By Year
The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
786
Austria
C(i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property as an ensemble on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an especially well preserved example of the Baroque princely residential ensemble, which constitutes an outstanding example of a Gesamtkunstwerk. The Palace and Gardens are exceptional by virtue of the evidence that they preserve of modifications over several centuries that vividly illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of ...
II.1 The Chairperson opened the session and presented the documents relating to the adoption of the agenda (Working Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/2 and WHC-96/CONF.201/3) During discussions several States Parties expressed the wish to hold all debates in plenary sessions.
II.2 Following the proposal of the Chairperson and in order to respond to the requirements of the agenda and those of the States Parties, the Committee approved the agenda with the following modifications:
- Monday, 2 December and Wednesday, 4 December, from 17.00 to 18.00: Examination of the World Heritage Fund and Budget ...
III.1 As proposed by the Delegate of Australia, and endorsed by the Delegates of Germany, Benin, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Japan, Lebanon and Niger, Ms Maria-Teresa Franco (Mexico) was elected by acclamation as Chairperson of the Committee. The following members of the Committee were elected as Vice-Chairpersons by acclamation: Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Morocco, and Mr Lambert Messan (Niger) as Rapporteur.
20 COM VII.A.1-5
State of Conservation - Report and Draft Resolutions for Submission to the GA and GC
A. REPORT AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF STATES PARTIES AND THE 29TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNESCO
VII.1 The Secretariat introduced the working document (WHC-96/CONF.201/6A)on this agenda item, emphasizing that, following the discussions during the nineteenth session of the World Heritage Committee, the matter of monitoring and reporting should be brought to the attention of both the Eleventh General Assembly of States Parties and the 29th General Conference of UNESCO.
VII.2 As to the Eleventh General Assembly, it was noted that the Committee at ...
20 COM VII.B.6-12
State of Conservation - Revision of the Nomination Form and Format for SOC Reports
B. REVISION OF THE NOMINATION FORM AND FORMAT FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATE OF CONSERVATION REPORTS
VII.6 The Secretariat informed the Committee that, as requested by the Committee at its nineteenth session, it had circulated the proposed revised nomination form and format for World Heritage state of conservation reports to all States Parties and that comments had been received from thirteen States Parties as well as from the Nordic World Heritage Office.
Nomination form
VII.7 The Secretariat summarized the replies received from the States Parties and from ICOMOS and submitted a revised ...
VII.17 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Guinea/Cote d'Ivoire)
The site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 because of negative impacts from a proposed iron-ore mining project and threats due to the arrival of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries.
The Ministry for Energy and Environment, in collaboration with the "Mission Francaise de Cooperation et d'Action Culturelle", organized a Round Table on Mount Nimba which was held in Conakry (Guinea) on 17 and 18 April 1996 with participation from the Secretariat. The Round Table included ...
VII.18 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)
The Committee recalled that the site was included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992. At the nineteenth session of the Committee, the Observer of India indicated that her Government was ready to welcome a mission by members of the World Heritage Committee and the Director of the Centre to New Delhi, Assam and Manas. In her recent letters, the Ambassador of India to UNESCO reiterated this information and advised that an updated state of conservation report would be available in due course; the latter has not been received to date. The ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
VII.19 Air-et-Tenere Reserve (Niger)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 at the request of Niger as it was affected by civil disturbances. The Committee recalled that a peace agreement was signed on 20 April 1995 and that it had encouraged the authorities to strengthen their efforts to safeguard the site. In 1995 the dialogue established between the Parties, allowed for a detailed evaluation of the state of conservation of the site as well as the development of an action programme for the recovery of the site.
The Committee ...
VII.20 Everglades National Park (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1993 and that at its last session, it examined the detailed monitoring report presented by the State Party, which outlined the precedent-setting long-term experimental restoration work necessary to restore the balance of the Everglades ecosystem. The State Party presented an interim monitoring report dated May 1996 outlining the Federal and State of Florida government's US$2 billion partnership efforts with the private sector to protect ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
VII.21 Yellowstone National Park (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it decided that, on the basis of both ascertained dangers and potential threats outlined by the State Party, Yellowstone National Park be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and that the State Party was invited by the Committee to provide information on the results of its required Environmental Impact Statement as related to proposed mining activity adjacent to the Park boundary and mitigating actions. In May 1996, the State Party advised the Centre about the ...
Sites: Yellowstone National Park
VII.14 Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it examined a monitoring report prepared by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention. This report indicated that the new water control structure allowed for an inflow of water on a small scale and that a colony of the Dalmatian Pelican had been re-established. The report concluded, however, that the integrity of the site had not yet been adequately restored.
As a result, the Committee decided at its nineteenth session to retain the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger and requested ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
VII.15 Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
The Committee took note of the results of a international rapid assessment mission organized by the Centre and the Croatian authorities from 5 to 9 May 1996. The mission made an interdisciplinary review of the state of conservation of the site and determined that the World Heritage values had not been adversely impacted by the armed conflict. To the contrary, the mission concluded the natural systems of the area were recovering from pre-war overdevelopment and over-use. The mission surveyed the war damage to Park commercial and ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
VII.16 Sanqay National Park (Ecuador)
At its nineteenth session, the World Heritage Committee called for an Environmental Impact Assessment of road construction activities in the Park and requested information from INEFAN, the National Park administration, on road modifications, a land tenure study and steps for an updated management plan. INEFAN informed the Centre that with respect to the road construction a meeting had been organized with the concerned political authorities and local communities. It was also noted that the road was declared of military interest. The Centre received a ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
VII.22 Virunga National Park (Zaire)
The Committee recalled that Virunga National Park was included on the List of World Heritage in Danger in December 1994, due to the tragic events in Rwanda and the subsequent massive influx of refugees from that country. Virunga National Park, situated on the border between Rwanda and Uganda, has been destabilized by the uncontrolled arrival of refugees, causing illegal extraction of wood and poaching at the site.
The Centre wrote to the authorities requesting that the World Heritage Committee be informed about any action to be undertaken to stop ...
Sites: Virunga National Park
VII.24 Angkor (Cambodia)
The Committee was informed of the Secretariat's report to the Bureau on the progress made by the Government of Cambodia in meeting the obligations made to the Committee at the time of the inscription of the site on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Committee was informed that it continues to assist the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to prepare the decrees necessary for the enforcement of the Law for the Protection of National Cultural Heritage which was promulgated on 25 January 1996.
