Annex I
Royal Letter of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
May the Blessings and the Prayers be upon the noblest of Messengers
Ladies and Gentlemen
The Kingdom of Morocco is delighted to welcome you in one of its prestigious historical capitals, Marrakech, the hospitable city where abound so many splendors of the past, all telling of the notorious status of this city among the most celebrated antique cities of the world.
It is indeed a happy occasion for Us of which We avail Ourself at the dawn of Our reign to share your ambitious and preoccupations regarding the civilizational heritage humanity has assembled as an expression of ifs genius, its values and its being worthy of the divine favor which makes of man the noblest of the creatures.
Twenty-seven years have elapsed already since the approval by UNESCO General Assembly in 1972 of the World Heritage Agreement. Much progress in dealing with cultural and natural heritage has been scored since then, due to the fact that the countries involved all agree on the same signifying reference, namely that the preservation of local and national heritage means, by common consensus, the preservation of a patrimony belonging to mankind.
This increasing international awareness shows in the yet-open world legacy list where are recorded the main natural and historical sites, whether they be full cities or unique buildings. This, indeed, is a token for the bright future of world civilization in its various aspects and manifestations. Future generations will find in this momentum enough material and inspiration for further improvements, as science and technology are ever in progress.
This meeting, the last of its kind in this Century, will certainly dwell on the new conditions brought about by the ongoing media revolution affecting human communication and sources of information. These conditions allow us to better conceive of our globe as the property of all, considering the means available to us to investigate its current state and the perils lying ahead. They likewise bring about a better apprehension of the Other, hence giving greater depth to the notion of world cultural and historical heritage of which co-habitation and tolerance are major components. In this new context, our duties are greater than ever before, in protecting this legacy in its various forms for the sake of future generations. We can certainly not claim ignorance regarding the multiple aspects of human civilization and the many existing dangers as a result of wars, poverty and illiteracy.
Before this awesome responsibility, if has become mandatory for us to coordinate international action to come to the rescue of our cultural heritage wherever if may be, our conviction being that a loss incurred anywhere is a loss to mankind. We also know that the limited means available to many of the countries of the south may make us lose many treasures and essential aspects of the wealth of our multiplicity.
In this respect, UNESCO is to be praised for the efforts exerted in working for a greater appreciation of this issue and for remarkable action undertaken for the protection of world heritage.
Ours, however, is to be a dynamic strategy to be integrated within our development plans; not an embalming of our heritage within a sacralized vision of the past. This calls for the establishing of strong links between the legacy of the past and the present creativity of modern man, for tomorrow's heritage is what we invent today. If is mandatory, then, to make of man's heritage a common ground for an exchange between civilizations, generations and historical eras.
Ladies and Gentlemen
As eminent specialists, experts, scholars and technical officials in charge of cultural affairs in your countries, you are aware of the fact that the historical importance of a nation is due to its ancestral urban vestiges, intellectual products, scientific inventions and civilizational achievements. Just as we believe that men, wherever they may be, made some contribution or other in the edification and consolidation of universal culture, We also believe that the maturity of a nation is judged by its awareness of the importance of its heritage and the interest it shows in protecting and renovating it.
With this kind of awareness in mind, the Kingdom of Morocco has taken, since independence, an answerving path in the preservation of its legacy, not in the like of some countries which found it easier to call upon foreign experts, but by inviting Moroccan specialists, whenever available, to take charge of this task and to train, in the process and on the working sites, talented younger people. This, indeed, shows in the first initiative taken by Our Late Father, His Majesty King Hassan II -may God bless His soul - when He decided to restore the Fes Royal Palace, so damaged during the time of the French protectorate. He, therefore, brought together the then-available master craftsmen for the task as well as two thousand youngsters to be trained by them in the crafts of traditional building and decoration. In so doing, he not only rescued an important historical building, but he also ensured the training of many artisans, the very same artisans who contributed to the edification of the two celebrated monuments: Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan II Mosque, both representing the synthesis of Moroccan traditional architecture and decoration.
Furthermore, Morocco sought to acquire knowledge of new modern techniques and indispensable scientific methodologies, in dealing with the study and restoration of monuments. Likewise, it established many ties of cooperation and exchange with many friendly and brotherly countries. Hence, many young Moroccans were encouraged to undertake studies in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, ethnology, zoology, art history, applied physics and chemistry, and other disciplines. Today, their number is sufficient to meet the needs of research, excavation, preservation and restoration.
Whenever necessary, Morocco did not hesitate to call upon distinguished foreign experts just as it did not hesitate to respond favourably to the requests received from abroad. Hence, many foreign scholars and technicians collaborated here with our experts.
In like manner, many of our best specialists were sent abroad at the request of friendly and brotherly nations and participated in the safeguard of various vestiges with the same enthusiasm and abnegation shown in their homeland.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are delighted to note your increasing interest where regards natural heritage and the issues involving oral tradition, when this interest concerned mainly historical sites and buildings. In so doing, you are only striking a necessary balance; man is in constant interaction with his environment and is intimately part of his society. Just as in the past, influencing and being influenced is still a very powerful fact we cannot afford to ignore on the eve of the new century.
More than a source for the understanding of our geological and environmental globe, and more than a research field for many natural scientific disciplines, our natural heritage is an element of balance between man and his environment and a major factor for the preservation of bio-diversity which, if impoverished in any way, would affect that balance and may, therefore, decrease the chances for the continuation of life on our planet.
Likewise, you are very much aware of the great importance of verbally transmitted heritage in some countries, particularly in Africa where oral tradition was the source of education, training and initiation. Many societies edified their civilization upon this foundation, relying in so doing on the power of the transmitted word as it carried forth significant stories of good behaviour, and wise parables and accounts of significant events, hence enriching substantially the legacy of universal civilization. Our responsibility towards this very endangered and irreplaceable heritage lies in the concern we are to show for it as a priority.
In this respect, the decision by UNESCO to make of Jamaa Lafna Square in Marrakech a listed site constitutes not only a world premiere which honors Morocco, but it also serves as a praiseworthy and bold initiative which opens the way for this sort of patrimony. It will be followed, no doubt, by similar initiatives for the preservation of this kind of inherited sites.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We wish to commend your endeavour in drawing up a balanced list seeking to be representative of nations and regions and recording both cultural and natural sites. We fully appreciate the depth of its significance and the impact of its effect. In the next few years, we can expect to witness a major evolution in this respect thanks to the strengthening of relations, the dissemination of interest and the sincerity of intentions.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are delighted to note, at the opening session of your Conference, the presence of Mr. Koichiro MATSUURA, UNESCO Director General who, for all of last year, chaired this commission. All along, Mr. MATSUURA has evidenced a wide scholarship, a great competence and a deep understanding of the issues of world civilization. These virtues, along with an impressive diplomatic training and experience, account certainly for the wise firmness and tactful intelligence shown in the task on hand.
As We greet and recongratulate him on the trust of the member states which have elected him to lead UNESCO, We wish him to know that We believe in his being able, like his predecessor, to make our organization take decisive steps ahead, with the understanding and the assistance of us all.
As We reiterate to you Our expressions of welcome to Morocco and among the people of this city whom we greet warmly, We implore God to grant success to your proceedings and blessings to each one of you.
MOHAMMED VI
KING OF MOROCCO
The Royal Palace,
Ifrane, November 26th, 1999
ANNEXE II / ANNEX II
COMITE DU PATRIMOINE MONDIAL
WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Vingt-troisième session / Twenty-Third session
Marrakech, Maroc / Marrakesh, Morocco
29 novembre - 4 décembre 1999 / 29 November - 4 December 1999
__________
LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS / LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
________
- ETATS MEMBRES DU COMITE/ STATES MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
AFRIQUE DU SUD/ SOUTH AFRICA
H.E. Ms Thuthukile SKWEYIYA
Ambassador of South Africa to France
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of South Africa to UNESCO
Embassy of South Africa
59, Quai d’Orsay
75343 PARIS Cedex 07
Dr Tanya ABRAHAMSE
Deputy Director General
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Private Bag X 447
PRETORIA 0001
Mr Makgolo Ansley MAKGOLO
Assistant Director
Cultural Resources Management
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Private Bag X 447
PRETORIA 0001
Ms Melinda SWIFT
P.O. Box 8769
JOHANNESBURG 2000
Mr Martins BEN DIKOBE
Member of Parliament
Robben Island Museum
P.O. Box
CAP TOWN 8000
AUSTRALIE/AUSTRALIA
Mr Bruce LEAVER
Head, Australian and World Heritage Group
Department of the Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Mr Matthew PEEK
Permanent Delegate to UNESCO
Permanent Delegation of Australia to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr Kevin KEEFFE
Assistant Secretary
World Heritage Branch
Department of the Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Mr David WALKER
Director, International Section
World Heritage Branch
Department of the Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Mr Jon DAY
Director Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
PO BOX 1379
TOWNSVILLE, Queensland
BELGIQUE/BELGIUM
S. Exc. M. Hubert VAN HOUTTE
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de la Belgique auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
M. André MATTHYS
Inspecteur général
Direction générale de l’Aménagement du Territoire, du Logement et du Patrimoine
Division du patrimoine
Ministère de la Région Wallone
1, rue des Brigades d’Irlande
5100 NAMUR/JAMBES
M. Philippe THIERY
Directeur du Service du patrimoine
Région de Bruxelles Capitale
Rue du Progrès, 80/1B
B-1030 BRUXELLES
Mme Bénédicte SELFSLAGH
Conseiller, Relations internationales
Direction générale de l’Aménagement du Territoire, du Logement et du Patrimoine
Division du Patrimoine
Ministère de la Région Wallone
c/o 12-14 rue d'Aumale,
F-75009 PARIS
M. Edgard GOEDLEVEN
Directeur de la Division des Monuments et des Sites
Administration de l’Aménagement du Territoire, du Logement et des Monuments et Sites
Ministère de la Communauté Flamande
Bâtiment Graaf de Ferraris,
Koning Albert II Laan 20
Boîte 7
1000 BRUXELLES
Mme Suzanne VAN AERSCHOT-VAN HAEVERBEECK
Adjoint du Directeur
Coordination Inventaire du patrimoine architectural
Waaistraat 1
3000 B LOUVAIN
BENIN
M. Isidore MONSI
Premier Conseiller
Délégation permanente du Bénin auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
