Site management at Giza Plateau: master plan for the conservation of the site

Abstract

The Giza pyramids, one of the world's most important archaeological sites, are threatened by urban expansion, pollution, conservation challenges, and the pressures of tourism. A critical need exists for effective site management to protect the archaeological riches of this important site. The author describes the implementation of a four-phase management plan initiated in 1988. In the first phase, an organization scheme for the site was prepared. Phase II defined a conservation and archaeological plan for the east side of the Great Pyramid and for the queens' pyramids. Phase III, which is ongoing, will define conservation of the three main pyramids, includes a tourism management plan, and will complete development of a site master plan. Phase IV will outline a program for ongoing archaeological research and conservation. The site management plan for the Giza Plateau provides a model for addressing a wide spectrum of environmental issues affecting archaeological sites.