The Authority for the Protection ...
Sites: Angkor
VII.2S Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
On September 5, 1996, the area of Dubrovnik was hit by an earthquake. In response to a request from the Croatian authorities, a fact-finding mission was sent to Dubrovnik late November to survey the effects of the earthquake. The expert mission reported that the earthquake caused minimum damage in Dubrovnik. Only some cracks dating back to the earthquake of 1979 had deteriorated.
Very serious damage, however, was caused to the historical town of Ston, which is on the Croatian Tentative List. Inside the city walls nearly all buildings were damaged ...
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
VII.26 Bahla Fort (Oman)
The Bureau at its twentieth session was informed that an expert mission would visit the site. This mission was undertaken in September 1996 and several recommendations were made regarding conservation techniques, proj ect management etc. All of these were accepted by the Omani Government.
After having examined the report of the Secretariat on the expert mission to Bahla Fort, the Committee thanked the Omani authorities for their efforts towards safeguarding the site and the satisfactory use of traditional materials, and to have adopted the recommendations of the ...
Sites: Bahla Fort
VII.27 Archaeological zone of Chan Chan (Peru)
It was recalled that an extensive report on the state of conservation of Chan Chan was submitted to the Committee at its seventeenth session in Cartagena in 1993 which concluded that the issue of encroachment and land occupation needed to be addressed in order to reclaim and secure the site. In 1996, the Government of Peru initiated this process. Long-term protection of the site is now a concern for the site managers and several alternatives of securing the site are presently under study.
Furthermore, a Pan-American Course on the ...
VII.28 Wieliczka Salt Mines (Poland)
At its eighteenth session in 1994, the Committee approved an amount of US$ 100,000 to purchase the dehumidifying equipment required for the preservation of the salt sculptures of this World Heritage site in Danger.
A contract to this effect was negotiated and signed between the Culture Sector of UNESCO and the Polish Permanent Delegation. The project is to be completed before the end of 1997.
The Committee commended the Polish authorities and the Marie Curie Foundation for their efforts in order to preserve the precious salt sculptures at Wieliczka, ...
VII.47 Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian (People's Republic of China)
A UNESCO mission, undertaken in September 1996, revealed a number of major problems, including the complete halt of site excavations, lack of adequate maintenance of the site and the lack of a new generation of researchers.
The Committee took note of the report provided by the Director of the UNESCO Division for Cultural Heritage who attended the first international Technical Committee on the Peking Man Site from 25 to 27 November 1996. The Technical Committee recommended enhancement in the protection of the site, ...
VII.48 Potala Palace in Lhasa (People's Republic of China)
The Secretariat reported that pressures of urban development and growth in tourism-related activities are resulting in many construction acti vi ties in the historic sector of Lhasa with a negative impact on historic structures and their authenticity. Furthermore, in Shol, the former administrative area of Potala Palace, which is part of the World Heritage protected area, the works undertaken on the historic buildings and the widening of the streets risk causing irreversible changes to the historic character of this area.
The ...
VII.49 Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat underlined the complementarity of the projects implemented by the Division of Cultural Heritage and the Centre. It reported that fields requiring particular attention are:
1. the restoration of the site: particularly the protection of the roofs and the drainage systems ;
2. the management of the site and the harmonization of current projects. Presently, the main difficulty encountered by the national authorities seems to be the harmonization of the different projects and coordination between the partners. Several precise ...
Sites: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
VII. 50 Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (Germany)
It was recalled that the Committee during its nineteenth session invited the German authorities to provide a full state of conservation report on the site, including statements concerning legal protection, current planning and development of Potsdam, as well as information on possible extensions of the site and/or buffer zones adjacent to the site.
Furthermore, during its twentieth session in June 1996, the Bureau expressed its serious concern about urban development plans in Potsdam, particularly the "Potsdam Centre" project, ...
VII.51 The Town of Luang Prabang (Laos)
The Committee was informed of the Secretariat's report to the Bureau that a surge of overseas public and private investments, and of tourism is being witnessed in this World Heritage town. Building renovations and new constructions are taking place throughout the town, including the rehabilitation of many temples without sufficient consideration for authenticity. Numerous violations of building regulations are occurring.
To strengthen the national capacity, a Heritage House (Maison du patrimoine) was established within the provincial ...
Sites: Town of Luang Prabang
VII.52 Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)
The World Heritage Committee at its seventeenth session in 1993, expressed deep concern over the state of conservation of the Kathmandu Valley and considered the possibility of placing this site on the List of World Heritage in Danger following discussions on the findings of the November 1993 Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS Review Mission.
Since then, the Government has given priority to responding to the sixteen points of concern raised by the UNESCO/ICOMOS mission.
To emphasize the increased importance being placed on the preservation of the World Heritage site as ...
Sites: Kathmandu Valley
VII. 53 City of Cusco (Peru)
At its twentieth session in June 1996, the Bureau took note of information provided by the Secretariat regarding projects in the historical City of Cusco that could have a negative impact on the World Heritage values of the site. It invited the authorities to establish appropriate planning mechanisms for the historical City of Cusco.
The Secretariat informed the Committee that no substantive reply had been received to the concerns expressed by the Bureau. However, the Peruvian authorities had submitted a request for technical cooperation. The Secretariat ...
Sites: City of Cuzco
VII.54 Auschwitz Concentration Camp (Poland)
At its twentieth session, the Bureau commended the Government of Poland on halting the construction works in the immediate vicinity of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. It urged the authorities to devise a plan for the preservation of the site and its immediate surroundings, and keep the Committee informed on this matter.
The Secretariat informed the Committee that since then, and although additional assurance had been given by the Polish authorities that construction works had stopped, it had received information that a cigarette company had ...
VII.55 Ancient City of Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic)
The Secretariat recalled that a mission of five experts visited the city of Damascus late 1995 and that their reports emphasized the tremendous investment on the part of the Syrian authorities for the conservation of the Mosque of the Omeyyades, but also expressed severe concern and reservations about the conservation and restoration approach and techniques.