CANADA
Dr Christina CAMERON
Director General
National Historic Sites
Parks Canada
25 Eddy Str.
HULL Québec, KIA OM 5
Mr Murray McCOMB
Manager, Special projects
National Parks Directorate
Parks Canada
25 Eddy Str.
HULL Québec, KIA OM 5
Mme Gisèle CANTIN
Affaires internationales
Parcs Canada
25 rue Eddy
HULL Québec, KIA OM 5
M. Marius ARSENAULT
Directeur du Parc de Miguasha
Parcs Québec
CPI 183, NOUVELLE, QUEBEC GOC 2E0
CHINE/CHINA
Mr Xuezhong ZHANGSecretary-General
Chinese National Commission for UNESCO
37, Damucanghutong, Xidan
BEIJING 1008 16
Mr Zhan GUO
Director of Division
National Administration of Cultural Heritage
BEIJING
Mr Zhe LI
Deputy Director of Division
Department of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Construction
7, Sanlihelu
BEIJING
Mr Jianhua YANG
Director
Overseas Liaison Department
Wuyishan Scenic Area
1 Yingbin Rd. Wuyishan
FUJIAN
Mr Qishan ZOU
First Secretary
Permanent Delegation of China to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr Enhua XU
Deputy Mayor
Wuyishan
18, Zhongshan Lu
Wuyishan City
FUJIAN 354300
Mr Xiangying GUO
Curator
Dazu Art Museum of Rock Carvings
7, Beishanlu, Longgan Town
CHONGGING Municipality 402360
Ms Xiaoping YU
Program Officer
Chinese National Commission for UNESCO
37, Damucanghutong, Xidan
BEIJING 1008 16
COLOMBIE/COLOMBIA
M. Augusto GALAN SARMIENTO
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de la Colombie auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mme Katya GONZALES
Directrice du patrimoine national
Ministère de la Culture
Calle 9 N° 8-31
BOGOTA
M. Joaquin NAVIA RAMIREZ
Operations Director
National Parks Unit
CRA. 10 # 20-30
BOGOTA
CUBA
Mme Marta ARJONA
Présidente
Conseil national du patrimoine culturel
Ministère de la Culture
Calle 4 y 13, Vedado
LA HAVANE
M. Antonio PERERA
Directeur
Centre national des zones protégées
Ministère des Sciences, Technologie et Milieu ambiant
Calle 18A N° 4114 e 41 y 47 Playa.C.
LA HAVANE
EGYPTE/EGYPT
Mrs Manal Gad Allah
Cultural Attaché
Egyptian Cultural Center
RABAT
Royaume du Maroc
EQUATEUR/ECUADOR
Mme Magdalena GALLEGOS DE DONOSO
Directeur national
Institut national du patrimoine culturel de l’Equateur (INPC)
La Circaciana - Colón Oe 1-93 y 10 de Agosto
QUITO
M. Fernando CORDERO CUEVA
Alcade de Cuenca
Municipalidad de Cuenca
Isabel La Catolica 182
CUENCA
M. Alfonso NEIRA
Monay, n° 89
CUENCA
FINLANDE/FINLAND
Ms Taina KIEKKOAmbassador
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of Finland to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Ms Anne LAMMILA
Rapporteur of the World Heritage Committee
Deputy Permanent Delegate of Finland to UNESCO
Permanent Delegation of Finland to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr Henrik LILIUS
Director General
National Board of Antiquities
BOX 13
HELSINKI 00100
Mr Jukka-Pekka FLANDER
Chief Inspector
Ministry of Environment, Land Use Department
Ms Päivi SALONEN
Secretary for Cultural Affairs
Ministry of Education, Department for Cultural Policy
Ms Satu HEIKKINEN
Planning Officer
Finnish National Commission for UNESCO
Ministry of Education
P.O. Box 293
FIN-00171 HELSINKI
GRECE/GREECE
S. Exc. Mr Vassilis VASSILIKOSAmbassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de la Grèce auprès de l'UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mme Hélène METHODIOU
Conseiller pour la Culture
Délégation permanente de la Grèce auprès de l'UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
M. Charalampos KRITZAS
Archéologue
Ministère de la Culture
Musée épigraphique
1, rue Tositsa
10682 ATHENES
M. Dimitrios CONSTANTIOS
Archéologue
Ministère de la Culture
23, Bouboulinas Str.
10186 ATHENES
HONGRIE/HUNGARY
M. Zsolt VISY
Secrétaire d’Etat adjoint
Ministère du patrimoine culturel national
Wesselenyi SSr 20-22
H-1077 BUDAPEST
M. János TARDY
Secrétaire d’Etat adjoint
Ministère de l’environnement
Autorité pour la conservation de la nature
Költö n°21
H-1121 BUDAPEST
M. János JELEN
Ambassador
Department of Culture, Science and Information
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Nagy Imre ter 4
H - 1027 BUDAPEST
M. Gábor SZILAGYI
Directeur général adjoint,
Parc national de Hortobágy
H-4024 Sumen V.2.
DEBRECEN
ITALIE/ITALY
H. E. Mr Gabriele SARDO
Ambassador
Permanent Delegate of Italy to UNESCO
Permanent Delegation of Italy to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex l5
Mr Pasquale Bruno MALARA
Expert, Surintendant au Patrimoine architectural de la Région de Turin
Ministère des Biens et des Activités culturelles
Piazza S. Giovanni, 2
10122 TURIN
Mme Roberta ALBEROTANZA
Responsable UNESCO au Cabinet du Ministre
des Biens et Activités culturelles
Via del Collegio Romano, 27
00186 ROME
M. Luciano MARCHETTI
Expert
Surintendance pour les Biens culturels de Florence
Ministère des Biens et Activités culturelles
Piazza Pitti 1
FLORENCE
Mme Silvia LIMONCINI
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
P.le della Farnesina 1
ROME
Mme Federica MUCCI
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
Service du Contentieux diplomatique
P.le della Farnesina 1
ROME
MALTE/MALTA
H.E. Dr Joseph LICARI
Ambassador
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of Malta to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex l5
M. Reuben GRIMA
Curator, Site Management Unit
National Museum of Archaeology
Republic Street
VALLETTA CMR 02
MAROC/MOROCCO
M. Abdelaziz TOURI
Président du Comité du patrimoine mondial
Directeur,
Direction du Patrimoine culturel
Ministère des Affaires Culturelles
17, rue Michlifen, Agdal
RABAT
M. Faissal CHERRADI
Inspecteur des monuments historiques et sites de Marrakech
Direction du patrimoine culturel
Inspection des monuments historiques
MARRAKECH
M. Abdallah SALIH
Directeur du Parc national du patrimoine rupestre
Direction du patrimoine culturel
Rue Fatima-Zohra, Rmila
MARRAKECH
M. Ahmed SKOUNTI
Chargé de recherches
Parc national du patrimoine rupestre
Direction du patrimoine culturel
Rue Fatima-Zohra, Rmila
MARRAKECH
Mme Jalila KADIRI
Architecte paysagiste
Chef de la Division des études
Direction du Patrimoine culturel
Ministère des Affaires Culturelles
17, rue Michlifen, Agdal
RABAT
M. Driss FASSI
MAB-Maroc
Institut agronomique et vétérinaire Hassan II
BP 6202 - RABAT
M. BENMOKHTAR
Président de l’Université
MEXIQUE/MEXICO
Mr Damaso LUNA CORONA
Director General, Environment and Natural Resources
Secretariat of Foreign Affairs
MEXICO DF
Mr Oscar RAMIREZ FLORES
Director-General,
SEMARNAP-INP Mexico
Pitagoras # 1320
Col. Sta. Cruz Atoyac
03310 MEXICO DF
M. Javier MEDINA
Directeur général, Liaison avec le Congrès
SECOFI
MEXICO DF
Mr Francisco J. LOPEZ MORALES
National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
Correo Mayor 11, Centro Historico
MEXICO DF
M. Victor SANCHEZ SOTOMAYOR
Secrétariat, SEMARNAP
San Roque 87
Guerrero Negro
BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
M. Victor M. MENDEZ LANZ
Président municipal de Campeche
Ayuntamiento
Niebla n° 3
CAMPECHE
M. Salvador DIAZ-BERRIO
Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco (UAM-X)
National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
MEXICO DF
PORTUGAL
S. Exc. M. Jorge RITTO
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente du Portugal auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
M. Claudio TORRES
Campus archéologique de Mertola
MERTOLA
Observateurs du Gouvernement régional de Madère/Observers from the Regional Government of Madera
M. Alberto JOAO JARDIM
Président
Gouvernement régional de Madère-Portugal
M. Manuel Jorge BAZENGA MARQUES
Secrétaire régional de l’Agriculture, des Forêts et de la Pêche de Madère
Gouvernement régional Madère-Portugal
Palais du Gouvernement
FUNCHAL - MADERE
M. Henrique COSTA NEVES
Directeur du Parc naturel de Madère
Gouvernement régional Madère-Portugal
Jardin botanique
MADERE
M. Rui MARTINS
Gouvernement régional Madère-Portugal
REPUBLIQUE DE COREE/REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Mr YOO Jung-Hee
Deputy Director-General for Cultural Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Sejong-ro 77, Jongro-gu
SEOUL
Mr CHUNG Il
First Secretary
Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr KIM Bong-gon
Director
Art and Architecture Division
National Research Institute of Cultural Properties
Cultural Properties Administration
Sejong-ro 1, Jongro-gu
SEOUL 110-050
Mr KANG Kyung-Hwan
Assistant Director
The Cultural Properties Planning Division
Cultural Properties Administration
920 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu,
TAEJON
THAILANDE/THAILAND
Prof. Dr. Adul WICHIENCHAROEN
Chairman
National Committee on the Protection of the World Heritage
Office of Environmental Policy and Planning
60/1 Rama 6 Road
10400 BANGKOK
Mr Manit SIRIWAM
Secretary
National Committee on the Protection of the World Heritage
Office of Environmental Policy and Planning
60/1 Rama 6 Road
10400 BANGKOK
Mrs SIRIPORN NANTA
National Committee on the Protection of the World Heritage
Office of Environmental Policy and Planning
60/1 Rama 6 Road
10400 BANGKOK
Mr CHUMPHON SUCKASEAM
National Park
Royal Forest Department
National Park Division
10900 BANGKOK
Mrs Janya MANAVID
Government Service
Fine Arts Department
Office of Archaeology and National Museums
Sri-Ayuthaya Road
10300 BANGKOK
ZIMBABWE
Mr Dawson MUNJERI
Executive Director
The National Museums and Monuments
P.O.Box CY 1485, Causeway
HARARE
Mr Albert KUMIRAI
Director
Natural History Museum
The National Museums and Monuments
P.O. Box CY 1485, Causeway
HARARE
II. ORGANIZATIONS ATTENDING IN ADVISORY CAPACITY / ORGANISATIONS PARTICIPANT A TITRE CONSULTATIF
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PRESERVATION AND THE RESTORATION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY (ICCROM) /
CENTRE INTERNATIONAL D’ETUDES POUR LA CONSERVATION ET LA RESTAURATION DES BIENS CULTURELS (ICCROM)
Mr Marc LAENEN
