Coastal region and small island papers 14 The world’s
archaeological patrimony is vulnerable to damage and decay and
especially so at coastal and underwater sites. Natural forces
such as storms, currents and wave-action may result in coastal
erosion that undermines or buries structures and artefacts.
Global climate change and a rise in sea level are likely to
exacerbate this. Increasing coastal populations threaten
archaeological sites, directly by encroachment of housing and
other buildings, and indirectly through pollution and poorly
planned coastal protection measures. Alexandria has three
important archaeological sites in close proximity to one
another, one on land and two in shallow water. The 15th century
Qait Bey Citadel stands at the entrance to the Eastern Harbour,
the remains of Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse, the Pharos, lies
just offshore from the Citadel and the ruins of Ptolemaic Royal
Quarters are in the Eastern Harbour. Preservation of all three
sites requires an integrated and interdisciplin