In January 1996, UNESCO requested the Syrian authorities to stop the work immediately and to continue it only when in-depth studies would be carried out, and in accordance with ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
VII.56 Taos Pueblo (United states of America)
The Bureau, at its twentieth session, was informed that a preliminary monitoring report from the United States National Park Service indicated that no agreement had been reached as yet between the Federal Aviation Administration, the Taos Pueblo and the National Park Service on the definition of the geographic area of potential impacts and on the contents of the Environmental Impact Statement. As to the recommendations made by the Committee at its nineteenth session regarding the involvement of ICOMOS and IUCN in the definition of the Impact ...
Sites: Taos Pueblo
VII.60 City of Potosi (Bolivia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session noted with satisfaction that, in response to a request from the Committee at its nineteenth session and the Bureau at its twentieth session, the Bolivian Mining Corporation had included the preservation of the form, the topography and the natural environment of the Cerro Rico as one of the objectives for future exploitation of the Cerro Rico mountain. The Bureau commended the Bolivian authorities for this action and requested them to keep the Committee informed on further developments in this ...
Sites: City of Potosí
20 COM VII.D.61/62
SOC noted by Committee: The Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde (People's Republic of China)
VII.61 The Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde (People's Republic of China)
The Secretariat informed the Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session that a UNESCO mission visited the Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, in Chengde and noted remarkable achievements in the restoration of several of its buildings and of the landscape.
Major issues for the future are to bring development plans for the town of Chengde in line with World Heritage conservation needs, the improvement of buffer zone protection and the reduction of air pollution.
The Representative of ICOMOS ...
VII.63 Lower Valley of the Awash (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat reported that in spite of its difficult access, it appeared that the site is subject to the uncontrolled visits of individual tourists seeking souvenir fossils. To provide better protection and in order to further enhance this si te, several measures were recommended, including the:
designation of a guide by the CRCCH;
construction of a museum;
eventual extension of the zone inscribed on the World Heri tage List.
The Bureau took note of the Secretariat's report and encouraged the Centre for Research and Conservation of ...
Sites: Lower Valley of the Awash
VII.64 Lower Valley of the Omo (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat reported that erosion endangers the site by erasing the markers which had been planted during the last scientific missions of 1974 and 1976 on the major sites, especially those that had revealed hominid fossils.
Due to the suspension of the international missions since 1976, it was recommended that a survey should be carried out on the present state of the deposits to record the changes brought about by erosion, to seek out the markers still in place, and position each locality by means of a GPS (Global Positioning System) .
The ...
Sites: Lower Valley of the Omo
VII.65 Fasil Ghebbi (Gondar, Ethiopia)
Gondar was the political capital of Christian Ethiopia from 1632 to the middle of the 19th century. The Secretariat reported that an extensive and high quality three-year restoration programme is being undertaken to transform the main palace into a museum of Gondarian Civilization.
The Committee warmly thanked the Directorate of the Centre for Research and Conservation of the Ethiopian Cultural Heritage (CRCCH) for the financial and human efforts made towards the preservation of this World Heritage site, as well as the si te manager for his ...
Sites: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
VII.66 Tiya (Ethiopia)
The city of Tiya is representative of the numerous archaeological sites of the Megalithic period which bear witness to extinct cultures.
The Secretariat reported that the preservation of the site is effective, but that it could be further improved by a series of measures, including:
developing the surrounding area,
installing a signposting system,
numbering the stelae, and
improving the maintenance of the grassy surface of the site and the drainage system to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
However, for it to be truly enhanced, the site should be ...
Sites: Tiya
VII.67 Roman Monuments in Trier (Germany)
It was recalled that the Secretariat presented to the Bureau at its twentieth session a report on a joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission to Trier in reference to the construction of urban villas and a proposed urban development scheme in the immediate vicinity of the Roman amphitheatre. The Bureau requested that a full report of the mission, as well as on the progress made in undertaking the architectural competition for the area north of the amphitheatre, be presented to its session in November 1996.
ICOMOS reported that the mission had been successful. ...
VII.29 The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session examined reports on the state of conservation of thirteen natural, two mixed and twenty-six cultural properties. The Committee examined twenty of them (eight natural, one mixed and eleven cultural properties) and noted the decisions of the twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau on twenty-one state of conservation reports (five natural, one mixed and fifteen natural properties).
VII.30 Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Canada)
The Committee recalled discussions held at its nineteenth session on the infrastructural developments in the "Bow Corridor" and their impact on the integrity of the site. The Canadian authorities had set up the Bow Valley Task Force, in order to prepare a study on these issues. The Canadian provided a full report in October 1996.
In addition, IUCN provided information about the resolution at the World Conservation Congress held in Montreal, Canada in October 1996, endorsing the study's findings.
The Committee commended the Canadian ...
VII.31 Galapagos National Park (Ecuador)
The Committee recalled extensive discussions at its eighteenth and nineteenth sessions, on the issues and threats facing the site and that the Bureau at its twentieth session considered the report of the mission led by the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee (1-11 June 1996) to examine the situation of the Galapagos Islands. The Bureau, while recognizing the considerable efforts made, concluded that serious problems existed, such that immediate remedial actions were essential to safeguard the values of the World Heritage site and the ...
Sites: Galápagos Islands
VII.32 Simen National Park (Ethiopia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled discussions held at its twentieth session concerning reports received by the University of Berne (Switzerland) on the deterioration of the Walia ibex population and other large mammals (such as bushbuck, Simen fox and bushpig) which have become extremely rare. At the twentieth session of the Bureau additional information on the state of conservation of the site was provided by IUCN (loss of biodiversity, encroachment at the borders of the site, impacts of the road construction) and a report ...
Sites: Simien National Park
VII.33 Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it took note of a monitoring report prepared by IUCN. This report noted the threats to the site, including agricultural intrusion and the implementation of land reform programmes. A number of follow-up actions, including the inscription of the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, were recommended. Following the Committee session, the Centre requested the Honduran authorities to inform the Committee about the actions taken to protect the site. The Centre received a state of ...
VII.34 Whale Sanctuary of El Viscaino (Mexico)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled discussions held at its nineteenth session, concerning a report on a project for industrial salt production at the site and its potential threats to the whale population. At its twentieth extraordinary session, the Bureau was informed by the Delegate of Mexico that the National Institute of Ecology (INE) created a Committee comprising national and foreign experts, which held a first meeting in March 1996, participated in a public conference attended by nearly 300 persons and ...