Director-General
via di San Michele, 13
00153 Rome
Italy
Mr Joseph KING
Coordination, AFRICA 2009
via di San Michele, 13
00153 ROME
Italy
Mr Herb STOVEL
World Heritage Convention Co-ordinator
via di San Michele, 13
00153 ROME
Italy
CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL DES MONUMENTS ET DES SITES (ICOMOS) /
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MONUMENTS AND SITES (ICOMOS)
Mr Jean-Louis LUXEN
Secrétaire général
49-51, rue de la Fédération
75015 PARIS
Mme Carmen AÑON
Membre du Comité Exécutif
Puerto Santa Maria 49
MADRID 28043
Dr Henry CLEERE
Coordinateur du Patrimoine mondial
49-51, rue de la Fédération
75015 PARIS
M. Michel JANTZEN
Consultant, Architecte en chef des Monuments historiques
Mme Regina DURIGHELLO
Coordinateur adjoint
49-51, rue de la Fédération
75015 PARIS
UNION MONDIALE POUR LA NATURE (UICN) /
THE WORLD CONSERVATION UNION (IUCN)
Mr David SHEPPARD
Head,
Programme on Protected Areas
IUCN Headquarters
rue Mauverney, 28
CH-1196 GLAND, Switzerland
Dr Jim THORSELL
Senior Advisor
c/o IUCN Headquarters
rue Mauverney, 28
CH-1196 GLAND, Switzerland
Mr P.H.C. (Bing) LUCAS
Vice-Chair World Heritage
World Commission for Protected Areas
1/268 Main Road, Tawa
WELLINGTON 6006, New Zealand
Ms Pam EISER
Executive Officer
Australian Committee for IUCN
Level 1, York Street
P.O. Box 528
SYDNEY, NSW 2001, Australia
III. OBSERVATEURS / OBSERVERS
- ETATS PARTIES A LA CONVENTION DU PATRIMOINE MONDIAL /
ALGERIE/ALGERIA
Mme Houria BOUHIRED
Présidente
Association pour la Sauvegarde de la Casbah d’Alger (ASCA)
3, rue Malaîka Ben Aîssa
ALGER
ALLEMAGNE/GERMANY
Mr Friedrich CATOIR
Ministre conseiller
Chargé d’Affaires
Ambassade d’Allemagne au Maroc
B.P. 235
10000 RABAT
Royaume du Maroc
M. Hans CASPARY
Conservateur du Service des Monuments Historiques
Schillerstr. 44
55116 MAINZ
Mr Harald PLACHTER
University of Marburg
Faculty of Biology
D-35032 MARBURG
Mrs Irmela SPELSBERG
Membre du Comité allemand de l’ICOMOS
Friedrichstr. 38
BERLIN
ARABIE SAOUDITE/SAUDI ARABIA
Mr Ibrahim ALBERAIHY
Director General of Archaeology
RIYAD
ARGENTINE/ARGENTINA
Mrs Diana ROLANDI
Director
National Institute of Anthropology and Latin-American Thought
Secretary of Culture
Presidency of the Nation
3 de Febrero 1378
(1426) BUENOS AIRES
Mme Daniela Veronica RAMOS
Représentante de la Province de Santa-Cruz
Suipacha 1120
C.P. (1008)
AUTRICHE/AUSTRIA
S. Exc. M. Tassilo F. OGRINZ
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de l’Autriche auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
M. Hans HORCICKA
Directeur
Ministère Fédéral de l'Education et des Affaires Culturelles
Abt. IV/3
Schreyvogelgasse 2/304
A-1014 WIEN
M. Ernst BACHER
Office fédéral du patrimoine
Bundesdenkmalamt
Hofburg, Schweizerhof
A-1010 WIEN
BRESIL/BRAZIL
M. Otavio MAIA CHELOTTITroisième Secrétaire
Assesseur, Division des Affaires culturelles multilatérales
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
Esplanade des ministères
Annexe I, S.407
BRASILIA M. José Pedro DE OLIVEIRA COSTA
Secrétaire d’Etat pour la biodiversité et les forêts
Ministère de l’Environnement
Rue Flavio Queiros Moraes 82
SAO PAULO, 01249-030
M. Joao ANTUNES DE OLIVEIRA
Maire de la Ville de Diamantine
Praça Conselheiro Mata n° 13
DIAMANTINA, Minas Gerais
CHYPRE/CYPRUS
Dr Sopholes HADJISAVVAS
Director
Department of Antiquities
c/o Cyprus Museums
Museum Street 1
NICOSIA
COSTA RICA
Mme Iris LEIVA DE BILLAULT
Ambassadeur
Déléguée permanente adjointe
Délégation permanente du Costa Rica auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mme Arlene TAYLOR DE MONTEALEGRE
Déléguée permanente
Délégation permanente du Costa Rica auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
ESPAGNE/SPAIN
S. Exc. M. Jésus EZQUERRA
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation pemanente de l’Espagne auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
M. Antonio NUÑEZ
Directeur général des Relations culturelles
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
M. Luis LAFUENTE
Sous-Directeur général
Protection du patrimoine historique
Ministère de l’Education et de la Culture
ETATS-UNIS D'AMERIQUE/UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Mr Raymond E. WARNER
Deputy Director
Office of Technical and Specialized Agencies
Bureau of International Organization Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Ms Shirley M. HART
Permanent Observer of the United States to UNESCO
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 PARIS
FEDERATION DE RUSSIE/RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Mr Vladimir PISHCHELEV
Deputy Head
Department for management of nature protected areas
State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environment Protection
Kedrova str., 8-1
MOSCOW
Mr Alexei BOUTORINE
Greenpeace Russia
Russian Committee for World Heritage Affairs
World Heritage Project Co-ordinator
Viborgskaya 8-3
125212 MOSCOU
FRANCE
S. Exc. M. Jean MUSITELLI
Ambassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de la France auprès de l'UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex l5
M. Olivier POISSON
Inspecteur général des Monuments historiques
Ministère de la Culture
8, rue Vivienne
75002 PARIS
M. Alain MEGRET
Directeur adjoint de la Nature et des Paysages
Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Environnement
20, avenue de Ségur
75302 PARIS Cedex 07
Mme Catherine CARO
Administrateur civil
Adjointe au Sous-Directeur des sites et paysages
Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Environnement
20, avenue de Ségur
75302 PARIS Cedex 07
Mme Eva CAILLART
Chargée de mission
Direction de l’architecture et du patrimoine
Ministère de la Culture
8, rue Vivienne
75002 PARIS
Mme Catherine DUMESNIL
Conseillère technique
Commission nationale française pour l’UNESCO
57, boulevard des Invalides
75700 PARIS SP
INDE/INDIA
H.E. Mr Chiranjiv SINGH
Ambassador
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex l5
INDONESIE/INDONESIA
Mr DJASPONI
Head, Division of Administration
Directorate-General of Culture
Ministry of Education and Culture
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman
Senayan
JAKARTA 10270
ISRAEL
S. Exc. M. Aryé GABAY
Ambasadeur
Délégué permanent auprès de l’UNESCo
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
3, rue Rabelais
75008 PARIS
Mr Gideon AVNI
Archaeologist
Israel Antiquities Authority
POB 586
JERUSALEM 91004
JAPON/JAPAN
Mr Tomiji SUGAWA
Director-General
Cultural Properties Protection Department
Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho)
3-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO, 100-0013
Ms Akiko YAMADA
Official, Multilateral Cultural Co-operation Division
Cultural Affairs Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2-1-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO 100-0013
Mr Akihiro TAKAZAWA
Third Secretary
Permanent Delegation of Japan to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr Atsuhiro YOSHINAKA
Assistant Director
Planning Division
Nature Conservation Bureau
Environment Agency
1-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO 100-8975
Mr Nobuo KAMEI
Director, Architecture Division
Cultural Properties Protection Department
Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho)
3-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO, 100-0013
Dr Makoto MOTONAKA
Chief Senior Specialist for Cultural Properties
Monuments and Sites Division
Cultural Properties Protection Department,
Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkacho)
3-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO, 100-0013
Mr Yosuke HASHIMOTO
Senior Specialist
Monuments and Sites Division
Cultural Properties Protection Department
Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho)
3-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO, 100-0013
Dr Nobuko INABA
Senior Specialist for Cultural Properties
Architecture Division
Cultural Properties Protection Department,
Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkacho)
3-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
TOKYO, 100-0013
Ms Kumiko YONEDA
Senior Research Scientist
Japan Wildlife Research Center
2-29-3 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku
TOKYO, 113-0034
LITUANIE/LITHUANIA
S. Exc. Mme Ugné KARVELISAmbassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente de la Lituanie auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
MONGOLIE/MONGOLIA
M. Norov URTNASAN
Head of the Department of External Relations
Ministry of Education
Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO
Government of House
ULAANBAATAR
NEPAL
H.E. Mr Indra Bahadur SINGH
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to France
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of Nepal to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Ms R iddhi PRADHAN
Director General
Department of Archaeology
Ram Shah Path
KATHMANDU
NIGERIA
Mr Ojo MADUEKWE
Minister of Culture and Tourism
ABUJA
Mr Bonnie HARUNA
Governor of Adamawa State
YOLA
H.E. Mr M.S. ABDULWAHAB
Ambassador of the Nigeria in Morocco
RABAT
Maroc
Dr Yaro GELLA
Director-General
National Commission for Museums and Monuments
PMB 1115
BENIN-CITY
Mr F. EBOREINWE
Directeur du patrimoine national
Ministère de la Culture et du Tourisme
ABUJA
Mr A.R. ABUBAKAR
Senior Counsellor
Embassy of Nigeria in Morocco
70, avenue Omar Al Khatab - Agdal
RABAT
Mr Y. Aliyu BABANDO
Senior specialist assistant
Adamawa State Government
P.M.B. 2066
YOLA
Ms Grace ISU GEKPE
Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism
ABUJA
NORVEGE/NORWAY
Mrs Anne-Kristin ENDRESEN
Director
Nordic World Heritage Office
Dronningsgt. 13
Postboks 8013
OSLO Department
Mr Einar HOLTANE
Deputy Director General
Ministry of Environment
Section for Cultural Heritage
Department for Nature Conservation and Cultural Heritage
Myntgata 2
P.O. Box 8013 Dep.
