Bedfordshire) along with the Team members from the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities will proactively engage with personnel from Egyptian museums and sites to bring together distinctive interdisciplinary collaboration. This will enable partnerships among specialists in microbiology, molecular genetics, archaeology, and heritage conservation science. The diverse expertise of the project team in cutting-edge biological, molecular and analytical approaches and the facilities at various partner institutions will be fully utilised to develop new integrated pathways to investigate, analyse, and treat biodeteriorated materials leading to improved display and sustainability of Egyptian heritage. Capacity building, knowledge exchange, and enhancing stakeholder connectivity are integral to the project activities and deliverable.