VII.35 Skocjan Caves (Slovenia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the World Heritage Committee, at its nineteenth session, had requested the Centre to contact the Slovenian authorities to provide a map of the revised boundaries of the site and to encourage the State Party to finalize new legislation and to prepare a management plan. In its letter of 8 August 1996, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning informed the Centre about preparations of the adoption of the "Law on the Protection of Skocj an Caves Regional Park", which was in the last phase ...
Sites: Škocjan Caves
VII. 36 Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia)
The Committee recalled that the site was included on the World Heritage List in 1980 and took note of the report presented by IUCN on threats to the site which was prepared in cooperation with the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. The report confirmed that the construction of dams had a devastating impact on the wetland values of Ichkeul National Park. The significant adverse environmental impact of the construction of two dams limiting the freshwater flow to the area was also described in a recent report by the Tunisian Ministry of the Environment. ...
Sites: Ichkeul National Park
VII.37 Garamba National Park (Zaire)
The Committee recalled that due to the success of the safeguarding action of the northern white rhino population by the World Heritage Committee, IUCN, WWF, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Zaire authorities, the site was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992. In April 1996, the Centre and IUCN received information on the poaching of two white rhinos.
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of additional information provided by IUCN on the loss of three rangers killed at the site and information based ...
Sites: Garamba National Park
VII.38 Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of a progress report which was prepared by IUCN's Commission on National Parks during a visit to the site in August 1996. The Bureau recalled that the Committee in 1992 had made recommendations on human impacts at the site and its possible extension. It noted substantial progress in dealing with the growing human impact in the area, and the possibility of twinning the site with another World Heritage site in Europe. On the other hand, the Committee I s ...
VII.39 Arabian Oryx Sanctuary (Oman)
The Bureau recalled that at its nineteenth session it took note of a progress report, dated March 1996, on the ongoing planning activities for the site and a schedule of activities. IUCN had noted several recent developments in the Sanctuary that are of concern: (1) poaching of thirteen Oryx, and (2) the construction of a reverse osmosis plant which has resulted in significant damage to the desert habitat. The Bureau had requested the Centre to contact the Omani authorities encouraging them to provide the definition of the final boundaries of the site ...
VII.40 Huascaran National Park (Peru)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the Committee, at its nineteenth session recommended to the Peruvian authorities that a cultural resources inventory of the site be carried out and asked for clarification on the road developments which may threaten the integrity of the site. The Bureau noted that no reply had been received to a letter addressed to the State Party.
The Bureau reiterated the request by the World Heritage Committee that: (a) a cultural resources inventory of the site be carried out; (b) ICOMOS be kept ...
Sites: Huascarán National Park
VII.41 Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the Committee, at its nineteenth session, noted the potential threats to the integrity of this site, due to the proposed development of a new port, and the proposal to issue a license for the establishment of a large floating hotel at the site. Furthermore, the Committee at its nineteenth session learnt that Japanese aid agencies were considering supporting the project up to an amount of US$ 100 million and noted that Japan was still studying the pro] ect. The Committee recalled Article 6.3 of ...
20 COM VII.D.42
SOC noted by Committee: Durmitor National Park (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro))
VII.42 Durmitor National Park (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro))
The Bureau at its extraordinary twentieth session took note of the World Heritage Centre's mission to the site, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980. The mission reviewed the state of conservation of the site and damage at the Park Headquarters building in Zablj ak caused by a fire in 1995, which destroyed library and reference collections. The building had since been reconstructed, almost wholly refurbished and is operational.
The mission noted the rapid unplanned and uncontrolled ...
Sites: Durmitor National Park
VII.43 Australia
IUCN provided additional information on the situation of World Heritage sites in Australia. The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that Australia is a leading State Party in the protection and enhancement of World Heritage. It took note of information provided by IUCN on potential threats at a number of World Heritage sites in Australia, including salt mining at Shark Bay, logging in adjacent areas of the Tasmanian Wilderness, uranium mining at Kakadu National Park, and the opening of nature reserves at the Great Barrier Reef to fishing and ...
VII.44 Japan
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that at the time of the inscription of Shirakami-Sanchi and Yakushima the Committee requested a follow-up mission to review progress in 1996. IUCN informed the Bureau that it was invited by the Japanese authorities, but was not able to conduct a review in 1996 due to budgetary constraints. The Bureau noted that this mission had been re-scheduled for 1997.
VII.45 Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Peru)
The Secretariat recalled the suggestion of the Bureau at its twentieth session that alternative means of access to Machu Picchu should be studied in the context of integral planning for the whole of the area of the Sanctuary and that an assessment of the impact of a possible cable car system be undertaken, and the Bureau's request that the authorities of Peru inform the Committee on the progress made in the development of an integral management mechanism as well as on the plans for the access to the ruins of Machu Picchu. No response was ...
VII.46 Mount Huangshan (People's Republic of China)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that an international seminar was held at the site in 1991 by the National Environmental Protection Agency of China and UNEP, which indicated growing negative impacts of unregulated tourism development. It also noted that a training workshop for Chinese protected area managers was organized at Huangshan in October-November 1993. Recommendations of the workshop included the construction of a visitor centre, improving the disposal of the large amount of waste generated by ...
Sites: Mount Huangshan
VII.57 Khami (Zimbabwe)
The Secretariat informed the Committee that the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe had reported that a Strategic Action Plan for the conservation and management of Khami is being formulated. However, resources for maintenance work and surveillance are inadequate.
The Committee noted the information provided by the National Museums and Monuments concerning the threats of the development project in the vicinity which are leading to increased negative pressure on the si te. It encouraged the Zimbabwe authorities to pursue their efforts for better ...
VII.58 Butrinti (Albania)
At the twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau, the Secretariat reported that major studies were being undertaken for tourism development of the World Heritage site of Butrinti and that Albania had made a request for technical cooperation for monitoring these activities, which, in the meantime, was approved by the Chairperson of the Committee. The assistance, however, could not be implemented due to the non-payment of the contributions to the World Heritage Fund.
The Bureau commended the Albanian authorities for their efforts at Butrinti, and recommended ...
Sites: Butrint
VII. 59 Kasbah of Algiers (Algeria)
In July 1996, the Permanent Delegation of Algeria transmitted a progress report for the project entitled "Safeguarding Plan for the Kasbah of Algiers", and informed the Centre that the training in Paris, financed by the World Heritage Fund, of three architects in charge of drawing up the plan had been satisfactory.