N-0030 OSLO
Mr Rolf LOFGREN
National Environment Protection Agency
106 48 STOCKHOLM
Mr Jan TURTINEN
Researcher,
Score Research-centre
Score Stockholm University
SCORE SE-109-691 STOCKHOLM
Mrs Synnöve VINSRYGG
Senior International Researcher
Nordic World Heritage Office
P.O. Box 8196 Dep.
N-0034 OSLO
OMAN
Mr Salim ALMAHRUQI
Chief of Minister of Information’s Office
P.O. Box 194 PC 115 MSQ
MASCATE
OUGANDA/UGANDA
Dr Ephrane KAMUHANGIRE
Director
Antiquities and Museums
P.O. Box 5718
KAMPALA
OUZBEKISTAN/UZBEKISTAN
Mr Bakhodir ABDURAKHIMOV
Deputy-Minister
Ministry of Cultural Affairs
Navoi Str. 30
TASHKENT
Mr Sagdullayev DJAKHANGIR
Deputy Chief of International Relations
Ministry for Cultural Affairs
Navoi Str. 30
TASHKENT
PAYS-BAS/NETHERLANDS
Mr Robert DE JONG
Senior Staff Member/Coordinator for World Heritage
Netherlands State Department for Conservation
P.O. Box 1001
Broederplein 41
3700 BA ZEIST
Mr Fred F.J. SCHOORL
Head of Immovable Heritage
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
P.B. 25000
2700 LZ ZOETERMEER
Mr Harry ROENHORST
Ambtenaa
Munc. de Beemster
P67
BEEMSTER
Mrs Johanna B.P. HARLAAR
Adjoint com. Beemster
R. Middelburgstraat 1
MIDDENBEEMSTER
PEROU/PERU
S. Exc. Mme Marìa Luisa FEDERICIAmbassadeur
Délégué permanent
Délégation permanente du Pérou auprès de l’UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
PHILIPPINES
H.E. Mr Hector K. VILLARROEL
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to France
Permanent Delegate
Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 PARIS Cedex 15
Mr Augusto VILLALON
Architect
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines
107 Wilson Circle, San Juan
1500 M. MANILLE
POLOGNE/POLAND
Prof. Andrzej TOMASZEWSKI
Expert, Professeur d’Université
Ministère de la culture et du patrimoine national
Ksamerov 13
00656 VARSOVIE
M. Waclaw DLUGOBORSKI
Président du Conseil scientifique auprès du Musée Auschwitz-Birkenau
Ul. PCK 6/11
KATONIE
REPUBLIQUE TCHEQUE/CZECH REPUBLIC
Dr Josef STULC
Director of the National Institute for Heritage Preservation
Statni ustav pamatkové péce / State Institute for Heritage Preservation
Valdstejnske 3
PRAGUE 1, 11800
Mr Michal BENES
International Department
Ministry of Culture
139 Milady Horàkové
PRAGUE 6, 16000
ROYAUME-UNI/UNITED KINGDOM
Mr Nigel PITTMAN
Head of Buildings, Monuments and Sites Division
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2 - 4 Cockspur Street
LONDON SW1Y 5DH
Dr Christopher YOUNG
Head of World Heritage and International Policy
English Heritage
23, Savile Row
LONDON WIX 1AB
Dr Tony A.J. WEIGHELL
Earth Science & Coastal Advisor
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Monkstone House
PETERBOROUGH
SAINT-SIEGE/HOLY SEE
Mgr Tullio POLI
Secrétariat d’Etat
Section pour les relations avec les Etats
Casa S. Marta
I-00120 Cité du VATICAN
M. René DENEUX
Architecte
2, rue Abou Hanifa
RABAT
SLOVAQUIE/SLOVAKIA
Mr Jozef KLINDA
Director General
Ministry of the Environment
Namestie L. Stura 1
812 35 BRATISLAVA
Ms Katarina KOSOVA
Director General
Institute of Monuments Preservation
Kammerhofska 26
81406 BRATISLAVA
Mrs Katarina NOVAKOVA
Director
Centre of Management of World Heritage Slovakia
Kammerhofska 26
BANSKA STIAVNICA
Mr Jozef HLAVAC
Director
Slovak Show Caves Administration
Hodjova 11
03101 LIPTOVKY-MIKULAS
SUEDE/SWEDEN
Mrs Birgitta HOBERG
Senior International Officer
National Heritage Board of Sweden
P.O. Box 5405
SE-11484 STOCKHOLM
Mr Rolf LOFGREN
Conservation Officer
National Environment Protection Agency
SE-10698 STOCKHOLM
Mr Jan TURTINEN
Researcher,
SCORE Research-centre
Stockholm University
SE-10691 STOCKHOLM
Mr Mats HENRIKSSON
County Architect
County Administration of Vasternorrland
Törnrosv. 2L
SE-85740 SUNHSVALL
SUISSE/SWITZERLAND
Madame Madeleine VIVIANI
Responsable des Affaires de patrimoine
Division politique V
Département fédéral des Affaires étrangères
TUNISIE/TUNISIA
M. Jamel THLIBI
Sous-Directeur
Agence Nationale de Protection de l’Environnement (ANPE)
12, rue du Cameroun
BP 52
TUNIS-Belvédère
TURQUIE/TURKEY
Mr Günel GOKGE
Director Regional Council
Ministry of Culture
General Directorate for Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage
Ulus - 06100
ANKARA
Mrs Mine KANGAL
Specialist, City Planner
Ministry of Culture
General Directorate for Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage
Ulus - 06100
ANKARA
VIETNAM
Dr Truong Quoc Binh
Vice General Director of Preservation and Museology Department
Ministry of Culture and Information
Ngo Quyen Str.,
HANOI
Mr Pham Quang Tho
Deputy Secretary-General
Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO
8, Khuc Hao Str.
HANOI
Mrs Ho Thi Thanh Lam
Vice President
People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province
Tamky
QUANG NAM
Mr Nguyen Van Tuan
Director
Halong Bay Management Department
HALONG CITY - Quangninh Province
(iii) ORGANISATIONS GOUVERNEMENTALES INTERNATIONALES /
INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
ALECSO
M. Abbes ASSORI
Directeur du BCA
82, rue Oued Ziz - Agdal
RABAT
LA BANQUE MONDIALE / THE WORLD BANK
Ms Arlene FLEMINGCultural Resource Specialist
Room MC 5 - 227
1818 H Street, NW
WASHINGTON D.C. 20433
United States of America
ORGANISATION DE LA CONFERENCE ISLAMIQUE (OCI)
M. Papa Toumané NDIAYESpécialiste de programmes, ISESCO
Direction de la culture et de la communication
Avenue Attine
RABAT
Royaume du Maroc
ORGANISATION ISLAMIQUE POUR L’EDUCATION, LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE (ISESCO)
M. Papa Toumané NDIAYE
Spécialiste de programmes, ISESCO
Direction de la culture et de la communication
Avenue Attine
RABAT
Royaume du Maroc
PROJET PAM/PNUE (Programme Alimentaire Mondial et Programme des Nations Unies pour l’Environnement)
M. Daniel DROCOURT
Coordonnateur Programme 100 sites historiques
Atelier de la ville de Marseille
10 ter, square Belsunce
13001 MARSEILLE
- ORGANISATIONS INTERNATIONALES NON-GOUVERNEMENTALES/
INTERNATIONALNON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
ARCH FOUNDATION
Mr Mahasti AFSHAR
Director
11947 Dorothy St. 202
LOS ANGELES, California 90049
United States of America
Ms Lori ANGLIN
Conservation architect, consultant
588/3 Petchburi Rd
BANGKOK
Thaïlande
HIGH-TECH VISUAL PROMOTION CENTRE
Mr Hiroshi TSUKAMOTO
President
3F Place Canada
7-3-38 Akasaka
Minato-ku
TOKYO
Japan
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DES ARCHITECTS PAYSAGISTES (IFLA) / INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (IFLA)
Mr Hans DORN
Past Vice-President Central Region
Chairman of the International IFLA Committee on Historical Landscapes and Gardens
Holbeinstrasse, 17
D-60596 FRANKFURT/Main
Germany
FONDATION PATRIMOINE HISTORIQUE INTERNATIONAL (Canada)
Mme Céline SAUCIER
Présidente-Directrice générale
4607 Catherine-Nau
CAP ROUGE,
G1Y 3B8 Canada
M. Marcel JUNIUS
Vice-Président
4607 Catherine-Nau
CAP ROUGE,
G1Y 3B8 Canada
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON METALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (ICME) / CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL SUR LES METAUX ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT (CIME)
Mr Scott HOUSTON
U.P. Public Policy
294 Albert Street, Suite 506
OTTAWA, KIP 6E6
Canada
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SHINGON BUDDHISM
Mr Taiei GOTO
Secretary General
132 Koyasan Ito-gun
Wakayama
648-0294 Japan
Mr Kansho MORI
Director
Japan
INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (IFAW)
Mr Jared BLUMENFELD
Director
Habitat for Animals Program
411 Main Street
YARMOUTHPORT, MA 02675
United Sates of America
Mr Mark J. SPALDING
Baja Campaign Advisor
Habitat for Animals Program
University of California
140, 12th St. Del Mar
CA 92014-2315
SAN DIEGO
United Sates of America
NATURE RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL (NRDC) INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME
Mr Joel REYNOLDS
1200 New York Avenue
N.W. Suite 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20005
United Sates of America
ORGANISATION DES VILLES DU PATRIMOINE MONDIAL (OVPM) / ORGANIZATION OF WORLD HERITAGE CITIES (OWHC)
Mr Denis RICARD
Secretary General
15 St-Nicolas
QUEBEC
Canada GIK IM8
- ORGANISATIONS NON-GOUVERNEMENTALES / NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
LES AMIS DU PATRIMOINE DU MAROC (APM)
M. Hakim LOURIKI
Président
12, rue de Brément
93130 NOISY LE SEC
France
ASSOCIATION POUR LA SAUVEGARDE DE LA CASBAH D’ALGER (ASCA)
