During a visit to the Sphinx and the Pyramids, U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft expressed support for preserving Egypt's antiquities and boosting tourism. Accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Antiquities, Ambassador Beecroft observed the positive effects of U.S. assistance in preserving the iconic Sphinx and surrounding historical sites.
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has partnered with the Egyptian government to lower groundwater levels that threatened these ancient structures. "Egypt’s antiquities are part of its extraordinary cultural heritage and also represent a key economic asset that creates jobs and income," stated Ambassador Beecroft. "U.S. support helps Egypt preserve, restore, and protect world-class monuments for its vital tourism industry."
In 2006, surface water appeared in low-lying areas near the Great Sphinx and the City of the Pyramid Builders. Groundwater containing salts can weaken ancient structures as it penetrates their foundations. To address this issue, USAID collaborated with Egypt to reduce groundwater levels to protect these sites.
Environmental factors and human activity pose risks to Egypt's cultural treasures and nearby communities' homes and health. Since 2000, several large-scale engineering projects have been implemented by USAID and Egypt's government to safeguard archaeological monuments from rising groundwater in Old Cairo, East and West Luxor, and Edfu Temple.
Since 1995, American support through USAID has provided over $100 million for conserving cultural heritage sites across Egypt including Old Cairo, Bab Zuweila, Giza Plateau, Luxor, Alexandria, Sohag, and Red Sea locations. These efforts cover Egypt’s extensive cultural history from prehistoric times to the late Ottoman period.