The Bureau, at its twentieth extraordinary session, took note of the information provided and warmly thanked the Algerian authorities for having informed it of their strong interest in the preservation of the Kasbah of Algiers and the ...
Sites: Kasbah of Algiers
VII.62 Aksum (Ethiopia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of the report provided by the Secretariat that the site management should be strengthened by providing and collecting scientific documentation at the site level as the basis for management and conservation planning, particularly in view of the master plan that is being prepared.
The Bureau warmly thanked the Ethiopian authorities for all their efforts and the measures already taken to ensure the preservation and enhancement of this site. It asked the Centre for Research and Conservation of the Cultural ...
Sites: Aksum
VII.68 Vilnius Old Town (Lithuania)
The Secretariat informed the Bureau that the rehabilitation programme of Vilnius Old Town is progressing well. In September 1996, the Danish/Scottish/Lithuanian consultant team submitted their final report on the Revitalization Strategy and steps are being taken to implement the consultants' recommendations, notably the establishment of a management structure for the rehabilitation programme. Furthermore a computer-assisted information system for the rehabilitation of the historic centre is in preparation. The President of the Republic of Lithuania and ...
Sites: Vilnius Historic Centre
VII.69 Archaeological sites of Bat, AI-Khutun and AI-Ayn (Oman)
On the occasion of a mission sent to Oman from 14 to 21 September 1996, UNESCO experts noted that several structures of the site of Bat are now protected by wire fence enclosures, but that several repairs and preventive measures should be taken.
Having noted the Secretariat report on the state of conservation of the archaeological site of Bat, the Bureau thanked the Omani authorities for preserving the structures of the site and encouraged them to implement as quickly as possible the additional measures already foreseen:
- ...
VII.70 The Monuments of Hue (Vietnam)
The inscription on the World Heritage List encouraged donations and international patronage, in addition to substantial financial allocation by the Vietnamese Government for conservation activities. At present this support contributes to the restoration of the monuments, the treatment of the wood against termites, and to setting up a geographical information data system.
The Secretariat reported that considerable urban and regional development for the area of Hue - Da Nang is being planned and major infrastructural works are being considered with a ...
Sites: Complex of Hué Monuments
VII.71 Historic Town of Zabid (Yemen)
The World Heritage Bureau during its twentieth session was informed that renovations which were seriously threatening the authenticity and integrity of the Great Mosque of Zabid had been undertaken by the local authorities.
The Secretariat informed the Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session that, since then, it had received the report of its expert stressing that the work is presently being carried out in a manner more in keeping with the traditional techniques; however, a water conveyance proj ect planned by the National Water and Sewerage ...
Sites: Historic Town of Zabid
VII.72 Great Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
Considerable progress was reported in the preservation programme for this site managed by National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). A site management plan is in place. As a result of a special Donors Conference held in 1992, the site has also secured surveying equipment. A total survey has been undertaken.
The Bureau commended the Zimbabwe authorities for their efforts of conservation and the professional expertise which is available in situ. It recommended that the World Heritage Committee be kept informed of on-going ...
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
764
Belize
N(ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee inscribed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System under natural criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv) as the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere, as a serial nomination consisting of seven sites. The Reef illustrates a classic example of reefs through fringing, barrier and atoll reef types. It commended the Belize authorities for having responded to the Bureau's request concerning the clarification on the boundaries of the nominated property, confirmation of the legal status of the different parts of ...
Lake Baikal
754
Russian Federation
N(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee inscribed Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). It is the oldest and deepest of the world's lakes containing nearly 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater reserve. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The Committee took note of the ...
Sites: Lake Baikal
The Volcanoes of Kamchatka
765
Russian Federation
N(i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee inscribed the Volcanoes of Kamchatka as one of the most outstanding examples of the volcanic regions in the world on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii). The site contains a high density of active volcanoes, a variety of different types and a wide range of volcanic features. The Peninsula location between a large continental landmass and the Pacific Ocean also exhibits unique characteristics with major concentrations of wildlife. The discussions held at the twentieth extraordinary ...
Sites: Volcanoes of Kamchatka
W National Park of Niger
749
Niger
N(ii) (iv)
Following a request by the Delegate of Benin, the Committee heard a presentation by IUCN on this nomination and a summary report on the "Sub-regional Training Seminar for Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site Managers from Francophone Africa" held at La Tapoa, Niger, from 29 September to 6 October 1996. This report was presented by the Rapporteur of the seminar and focused on the results concerning the three-point mandate specifically given by the twentieth session of the Bureau held in Paris in June 1996. The German Delegate ...
Sites: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
718
Zaire
N(iv)
The Committee inscribed the property as one of the most important sites for conservation, including the rare Okapi and rich floral diversity, under natural criterion (iv). The Committee expressed its hope that the activities outlined in the new management plan would ensure the integrity of the site. Considering the civil unrest in the country, the question of the long-term security of the site was raised.
Several delegates mentioned the importance of the pygmy population living at the site and the interaction between traditional people and ...
Sites: Okapi Wildlife Reserve
20 COM VIII.A
Change in the Name of an Inscribed Site on the World Heritage List: Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in Corsica (France)
Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in Corsica
258
France
The Committee took note of the letter dated 30 July 1996, in which the French authorities informed the Centre that they wish to change the name of the site "Cape Girolata, Cape Porto and Scandola Nature Reserve in Corsica" (France) and to add "The Piana Calanches". The Committee adopted the following name: "Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in ...
VII.4 The Committee at its twentieth session examined the state of conservation reports contained in Working Document WHC-96/CONF.201/7B, and additional information provided in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.23 and decided to include the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
Simen National Park (Ethiopia)
Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia)
Garamba National Park ...
20 COM VIII.B
Inscription: Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (China)
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
779
China
C(iv) (vi) N(iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property under cultural criteria (iv) and (vi) considering the area of Mt. Emei is of exceptional cultural significance, since it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory and from where it spread widely throughout the east. It is also an area of natural beauty into which the human element has been integrated, and natural criterion (iv) for its high plant species diversity with a large number of endemic ...