M. Ahmed LAKSARI
Vice-Président
3, rue Malaîka Ben Aîssa
ALGER
Algérie
M. Ameur P. BEHLOUL
Journaliste
3, rue Malaîka Ben Aîssa
ALGER
Algérie
M. Mohamed BENGHERABI
Architecte
Rue Ahmed Ben Aissa
16000 ALGER
Algérie
PRO ESTEROS MEXICO
Ms Laura MARTINEZ RIOS DEL RIO
Director
PMB-122, PO Box 189003 Coronado
CA- 92178-9003
United States of America
Ms Patricia MARTINEZ RIOS
Vice-President
PMB-122, PO Box 189003 Coronado
CA- 92178-9003
United States of America
UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION/
FONDATION DES NATIONS UNIES
Mr Nicholas LAPHAM
Programme Officer
1301 Connecticut Ave.
NW WASHINGTON DC 20036
United States of America
Mr Gardner OHUH
1301 Connecticut Ave.
NW WASHINGTON DC 20036
United States of America
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr Kurt CHRISTENSEN
Professional staff
1324 LHOB
WASHINGTON DC
United States of America
Mr John RISHEL
Legislative staff
1413 A, LHOB
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
United States of America
IV. SECRETARIAT DE L’UNESCO/UNESCO SECRETARIAT
M. Mounir BOUCHENAKI
Directeur
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. Georges ZOUAIN
Directeur adjoint
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Minja YANG
Directeur pour la Région Asie-Pacifique
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Galia SAOUMA-FORERO
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Elizabeth WANGARI
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Mireille JARDIN
Division des Sciences écologiques
M. Natarajan ISHWARAN
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. Herman van HOOFF
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Mechtild RÖSSLER
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. V. DEFOURNY
Unité centrale d’évaluation du programme
Mme Josette ERFAN
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Sarah TITCHEN
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mlle Junko TANIGUCHI
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. Peter STRASSER
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. Feng JING
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mlle Johanna SULLIVAN
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mlle Julie HAGE
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Jane DEGEORGES
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mme Jocelyne POUTEAU
Centre du patrimoine mondial
Mlle Marianne RAABE
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. David MARTEL
Centre du patrimoine mondial
M. Mourad BOULARES
Division de l’interprétation
M. Bernd von DROSTE
Special Advisor of the Director-General for World Heritage
Traductrices :
Mme Sabine DE VALENCE
Mme Anne SAUVETRE
Annex III
Address of the of the Director-General of UNESCO
on the occasion of the
Twenty-third session of the World Heritage Committee
Marrakesh, Morocco
10.00 -10.50, Monday 29 November 1999
Messieurs le Ministre des Affaires culturelles,
Monsieur le Ministre de l'Enseignement Supérieur et Président de la Commission nationale marocaine pour l'UNESCO,
Monsieur le Ministre de l'Aménagement du territoire Monsieur le Secrétaire d'Etat à l'Habitat,
Monsieur le Gouverneur,
Madame l'Ambassadeur de Sa Majesté auprès de l'UNESCO, Monsieur le Président du Comité du patrimoine mondial,
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Permettez-moi de vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la vingt-troisième session du Comité du patrimoine mondial. Je tiens à remercier très sincèrement le Royaume du Maroc de sa générosité et de son hospitalité.
Cela faisait de nombreuses années qu'une réunion du Comité du patrimoine mondial ne s'était pas tenue dans un pays de la Région arabe, et c'est un réel plaisir de renouer avec la beauté et l'impressionnante histoire de cette ville de Marrakech.
J'aimerais, en cette occasion privilégiée, rendre hommage a Sa Majesté le défunt roi Hassan II, et à la politique visionnaire qu'il a menée en matière de protection du patrimoine culturel du Maroc. C'est en effet dès 1980 que, sollicitant l'assistance de l'UNESCO il a conduit l'Organisation à lancer une campagne internationale pour la sauvegarde de la Médina de Fez, puis à inscrire Fez sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial. Sa Majesté Hassan II a ainsi permis à un ensemble architectural parmi les plus important au monde, ainsi qu'à une importante tradition artisanale vivante d'être préservés. Je suis certain que Sa Majesté Mohamed VI poursuivra avec la même conviction l'œuvre de son père.
La Lettre Royale dont Il nous a honoré nous permet de mesurer la profondeur et la richesse de Sa vision de Patrimoine culturel, considéré dans ses dimensions urbanistique, architecturale, archéologique, naturelle, immatérielle et orale.
En votre nom à tous, je Le remercie pour ce message éclairé et stimulant qu'Il nous a adressé.
Pour ma part, j'ai été particulièrement sensible à Son appel à la sauvegarde de la diversité du patrimoine mondial et à son souci de mettre le patrimoine au service du développement et, surtout, au service de la connaissance de l'autre et de la défense des valeurs de convivialité et de tolérance, sans lesquelles l'humanité ne peut accéder à une culture de la paix.
Je suis également touché par les mots amicaux qu'Il a eu à mon égard et Lui en suis reconnaissant.
En vous souhaitant à tous la bienvenue, j'aimerais également vous exprimer ma très haute estime pour le travail du Comité et pour la Convention de 1972 pour la protection du patrimoine mondial culturel et naturel. Le travail du Comité est avant tout l'expression tangible de la solidarité et de la coopération internationales invoquées par la Convention du patrimoine mondial.
158 Etats parties y ont à ce jour adhéré, ce qui représente une large majorité des 188 Etats membres de l'UNESCO. J'aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue aux représentants des Etats parties qui participent pour la première fois à une session du Comité, et je tiens également à féliciter les Etats parties qui ont récemment été élus membres du Comité par la douxième Assemblée générale des Etats parties qui s'est tenue à l'UNESCO les 28 et 29 octobre derniers.
Je félicite en outre ceux des Etats parties qui ont été élus membres du Bureau, lors de la quatrième session extraordinaire du Comité le 30 octobre.
Je souhaite adresser des félicitations particulières au nouveau Président du Comité, Monsieur Abdelaziz Touri, le Directeur du patrimoine culturel au Maroc. Le choix de Monsieur Touri est largement justifié pour ce poste de Président, car il est, outre un expert respecté et un praticien de la conservation du patrimoine culturel, un homme d'expérience au sein du Comité, dans lequel il a travaillé pendant de nombreuses années.
Vos délibérations et décisions seront sur les critères que vous établirez pour le patrimoine mondial seront d'une importance capitale, non seulement pour la sauvegarde future de l'exceptionnel patrimoine mondial culturel et naturel - notre patrimoine mondial -, mais également pour les sites d'importance nationale ou locale.
Etre Etat partie à la Convention et être membre du Comité implique de nombreuses responsabilités, dont l'une et non la moindre est de développer une éthique de la conservation du patrimoine. Promouvoir équitablement une telle éthique est sans nul doute un défi majeur, particulierement à une époque où la globalisation économique conduit toutes les nations à la poursuite d'un développement rapide parfois peu soucieux de ses conséquences pour l'avenir.
Mais la conservation n'est certainement pas une fin en soi. Le patrimoine que nous cherchons à protéger doit prendre sens pour la société contemporaine et lui donner sens. Ce n'est qu'à cette condition qu'il pourra être préservé pour les générations futures.
Si nous sommes réunis aujourd'hui, c'est pour relever collectivement ce défi, afin que chacun des trésors légués à l'humanité soit protégé par tous grâce à la Convention, avec la sagesse, le savoir et la force de persuasion que nous pouvons créer ensemble.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My first encounter with you was two years ago when I attended a Bureau session as a representative of a State Party.
For one year afterwards, I dealt intensively with World Heritage in my capacity as Chairman of the World Heritage Committee.
Today, I stand before you as the Director-General of UNESCO.
And tomorrow, perhaps as a member of one of the Advisory Bodies!
But despite the distinct function of each of these roles, they make up an undivisible whole that must work in unison and in harmony, supporting each other, if the aims of the World Heritage Convention are to be attained.
From normative work to policy formulation, from programme development to project execution, from education and public information, UNESCO implements in every possible way your decisions and attempts to make the voice of the Committee heard across all borders.
As Director-General of UNESCO, I will endeavor to strengthen the World Heritage Centre...
Enhancing its capacity to respond to the increasing demands of national and local authorities, of site managers, research institutes, development agencies, the media and the public.
In this way it will, I hope, come to be seen more clearly than ever as the focal point for the defense of world heritage.
When I last addressed you, as Chair of the World Heritage Committee, at the Twelfth General Assembly of States Parties, I reported on the progress made towards resolving some critical issues, and pointed to others that required urgent follow-up.
Since 1992, the debate on Global Strategy has sought to make the World Heritage List more representative of the ethno-cultural and bio-geographical diversities of the world.
That reflection led to a resolution adopted by consensus by the General Assembly on measures to redress this imbalance.
Regional action plans are already in operation and will certainly be complemented by sub-regional and national activities.
The representation issue also gave rise to a new debate - on the demand for equitable representation on the 21-member Committee of the now 158 States Parties.
Ways and means to enable greater participation of States Parties in steering the course of the Convention have been explored.
I note that the General Assembly has asked the Committee to set up a working group to prepare a proposal on this that will be submitted to the Thirteenth General Assembly.
As I said in my report to the Twelfth General Assembly, the aims of the Global Strategy, however, cannot be attained without the commitment of all States Parties, nor independently from the World Heritage conservation process as a whole.
For without adequate legal protection, management capacities and conservation skills, inscription cannot safeguard even the most outstanding site from the underrepresented category.
In this connection, I was deeply touched by initiatives taken by some States Parties in supporting others in meeting the inscription requirements.
Not only have generous financial contributions been made, but secondment of experts is helping to redress the imbalance of the List through training and transfer of knowledge and skills.
I stressed during my chairmanship, the need to review the working method of the Committee to maintain the credibility of the Convention.
With the large number of new nominations which continue to be submitted by States Parties, and the increasing number of state of conservation reports to examine each year, a serious evaluation on how best to use the limited time of the Committee must be made.
In other words, it is becoming a victim of its own success!
But the growing reach of the Convention and the authority of the Committee can only be maintained if the Committee is able to execute its work with all the necessary rigour. This is particularly true for decisions on the inscription of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
But this authority cannot be maintained, I fear, unless the Committee can execute its work with the rigour that the work demands. This is particularly the case for its task regarding the inscription of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
I propose that these matters be addressed in priority by the strategic taskforce, the creation of which was suggested by the Bureau at its 23rd session earlier this year.
The credibility of the Committee also depends on its ability to provide tangible support to States Parties, especially to those who do not have the technical and financial means to take corrective measures on their own.
In this regard, I draw the attention of the Committee to the evaluation on international assistance which has just started.
I call upon all of you to contribute actively in this important exercise.
How best can the limited resources of the World Heritage Fund be used to assist States Parties in protecting their properties?
The Committee has increased the annual budgetary allocation from the Fund each year, and a further increase is proposed for the year 2000.
But with more requests and for higher amounts, there are clear limits to the Fund's ability to respond.
I therefore hope that the evaluation currently underway will provide the basis for the Committee to establish clearer guidelines to enable the prioritisation of requests.
I have suggested the linkage of preparatory assistance and training grants to Global Strategy and priority approval for requests from Least Developed Countries and Low Income Countries, particularly for technical co-operation. This has been endorsed by the Bureau and now requires debate by the Committee for sound and fair application.
I also stressed the need for the Committee to reflect on a strategy for preventive action, to address the root cause of the diverse threats to World Heritage. Such a strategy must take development requirements into account, so that our conservation actions become an undeniable force for sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would also like to mention the other supremely important task of the Committee: public awareness-building and education for World Heritage conservation. This calls for us all to invest in intelligence and knowledge. For without the understanding and support of the public at large, without the respect and daily care by the local communities, which are the true custodians of the World Heritage sites, no amount of funds or army of experts will suffice to protect these sites. It also calls for citizenry, for the public at large and the individuals comprising that public, to assume the responsibilities and duties for heritage conservation by participating in the democratic process to protect and develop it for the benefit of all.
I think you know that you can count on me to support you in all these tasks.
I shall seek during my term as Director-General, to work with the General Conference and the Executive Board to further strengthen the World Heritage Centre and to identify ways and means of strengthening co-operation between the Centre and other UNESCO units responsible for natural and cultural heritage conservation, both at headquarters and in the field offices.
Let me say, in conclusion, that I look forward to the same constructive and co-operative ties with you in my new capacity that I enjoyed so much in my former role.
Annex IV
Declaration of the Youth from the Arab Region on World Heritage
The Pledge
We, the young people of the Arab World, convened at the First Arab States World HeritageYouth Forum, held at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, from 22 to 28 November 1999, believe that:
The present is the product of the past, therefore, we can live the present and dream of the future only through the past. This is the past which our ancestors built and bequeathed to us and which became known as heritage. Thus, by preserving heritage, we preserve our identity, our authenticity and the continuity of our civilization. It is young people who are primarily concerned with the identity of society.
Heritage is not only cultural, but also natural, given that the natural environment plays a major role in shaping civilizations. Cultural heritage is not restricted only to what is tangible. The latter serves as a framework for the spiritual heritage that refers to Man’s identity, personality and history.
After having attended lectures, witnessed the international efforts to preserve heritage, visited the World Heritage sites in Morocco, and having participated in the various workshops, we, the Arab youth, would like to make the following points:
First, we, as young people from the Arab region, need to be aware of our essential role in the conservation of heritage. As participants, we shall make every effort to pass on to our peers in our home countries the knowledge we have acquired concerning respect for and conservation of heritage. We request the assistance of UNESCO in organizing further youth forums.
Second, we consider that the media (radio, television, etc.) and modern technology (computers, the Internet etc.) play a major role in raising awareness of the necessity for the preservation of world’s heritage. Handicrafts are part of our heritage and identity; it is therefore imperative to revitalize these traditional crafts.
Third, we request that World Heritage issues be included in the educational curricula of UNESCO Associated Schools in a pilot phase, to be followed by all other schools.
Fourth, we underline the fact that we share a common language, identity and history. It is our responsibility to ensure that this common heritage is a determining factor in bringing together our countries in peace and brotherhood.
Finally, we assert that heritage is a question of behaviour and practical application rather than a theory and an idea, and we call upon the youth of the world to understand this and cooperate with the youth of the Arab region under the motto:
"Let’s preserve the heritage of the past and the present to build the heritage of the future".
This pledge was adopted by 38 Patrimonitos from twelve Arab States in Ifrane on 27 November 1999.
Annex V
Map of Lorentz National Park (Indonesia)
Annex VI
Acceptance speech of OJO MADUEKWE Minister of Culture and Tourism
- Your Excellency the President of UNESCO World Heritage Committee
- Ladies and gentlemen
Our delegation brings fraternal greetings from President OLUSEGUN OBASANJO and the Government and people of Nigeria. We are most delighted with the excellent arrangements which the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco has made for the conference. And may I use this opportunity to wish his Royal Majesty, King Mohammed VI, a long and prosperous reign.
I hasten to mention that with us from Nigeria is the ADAMAWA STATE Governor, His Excellency BONI HARUNA. ADAMAWA is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and home to Sukur Cultural Landscape, which has just been honoured by this committee as a World Heritage Site. I also wish to acknowledge the presence in our delegation of His Excellency, Ambassador Abdoul-Wahab Nigerian Ambassador to Morocco; Dr Gella Director-General National Museums, and Monuments of Nigeria; and Dr Eborieme Co-ordinator of UNESCO World Heritage project in Nigeria.
The historic inscription of the first World Heritage Site in Nigeria has implications for the cultural rediscovery of Nigeria by Nigerians and the rest of the world far beyond the most optimistic expectations of those friends who gave early support to the project. It is to all such friends that we dedicate this honour.
With over 120 Million people and 450 ethno-linguistic communities, and every fourth African a Nigerian, recognition of one site out of a possible 31 no less deserving sites might appear to be a drop in the ocean. But it was a drop that came quite timely at a critical point of intolerable thirst in the midst of so much water. For us in Nigeria what is happening here in this ancient and fascinating city of Marrakech is a great beginning and worthy preface to the future. We cannot thank the UNESCO Heritage Committee enough for making this possible.
Coming on the heels of Nigeria's recent re-entry into all those international fora where its past contributions earned it respect before the years of isolation, the inscription of Sukur is a tonic for the democratic renewal and the national reconciliation that has been in place since the election of President OLUSEGUN OBASANJO. SUKUR has the distinction of being a cultural property admitted into the World Heritage list on the basis of the continuity of customary laws, community ethos, and spiritual values. It is symbolic of the enduring heritage of a very diverse wider African society. It gives hints of the glue that binds together a complex polity whose leadership, even as at now, remains challenged by the intricacies of nation- building. SUKUR will therefore be for us an enduring metaphor for a re-invigorated Nigeria that is set to bless all humanity with an experience of its rich cultural heritage in the defining years of the next millenium.
It is indeed on the wings of that pledge that I wish to draw your generous attention to the over 31 cultural heritage sites which have already been submitted to UNESCO World Heritage Committee as at 1999. Your expeditious consideration of the list will represent a long over-due acknowledgement of the significant contribution of Africa to the collective heritage of the world. For now, welcome to Nigeria, on your way to SUKUR, Africa's first cultural landscape.
Annex VII
Statement by H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to France,
Thithu Skweyiya, on Robben Island, Greater St. Lucia Wetland National Park and the Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs, South Africa
Mr Chairman, on behalf of my delegation, I wish to express my government's sincere gratitude, especially for President Thabo Mbeki and former President Nelson Mandela, to the World Heritage Committee for inscribing South Africa's cultural and natural jewels to the prestigious World Heritage List. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the work done by ICOMOS, IUCN and the World Heritage Center, as well as the Nordic World Heritage Office and Mr Munjeri for their technical assistance.
The inscription of our sites today is an ongoing welcome of our country to the structures and activities of the community of nations. This is not just a Christmas present as I mentioned yesterday, but a big millennium present from the international community. We appreciate it, Mr Chairman.
To demonstrate its commitment to the Convention and conservation of heritage for the benefit of present and future generations, my government has recently passed legislation focusing specifically on the implementation of the Convention in South Africa.
Mr Chairman I also wish to congratulate all states parties whose sites have been inscribed on the list, especially our colleagues from Nigeria, whom we are looking forward to working with in the region.
My government supports the global strategy initiative and hopes to participate in all regional programs which will ensure a balanced World Heritage List as envisaged by this Committee.