The Laponian Area
774
Sweden
C (iii) (v) N (i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) and cultural criteria (iii) and (v). The Committee considered that the site is of outstanding universal value as it contains examples of ongoing geological, biological and ecological processes, a great variety of natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and significant biological diversity including a population of brown bear and alpine flora. It was noted that the site meets all conditions of integrity. The site has ...
Sites: Laponian Area
The Monastery of Haghpat
777
Armenia
C(ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the Monastery of Haghpat on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (iv) considering that it is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture that developed in Armenia in the 10th to 13th centuries which is unique by virtue of its blending of elements of both Byzantine church architecture and the traditional vernacular building style of this region.
The State Party was invited to consider the possible extension of the site to include the Sanahin Monastery when ...
The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
784
Austria
C(ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi) and considered that the site is of outstanding universal value being an important example of a European ecclesiastical city-state which preserves to a remarkable degree its dramatic townscape, its historically significant urban fabric and a large number of outstanding ecclesiastical and secular buildings from several centuries. It is also noteworthy for its associations with the arts, and in ...
The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
786
Austria
C(i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property as an ensemble on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an especially well preserved example of the Baroque princely residential ensemble, which constitutes an outstanding example of a Gesamtkunstwerk. The Palace and Gardens are exceptional by virtue of the evidence that they preserve of modifications over several centuries that vividly illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of ...
Lushan National Park
778
China
C (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) as a cultural landscape of outstanding aesthetic value and its powerful associations with Chinese spiritual and cultural life.
Sites: Lushan National Park
The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
763
Czech Republic
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being a cultural landscape which is an exceptional example of the designed landscape that evolved in the Enlightenment and afterwards under the care of a single family. It succeeds in bringing together in harmony cultural monuments from successive periods and both indigenous and exotic natural elements to create an outstanding work of human ...
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
751
Finland
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criterion (iv) considering that the Groundwood and Board Mill and its associated habitation is an outstanding and remarkably well preserved example of the small-scale rural industrial settlement associated with pulp, paper, and board production that flourished in northern Europe and North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries, of which only a handful survives to the present day.
The Committee congratulated Finland on the inscription of this site ...
Le Canal du Midi
770
France
C(i) (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Modern Age, providing the model for the flowering of technology that led directly to the Industrial Revolution and the modern technological age. Additionally, it combines with its technological innovation a concern for high aesthetic architectural and landscape design that has few parallels.
The Committee ...
Sites: Canal du Midi
Upper Svaneti
709
Georgia
C (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iv) and (v), considering that the region of Upper Svaneti is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional landscape that has preserved to a remarkable degree its original medieval appearance, notable for the distribution, form, and architecture of its human settlements.
Sites: Upper Svaneti
The Bauhaus and its sites in Weimar and Dessau
729
Germany
C (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value since these buildings are the seminal works of the Bauhaus architectural school, the foundation of the Modern Movement which was to revolutionize artistic and architectural thinking and practice in the twentieth century.
The Committee also noted that this type of inscription testifies a better recognition of the 20th century ...
Cologne Cathedral
292Rev.
Germany
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the monument is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional work of human creative genius, constructed over more than six centuries and a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe.
The Committee suggested that protective legislation should be set up which would ensure that new constructions around the property would be in conformity with the ...
Sites: Cologne Cathedral
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
783
Germany
C(iv)(vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of criteria (iv) and (vi), considering that it is of outstanding universal value bearing unique testimony to the Protestant Reformation, which was one of the most significant events in the religious and political history of the world and constitutes outstanding examples of 19th century historicism.
The Committee congratulated the German authorities on this nomination and considered that its symbolic value clearly justifies inscription under ...
The Archaeological Site of Vergina
780
Greece
C(i) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value representing an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization, at the transition from classical city-state to the imperial structure of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This is vividly demonstrated in particular by the remarkable series of royal tombs and their rich contents.
The Committee decided to add to the proposed criteria ...
20 COM VIII.C
Inscription: The Millenary Benedictine Monastery of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment (Hungary)
The Millenary Benedictine Monastery of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
758
Hungary
C(iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value illustrating in an exceptional manner the structure and setting of an early Christian Monastery that has evolved over a thousand years of continuous use. Its location and the early date of its foundation bear unique witness to the propagation and continuity of Christianity in Central Europe.
This nomination called the ...
Sangiran Early Man Site
593
Indonesia
C (iii) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated site under cultural criteria (iii) and (vi) as one of the key sites for the understanding of human evolution that admirably illustrates the development of Homo sapiens sapiens from the Lower Pleistocene to the present through the outstanding fossil and artefactual material that it has produced.
Sites: Sangiran Early Man Site
Skellig Michael
757
Ireland
C(iii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional, and in many respects unique example of an early religious settlement deliberately sited on a pyramidal rock in the ocean, preserved because of a remarkable environment. It illustrates, as no other site can, the extremes of a Christian monasticism characterizing much of North Africa, the Near East and ...
Sites: Sceilg Mhichíl
Castel del Monte
398Rev.
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world, and classical antiquity. Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture, reflecting the humanism of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. The Delegation of Mexico emphasized the importance of the Castle as a reference point ...
Sites: Castel del Monte
The Trulli of Alberobello
787
Italy
C(iii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iii), (iv) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional example of a form of building construction deriving from prehistoric construction techniques that have survived intact and functioning into the modern world.
The name of this property has been changed to "The Trulli of ...
Sites: The Trulli of Alberobello
The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
788
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being of remarkable significance by virtue of the supreme artistry of the mosaic art that the monuments contain, and also because of the crucial evidence that they provide of artistic and religious relationships and contacts at an important period of European cultural history.
The original name of the nominated property has been changed ...
The Historic Centre of the City of Pienza
789
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it represents the first application of the Renaissance Humanist concept of urban design, and as such occupies a seminal position in the development of the concept of the planned "ideal town" which was to play a significant role in subsequent urban development in Italy and beyond. The application of this principle in Pienza, and in particular in the ...
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
775
Japan
C(vi)
The Delegation of China expressed reservations on the approval of this nomination in a statement prior to the Committee taking its decision. The text of China's statement is reproduced in Annex V.
The Committee decided to inscribe the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) on the World Heritage List, exceptionally on the basis of cultural criterion (vi).
The Delegate of the United States of America made a statement dissociating his Delegation from the Committee's decision. This text is reproduced in Annex ...
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
776
Japan
C(i) (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi) as the supreme example of this form of religious centre, setting traditional architecture of great artistic and technical merit against a dramatic natural background and thereby creating a work of art of incomparable physical beauty. The Delegate of Germany suggested that the authorities may consider cultural landscape criteria for a possible ...
Sites: Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
The Ancient ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, Oualata
750
Mauritania
C (iii) (i v) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the World Heritage List on the basis of cultural criteria (iii), (iv) and (v) considering that these four ancient cities constitute exceptional examples of settlements built to serve the important trade routes of the Sahara Desert, and which were witness to cultural, social and economic contacts for many centuries.
Several delegations emphasized the importance of this inscription, following a long safeguarding campaign, which adds to ...
The Prehispanic Town of Uxmal
791
Mexico
C (i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value. The ruins of the ceremonial structures at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of late Mayan art and architecture in their design, layout and ornamentation, and the complex of Uxmal and its three related towns of Kabah, Labna and Sayil admirably demonstrate the social and economic structure of late Mayan society.
The Committee also commended Mexico on the ...
Sites: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
The Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro
792
Mexico
C(ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of a colonial town whose layout symbolizes its multi-ethnic population. It is also endowed with a wealth of outstanding buildings, notably from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Historic City of Meknes
793
Morocco
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the Historic City of Meknes under cultural criterion (iv) because it represents in an exceptionally complete and well preserved way the urban fabric and monumental buildings of a 17th century Maghreb capital city which combines elements of Islamic and European design and planning in a harmonious fashion.
Furthermore, the Committee congratulated Morocco on the presentation of Meknes, and welcomed its inscription Moulay'a Ismail capital on the World Heritage List. Meknes strengthens the coherence of the ...
Sites: Historic City of Meknes
The Defence Line of Amsterdam
759
Netherlands
C(ii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is an exceptional example of an extensive integrated defence system of the modern period which has survived intact and well conserved since it was created in the later 19th century. It is also notable for the unique way in which the Dutch genius for hydraulic engineering has been incorporated into the defences of the nation's capital ...
Sites: Dutch Water Defence Lines
The Historic Centre of Oporto
755
Portugal
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criterion (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as the urban fabric and its many historic buildings bear remarkable testimony to the development over the past thousand years of a European city that looks outward to the west for its cultural and commercial links.
The Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
781
Spain
C(ii) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is an exceptional example of the medieval fortress town that has preserved its original townscape remarkably intact along with many excellent examples of religious and secular architecture from the 12th to the 18th centuries. It is also exceptional because the walled town blends into and enhances the fine rural and natural landscape within which it is ...
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
782
Spain
C (i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv), considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a wholly exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which dramatically illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities.
The Church Village of Gammelstad, Lulea
762
Sweden
C(ii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (v), considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a remarkable example of the traditional church town of northern Scandinavia, and admirably illustrates the adaptation of conventional urban design to the special geographical and climatic conditions of a hostile natural environment.
20 COM VIII.C
Extension and Change of Name: The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto (Italy)
The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
712bis
Italy
C(i) (ii)
The Committee decided to approve the extension of the site inscribed in 1995.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction that the protection of this property was extended to incorporate 22 Palladian villas.
The name of the property was changed to "The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto."
20 COM IX.A.1-6
Progress Report on Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Global Strategy for Cultural Heritage
A.1 Follow up to the Harare Meeting (1995)IX.1 The proceedings of the First Global strategy meeting held in Harare (Zimbabwe) from 11 to 13 October 1995, were published as an illustrated document disseminated in Africa through UNESCO Offices and National Commissions for UNESCO. As a result of this meeting and thanks to preparatory assistance, Zimbabwe organized another sub-regional meeting in November 1996, to harmonize the tentative lists, and which was attended by ten countries. The experts, who had already participated in the 1995 meeting, undertook to finalize their tentative lists ...
20 COM IX.B.7
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Thematic Studies
Regional Thematic Study Meeting: European Cultural Landscapes of Outstanding Universal Value (Vienna, Austria, 21 April 1996)
IX.7 The Committee recalled that following the Action Plan for Cultural Landscapes as adopted by the seventeenth session of the World Heritage Committee held in Cartagena in December 1993, a series of regional thematic study meetings were organized in 1994 and 1995. In 1996 a regional thematic study meeting on European Cultural Landscapes of Outstanding Universal Value was organized by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the advisory bodies and the Austrian ...
20 COM IX.C.8-15
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic Studies: Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
C.1 Expert Meeting on Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites (Pare national de la Vanoise, France, 22 to 24 March 1996)
IX.8 The Committee commended the French authorities for hosting the expert meeting on "Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites" from 22 to 24 March 1996 at the Parc National de la Vanoise (France) and took note of the full report of the meeting presented in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.8 in English and French.
IX.9 The Australian Delegation ...
20 COM IX.C.16-17
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic Studies: Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
C.2 Expert Meeting on Geological and Fossil Sites held at the 30th International Geological Congress (Beijing, China, 8 to 10 August 1996)
IX.16 The Committee recalled that the Bureau at its eighteenth session in July 1994, had asked for an expert meeting on geological and fossil sites. This expert meeting was held at the 30th International Geological Congress (Beijing, China, 8 to 10 August 1996) in order to enhance the preparation of a comparative global study of Earth's evolutionary history. The meeting was organized by the UNESCO Division of Earth Sciences, the World Heritage Centre ...
20 COM IX.D.18-21
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Projects for 1997 and 1998
D.1 Global Strategy for Cultural Heritage
IX.18 The Committee approved a Global Strategy meeting for the Pacific Region in 1997, and the principle of a meeting for the Caribbean region with the French Ministry of Education nationale et d'Enseignement Superieur et de la Recherche in 1998. The Committee allocated an amount of US$ 40,000 under Chapter 11 of the budget for the Pacific region.
D.2 Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
IX.19 The Committee decided that, in view of the Vanoise conclusions on strengthening the links between cultural and natural values, and in the spirit ...
20 COM IX.E.22
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Comparative Studies on Cultural Heritage
IX.22 The Committee took note of the ICOMOS document on Comparative Studies (Information, Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.11) and its results.