As already mentioned, Robben Island represents the triumph of the human spirit over the forces of evil, it is therefore a shrine for all the people of the world. The second of our cultural sites, popularly known as the "Cradle of Humankind", reminds us of the profound links that bind all of humankind across space and time. This is truly a historical occasion to celebrate and we invite all of you to visit your roots.
Annex VIII
REPORT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE BUREAU (WHC-99/ CONF.209/6) RELATING TO THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF PROPERTIES INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST
State of conservation reports of natural properties which the Bureau transmitted to the Committee for action
Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
The Bureau noted that at its twenty-third session (July 1999) it requested the Australian Committee for IUCN (ACIUCN) and the State Party to review the 29 recommendations listed in the March 1999 ACIUCN report "Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area: Condition, Management and Threats". The Bureau also had requested the ACIUCN and the State Party to elaborate a more focused set of recommendations and a detailed plan for their implementation and monitoring. The Commonwealth Government of Australia, in a letter dated 7 October 1999, transmitted to the Centre and IUCN a detailed plan for the implementation and monitoring of a more focused set of recommendations prepared by ACIUCN. These "Focused Recommendations" and the "Framework for management" of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) were presented in the Information Document WHC-99/CONF.208/INF.5.
IUCN reviewed both the "Focused Recommendations" and the "Framework for management" of the GBRWHA and noted the five priority action areas of the "Focused Recommendations": Management of Land and Coastal Catchments; Management of Fisheries; Management of Shipping and Ship-Sourced Pollution; Representative Marine Protected Areas, and Resources for Research and Management. IUCN considered the "Framework for Management" as proposed by the State Party to be comprehensive and that it establishes a basis for monitoring the implementation of the "Focused Recommendations". IUCN commended the work undertaken by the State Party and the State Government of Queensland. IUCN reiterated its view that catchment issues pose the most serious threat to the GBRWHA and noted the urgency of the need for effective integrated catchment management to reduce environmental impact on the World Heritage site. IUCN however, noted and agreed with the State Party that many of these issues will require social and economic changes of a scale which will take years to achieve, such as in relation to modification of land use related impacts and the management of fisheries. This underlines the importance of developing strategic objectives and actions to ensure the long term protection of the GBRWHA and the establishment of a plan to monitor their implementation, as has been established in the "Framework for management".
The Delegate of Australia thanked IUCN and the Bureau for the consultative approach and highlighted the importance of the State Government of Queensland in the process to achieve a model for the management of a World Heritage area.
The Bureau transmitted the above report and the "Focused Recommendations" and "Framework for management" contained in WHC-99/CONF.208/INF.5 to the Committee for examination and recommended the following for adoption:
"The Committee accepts the "Focused Recommendations", and the "Framework for management" of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) as a basis for monitoring the implementation of those recommendations. The Committee commends the process and the product arising from the consultative approach used in developing a basis for monitoring the state of conservation of the GBRWHA and recommends its adoption for the management of other World Heritage natural properties in Australia. The Committee invites the State Party to submit progress reports on the implementation of the "Focused Recommendations" to the annual sessions of the Committee for review."
Comoe National Park (Côte d’Ivoire)
The Bureau was informed that IUCN received a copy of the report provided to the World Heritage Centre, prepared by a scientist from the Centre de Recherche en Ecologie from Côte d'Ivoire entitled "Evaluation de l’état actuel du parc national de la Comoe". The report outlines the serious threat of poaching to the wildlife of this site and sets out a series of recommendations for improved management. IUCN has received several other reports from NGOs and individuals highlighting illegal logging activities that are threatening the integrity of the site. IUCN noted and supported the recommendations of the study that this site is in urgent need of technical and financial support. A request for financial assistance from the State Party is expected to be submitted to the twenty-third session of the Committee. In view of the high level of poaching reported at this site, IUCN recommended that it be considered for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger and that an expert mission be fielded to verify the information reported by the study quoted above and have discussions with the State Party regarding the possible inclusion of this site in the List of World Heritage in Danger.
IUCN informed the Bureau that it has received many reports on this site indicating major poaching impacts on wildlife of the site, and that additional threats have been noted as forestry and agricultural incursion, especially cotton. IUCN remarked that these reports, if verified, would indicate this site has potential for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. IUCN observed that before any action is taken, there should be a response from the State Party and an appropriate monitoring mission to review the situation and recommend appropriate action
The Bureau adopted the following text and transmitted it to the Committee for examination and further adoption:
"The Committee requests the State Party to consider inviting a Centre/IUCN mission to the site during the year 2000 in order to review threats to the integrity of the site and plan emergency rehabilitation measures as appropriate. The Committee may wish to invite the State Party to co-operate with the Centre and IUCN in order to submit to the twenty-fourth session of the Committee, in accordance with paragraphs 86 - 90 of the Operational Guidelines, a detailed state of conservation report and corrective measures for mitigating threats to the site, so as to enable the Committee to consider including this property in the List of World Heritage in Danger"
Whale Sanctuary of El Viscaino (Mexico)
Following the request of the World Heritage Committee and its Bureau and at the invitation of the Mexican authorities, a mission was carried out to the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino from 23 to 28 August 1999. The full report and the recommendations of the mission were presented in Information Document WHC-99/CONF.208/INF.6.
The Secretariat informed the Bureau that following the assessment of the information made available to the mission team in background documentation, meetings with Government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, local communities and other stakeholders and through observations during a field visit of the site, the mission came to a number of conclusions and recommendations. These were presented to the Mexican authorities by the mission team. The Secretariat then introduced the report and the main findings of the mission.
The issues were found to be extremely complex and could certainly not be reduced to a concern about one species or event. In fact, the team specifically considered a variety of issues including the management structure, the integrity of the site, status of the whale population, salt production, sustainable use and tourism. The World Heritage area, composed of the two lagoons Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio, retains its quality and significance as a largely natural habitat and fulfils the criteria and conditions of integrity for which it was inscribed in 1993. The Bureau was informed that the mission invited the Mexican Government to take fully into account the World Heritage values of the site when evaluating the proposed salt facility at San Ignacio, which would include not only the population of grey whales and other wildlife but also the integrity of the landscape and the ecosystem.
The mission team concluded that the World Heritage site under present circumstances is not in danger, and scientific data show that the whale population is not endangered and continues to increase. However, if any significant change to the present situation should occur, documented by appropriate evidence, the conclusion concerning the site’s status under the World Heritage Convention should be promptly re-evaluated in co-operation and co-ordination with the State Party, and appropriate consideration should be given to all relevant Parties and the World Heritage Committee.
IUCN noted that it participated in the UNESCO mission and that the technical report is both credible and objective. IUCN supports the efforts of the Mexican Government in protecting the site, and in particular in relation to capacity building efforts and the involvement of local people. The mission focused on the existing salt works and the research indicated that these had no significant impact on the grey whale population. IUCN noted that in case of changes to the existing situation the position should be re-evaluated. Any re-evaluation should consider the population of grey whales and the integrity of the landscape and its ecosystem.
The Delegate of Mexico thanked the Committee and UNESCO making the mission possible highlighting the professionalism of the mission team working in an independent process. The Mexican Government fully endorsed the recommendations as far as they are consistent with previous reports and information it has submitted and enphasized: that the World Heritage site is not in Danger, that the Grey Whale population has increased and the National Ecology Institute has not received a proposal by the ESSA company for salt production at San Ignacio. Finally, the Government of Mexico reaffirmed its political will to maintain and enhance its cooperation with the World Heritage Committee, in order to preserve the exceptional values of El Vizcaino.
The Observer of Germany noted that the industrial development might have side effects to the integrity of the site, through population increase and infrastructual measures. The Delegate of Mexico in responding, underlined that the National Ecology Institute is not evaluating such a proposal and therefore any judgement would be premature at this time.
The Chairperson thanked the mission team for its excellent work and the State Party for its collaboration.
The Bureau decided to transmit the report to the Committee for examination and to recommend the Committee to adopt the following:
"The Committee takes note of the report of the mission and the full set of recommendations as indicated in WHC-99/CONF.209/INF.20. The Committee notes that the World Heritage site under present circumstances is not in danger, and scientific data show that the whale population is not endangered and continues to increase. However, if any significant change to the present situation should occur, documented by appropriate evidence, the conclusion concerning the site’s status under the World Heritage Convention should be promptly re-evaluated in co-operation and co-ordination with the State Party, and appropriate consideration should be given to all relevant Parties and the World Heritage Committee."
Following the decision, the Chairperson the gave the floor to the Observers from two NGOs, Pro Esteros and the International Fund for Animal Welfare who expressed their concerns about the conservation of El Vizcaino, its natural resources and conditions of integrity according to the World Heritage Convention’s Operational Guidelines.
Doñana National Park (Spain)
The Bureau noted that during 1998 and 1999 a number of actions were undertaken to mitigate the impacts of the ecological disaster following the spill in April 1998.
An International Expert Meeting on the Regeneration of the Doñana Watershed (Doñana 2005 Conference) took place from 4 to 8 October 1999 with the participation of the World Heritage Centre, IUCN, the Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention, WWF and other organizations. The meeting produced a number of recommendations concerning steps that could be taken for improving the situation of the decrease in the water table, diversion of surface water flows from entering Doñana and ensuring that water entering the area is free of pollutants. In addition, discussions took place concerning the necessity for strong co-operation between various activities being initiated in the region such as the Doñana 2005 project and the Green Corridor project. Some suggestions included the construction of large artificial lagoons for the control of water flows and reducing pollution and sediment loads. These would be placed in areas outside the World Heritage site in land to be purchased or acquired from agricultural companies or farmers. This recommendation could be of concern because the lagoon construction and operation afterwards could have serious impacts on the hydrology of the region.
IUCN welcomed the continued clean up effort of the Guadiamar Basin and affected areas, the Expert Meeting on the Regeneration of Doñana and the initiation of the Green Corridor project, but noted some concerns relating to the re-opening of the Aznalcollar mine and the impact study, which was undertaken to ensure that the toxic wastes in the old mine pit remain there and not percolate into the surrounding aquifer. IUCN noted that the mine spill has raised awareness of the fragility of the Donana ecosystem. However, issues associated with the mine need to be considered in conjunction with the issues associated with integrated water management, particularly with the decrease in the water table. This was highlighted at the Expert Meeting, as well as the need for mechanisms for an integrated management approach.