X.1 The Secretariat presented a summary of Document WHC-96/CONF.201/11 on the subject of Co-operation between the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre. With increasing volume and complexity of work and relatively static funding abilities, the Secretariat, advisory bodies and Committee had expressed concerns for the need of a close working relationship between the Centre and the three Advisory Bodies to avoid overlap, to effect cost efficiencies and to expedite the work of the Convention. As no overall agreements between the Centre and the advisory bodies existed, it was agreed ...
XX.1 The Committee decided that, following the invitation of the Government of Italy expressed at its nineteenth session and reiterated at the twentieth session of the Bureau, the twenty-first session of the Committee will take place in Naples, Italy from 1 to 6 December 1997. The Committee expressed its gratitude for this generous invitation.
XX.2 The Delegate of Japan informed the Committee that his country would like to host the Committee in 1998. However, as the Delegate of Niger had already transmitted, at the nineteenth session of the Committee, his Government1s intention to host ...
XI.7 Several Committee members expressed their full satisfaction with the proposed training strategy for cultural heritage. They took note of Information Document WHC- 96/CONF.201/INF.15 before approving a recommendation on the principles which should guide training activities in the field of natural and cultural heritage which is attached in Annex IV. They announced their intention to increase the 1997 budget line earmarked for training. The Representative of ICCROM proposed that ICCROM coordinate the training initiatives in order to avoid duplication.
XII. The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session noted that several requests for international assistance were related to state of conservation reports on the same properties and suggested the Committee to consider if these should be examined together. The Committee approved the recommendation of the Bureau. Furthermore, the Delegate of Germany proposed that all training requests submitted for World Heritage funding on a yearly basis be studied together so as to provide information on the level of funds obligated on a regular basis. The Delegate of Canada insisted that these ...
Sites: Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites Serra da Capivara National Park Simien National Park Town of Luang Prabang
XXII.1 The Rapporteur presented the draft report of the session to the Committee and thanked the Secretariat for its efficient support in its preparation. Following a detailed examination of the draft report, the Committee adopted it with the amendments noted and received in written form during the debate.
20 COM XIII.1-12
Examination of the World Heritage Fund and Approval of the Budget for 1997, and Presentation of a Provisional Budget for 1998
XIII.1 The Chairperson opened the session and referred to Working Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/14A, B and C, as well as to Information Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.17, INF.18 and INF.19. Mr Mark Warren, Deputy Comptroller of the Bureau of the Comptroller of UNESCO, then presented the structure of the accounts and the global proposals for 1997.
XIII.2 The Deputy Comptroller explained that the documents relating to this agenda item (with the exception of WHC- 96/CONF.201/14D which would be discussed later), had been prepared in response to the Bureau's decision at its twentieth session for a ...
XXIII.1 The Director of the Centre, on behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO, expressed his gratitude to the Mexican authorities for having provided the facilities for this session and to the Chairperson, the Rapporteur and all members of the Committee for their constructive participation in the debates. He assured the Committee that the Secretariat will do its utmost to implement the decisions of the Committee in a timely and appropriate manner.
XXIII.2 The Delegate of Australia, speaking on behalf of all participants, thanked the Government of Mexico for its generous hospitality and ...
XIII.13 Proposed Workplan for 1997 and provisional budgetfor 1998
Whilst regretting that the details and explanations provided by the Centre relating to the use of the funds foreseen in the Workplan for 1997 were insufficient, the delegates questioned the structure of the budget and the allocation of funds. Thus, the following decisions were taken:
a) the budget for 1997 is increased to US$ 3.5 million instead of US$ 3.3 million originally foreseen;b) the funds allocated for the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations of the Convention (US$ 40,000 in Chapter I and US$ 100,000 in Chapter ...
XIV.1 The Secretariat presented Document WHC-96/CONF.201/15, "The implementation of the Convention in light of twenty-five years' practice" which was divided into three sections. Section I provided a review of the "Strategic Orientations for the Future" including a synopsis of achievements in meeting the five goals established by the sixteenth session of the Committee in 1992. Section II provided the highlights of the States Parties' replies to the 25th Anniversary Circular Letter as of 23 October 1996. Section III proposed a meeting of experts to thoroughly review the implementation ...
XV.1 In introducing this agenda item on promotional and educational activities carried out in 1996 and to examine the proposals for 1997 (as contained in Document WHC-96/CONF.201/16), the Chair stated that these activities play a vital role In enhancing the implementation of the Convention and that the Committee therefore attaches great importance to these matters. She explained to the Committee that the World Heritage Centre, in addition to managing such activities financed from the World Heritage Fund, also coordinates promotional and educational activities on World Heritage carried out ...
XVI.1 The Secretariat summarized Working Document WHC-96/CONF.201/17 on the "Use of the World Heritage Emblem" which was requested by the twentieth session of the Bureau in 1996, and which provided a legal analysis by UNESCO's Legal Advisor of the aspects concerning the use of the emblem, as well as proposals as to the manner in which to guide its appropriate use. The legal analysis determined that under the terms of the contract with the artist, Mr. Olyff, who designed the emblem, the owner of the emblem is UNESCO. However, it was further underlined that the Committee adopted the artwork ...
20 COM XVII.1-9
Revision of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention
XVII.1 The Committee took note of the revisions to the Operational Guidelines which were proposed by the Expert Meeting on Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites (Pare national de la Vanoise, France, 22 to 24 March 1996) and of the full report contained in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.8, as well as the responses by eleven States Parties to the Circular Letter requesting comments on this matter.
XVII.2 The Delegate of Canada proposed to keep the Vanoise recommendations as well as comments by States Parties on record and ...
XVIII.1 The Committee examined the proposals contained in Document WHC-96/CONF.201/19 to ensure the continuing legality for the functioning of the Bureau following each General Assembly of States Parties until the election of the new Bureau.
XVIII.2 The Committee decided to modify Rule 12.1 of the Rules of Procedure as follows:
"The Committee, at the beginning of each ordinary session, shall elect a Chairman, five Vice-Chairmen and a Rapporteur, who shall remain in office until the beginning of the next ordinary session. When its December session precedes the year when the General ...
20 COM XIX.1-2
Date, Place and Provisional Agenda of the Twenty-first Session of the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee
XIX.1 The Committee decided that the twenty-first session of the Bureau will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 23 to 28 June 1997.
XIX.2 The Committee adopted the provisional agenda for the Bureau's session which is attached as Annex VIII.