The Centre informed the Bureau that UNESCO and IUCN had not been informed of the re-opening of the mine prior to the last session of the Bureau. Following the Doñana 2005 Conference, the Centre contacted the authorities to obtain information concerning the exact dates of authorization and production of the Azlacollar mine and clarification with regard to the points raised by the World Heritage Bureau.
On 24 October and on 9 November 1999 a number of documents were submitted by the State Party, which were transmitted to IUCN for review including the Annexes concerning the results of the Doñana 2005 Conference. Furthermore, on 26 November 1999 a "Note concerning the situation of the Doñana National Park in relation to the terms of the IUCN report tabled in November 1999" was provided by the Ministry for Environment. This statement notes that most issues were discussed at the Doñana Conference. In particular, the former mine pond was made completely watertight, its utilization forbidden and it will be completely sealed when the competent legal authority grants its authorization. The mining company has not been authorized to dump any waste into the Guadiamar River and a Joint Commission by the State and Regional Administration has been established in March 1999. The Doñana 2005 project has received broad support, as can be seen by the conclusion of the Expert Meeting. The Observer of Spain thanked IUCN and UNESCO for the participation in the Conference and for the international collaboration in the follow-up. He suggested that a follow-up meeting could be convened in late 2000 or early 2001. He reiterated his Government’s commitment to the safeguarding of the Doñana National Park.
The Delegate of Zimbabwe noted the impacts of the mining disaster and that a strict application of the Convention would be needed, as well as a close follow-up by IUCN and UNESCO.
The Bureau decided to transmit the report to the Committee for examination and to recommend the Committee to adopt the following:
"The Committee commends the Spanish authorities for the continued clean up effort of the Guadiamar Basin and affected areas. However, the Committee expresses its concerns for the re-opening of the mine without taking into account the points raised by the twenty-second session of the Committee and the twenty-third session of the Bureau. The Committee suggests that a review meeting be held during the year 2000/2001 to review progress of the implementation of the Doñana 2005 project, taking into account the points raised by IUCN and that should involve all concerned parties and institutions including the international collaborators involved in the meeting on Doñana 2005 held in October 1999. The State Party should also be encouraged to take into account the WCPA Position Statement on mining activities and protected areas to be reviewed by the twenty-third session of the Committee."
St. Kilda (United Kingdom)
The Bureau recalled that at its twenty-second session it had noted conflicting information in relation to the state of conservation of St. Kilda. Accordingly, it suggested that the State Party, in co-operation with the Centre and IUCN, initiate a round table process involving interested parties. This round table meeting was held in Edinburgh on 24 September 1999 with the participation of a representative from IUCN/WCPA and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
IUCN noted that the focus at the roundtable was whether risks to the existing World Heritage property were such that it should be included on the List of the World Heritage in Danger. The boundary of the property is at the high tide mark and, therefore, any matters of marine pollution were considered in the context of impact on the nesting sea birds of St. Kilda while at sea, feeding or roosting, or the food upon which they depended.
The strategy for exploration and possible exploitation of the Atlantic Frontier was explained in detail at the roundtable meeting, together with the procedures for the input of scientific advice by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) on environmental impacts. Information was also provided about the data on which this scientific advice was based. The evidence provided at the round table meeting covered: existing proposals to drill exploration wells; general environmental measures within licensing; preparedness and response to oil spills; environmental impact assessments for each exploration well and for development; assessment of risk of oil spills; details about the likely scale of tanker traffic; data on the probability of spills during the transfer of oil; as well as an analysis of the procedures followed in Oil Spill Risk Assessment; a breakdown of the factors influencing potential oil spill impact - taking into account the nature of the oil, wind and current direction, rate of dispersion and weathering of spilled oil, the distribution and populations of birds (species by species), shore life and sub-tidal life;
The Round Table also discussed the possibility of damage to the inter-tidal and underwater communities round the coast of St. Kilda, even though these are not included in the present property. The Round Table considered the inter-tidal communities are not considered to be at major risk from any pollutants that might reach them for a number of reasons: the dispersed nature of any pollutants by the time they reached the coast; the fact that species which are adapted to the extreme conditions of the inter-tidal zone in St. Kilda also tend to seal themselves effectively against foreign bodies; and the very rapid turn over of individuals and the large reservoir of free-swimming larval and juvenile stages. In view of the information arising from the Round Table Process, IUCN underlined that it does not recommend that this site be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Observer of France noted the issue of economic development at maritime sites and that a dialogue with the petroleum industry could be envisaged. The Commission on Sustainable Development started to discuss the use of the sea and its management.
The Bureau adopted the following text and transmitted the above report to the Committee for examination and further adoption:
"The Committee notes the results of the St. Kilda Round Table of September 1999. The Committee recommends (1) that the boundaries of the World Heritage area should be expanded to include the surrounding marine area and consideration be given to a buffer zone as was recommended in the IUCN’s original evaluation in 1986; (2) that a revised management plan should be prepared. The Committee also recommends that until the management plan and the risk assessment of any proposed development that might affect the integrity of the site had been prepared, consideration be given to placing a moratorium on oil licensing nearer to St Kilda other than that already licensed. The Committee decides not to include the site in the List of World Heritage in Danger."
ii) State of conservation reports of natural properties which the Bureau transmitted to the Committee for noting
Shark Bay, Western Australia (Australia)
The Bureau took note of the information provided by the Centre, the Australian Government and IUCN on the consultative process involving the ACIUCN, the State Government of Western Australia and other stakeholders to prepare an up-to-date state of conservation report for this property which is under preparation. IUCN noted that the issues addressed would include potential threats of mining, tourism development and the need to finalize an overall management plan.
The Bureau urged the State Party and IUCN to finalise the consultation process as soon as possible with a view to providing a detailed and up-to-date state of conservation report for Shark Bay, including a focused set of recommendations and a plan for their implementation as have been developed for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and submit them to the consideration of the twenty-fourth session of the Bureau in 2000.
Wet Tropics of Queensland (Australia)
The Bureau took note of the information provided by the Centre, the Australian Government and IUCN that the consultative process involving the ACIUCN, the State Government of Queensland and other stakeholders to prepare an up-to-date state of conservation report for the Wet Tropics of Queensland has yet to be finalised. IUCN informed the Bureau that issues to be considered in the report would include invasive species, fire management and tourism.
The Bureau urged the State Party and IUCN to finalise the consultation process as soon as possible with a view to providing a detailed and up-to-date state of conservation report on the Wet Tropics of Queensland, including a focused set of recommendations and a plan for their implementation as has been developed for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and submit them by 15 September 2000 for consideration by the twenty-fourth extraordinary session of the Bureau in 2000.
Heard and McDonald Islands (Australia)
The Bureau took note of the information provided by the Centre, the Australian Government and IUCN that the major component of the desktop study concerning the establishment of a marine protected area has been completed and that the report is in the process of being finalised. IUCN welcomed this study and noted that it will protect marine biodiversity and facilitate better management of fisheries impacts. The Delegate of Australia informed the Centre that the first stage of the study will be completed before the end of 1999 and that the habitat survey will be submitted to the Centre in mid-2000.
The Bureau requested the Centre and IUCN to review the desktop study report concerning the establishment of a marine protected area surrounding the Heard and McDonald Islands, due to be completed and submitted to the Centre before the end of 1999, and report their findings by 15 April 1999 for consideration by the twenty-fourth session of the Bureau in 2000.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha/Bialowieza Forest (Belarus/Poland)
The Bureau noted that the IUCN evaluation of the extension of the Bialowieza Forest of Poland is to be reviewed under the agenda item " Nominations of cultural and natural properties to the List of World Heritage in Danger and the World Heritage List". IUCN informed the Bureau that the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry has launched "The Contract for Bialowieza Forest" with its major goal of enlarging national park boundaries to the whole forest complex in 2000 and to strengthen the integrity of the site. However, a final decision has not been taken yet and discussions have reached a crucial point at present with a range of opinions in relation to the desirability of extending the National Park boundaries. IUCN also notes that a management plan for Bialowieza National Park is under preparation.
The Observer of Poland informed the Bureau that the idea of the "Contract for Bialowieza Forest" was initiated by the Polish Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry. It is aimed at enlarging the National Park to the whole area of the Bialowieza Forest (63 000 ha) and providing support for sustainable development. To this end, a multilateral commission was established, including representatives of the Park, communities, NGOs, State Forests and the Ministry. Pro-ecological investments in forest communes are foreseen and the project on the decree by the Polish Cabinet is underway.
The Bureau commended the Polish authorities for their efforts to extend the Bialowieza National Park and to complete the management plan.
Dja Faunal Reserve (Cameroon)
The Bureau recalled that its twenty-second extraordinary session, held on 28 and 29 November 1998, it requested the State Party to submit a report on the implementation of the Sangmelima Workshop recommendations before 15 September 1999. Such a report has not yet been received. A proposal prepared by the Centre to undertake a rapid biodiversity assessment to evaluate the impacts of on-going forestry activities on the contiguity of habitats and gene-pools in and around Dja was under consideration at the time the state of conservation of this site was reported to the twenty-second extraordinary session. Since then, however, the prospective donor, i.e. the Government of Netherlands, has changed its priorities for providing bilateral assistance to Cameroon and the project proposal elaborated by the Centre is no longer under consideration for financing. The Centre is currently in consultation with the NASA’s (USA) Earth Studies Unit to explore possibilities for using satellite and remote-sensing images, dating from the present back to the 1970s. This will facilitate the understanding and interpreting of the land-cover changes that have occurred in and around Dja and using the insights gained from such an analysis, in combination with field studies and ground-truthing, to assess the extent of the threat of biological isolation facing this site.
The Centre informed the Bureau that the negotiations with NASA authorities to use satellite images for monitoring land cover changes in and around Dja is progressing well but no specific agreements have been concluded so far. NASA’s Earth Studies Unit is investigating the availability of satellite images for dates covering times before and after the site’s inscription on the World Heritage List