By Year
The World Heritage Committee,
Taking into consideration Rule 8 (Observers) of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee,
Authorizes the participation in the 40th session as observers of those representatives of the international governmental organizations (IGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), non- governmental organizations (NGOs), permanent observer missions to UNESCO and non profit-making institutions having activities in the fields covered by the Convention, who have requested observer participation at the session and as listed in Section A of document ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/3A.Rev.2,
Adopts the Agenda contained in the above-mentioned document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/3B.Rev.2,
Adopts the Timetable contained in the above-mentioned document
The World Heritage Committee,
Takes note of the report of the Rapporteur of the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (Bonn, 2015).
40 COM 5A
Report of the World Heritage Centre on its Activities and the Implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s Decisions
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/5A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 5A adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Takes note with appreciation of the activities undertaken by the World Heritage Centre over the past year in pursuit of the Expected Result to ensure that “tangible heritage is identified, protected, monitored and sustainably managed by Member States, in particular through the effective implementation of the 1972 Convention”, and the five strategic objectives as presented in Document WHC/16/40.COM/5A;
Requests the World Heritage Centre to ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/5B,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 5B adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Takes note with appreciation of the reports of the Advisory Bodies (ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN) on their activities;
Welcomes the harmonization of the reports by the Advisory Bodies and the comments on the progress made and gaps identified for the implementation of the Convention;
Calls upon ICOMOS and IUCN to continue to engage in appropriate dialogue and consultation with States Parties to further enhance overall transparency and optimize ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/5C,
Recalling Decisions 36 COM 5C, 38 COM 5D, and 39 COM 5D, adopted respectively at its 36th (Saint Petersburg, 2012), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions, as well as Resolution 20 GA 13, adopted by the General Assembly at its 20th session (UNESCO, 2015),
Welcomes the adoption of the “Policy Document for the integration of a sustainable development perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention” by the 20th General Assembly of States Parties (UNESCO, 2015);
Reiterates the need to ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/5D,
Recalling Decisions 32 COM 10, 32 COM 10A, 34 COM 5F.1, 36 COM 5D, 36 COM 5E and 38 COM 5E, adopted at its 32nd (Quebec City, 2008), 34th (Brasilia, 2010), 36th (Saint Petersburg, 2012) and 38th (Doha, 2014) sessions respectively,
Welcomes the progress report on the implementation of the World Heritage Thematic Programmes and Initiatives, notes their important contribution towards implementation of the Global Strategy for representative World Heritage List, and thanks all States Parties, donors and other ...
40 COM 6
Follow-Up to the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy and Progress Report on the World Heritage-Related Category 2 Centres
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/6,
Recalling Decisions 36 COM 6, 36 COM 9B, 37 COM 5E, 37 COM 6, 38 COM 6 as well as 39 COM 6 adopted at its 36th (St Petersburg, 2012), 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Commends the progress made in the implementation of the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy (WHCBS), its accompanying World Heritage Capacity-Building Programme, and the capacity-building activities carried out in 2015 and in the beginning of 2016;
Notes with appreciation the continued ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Documents WHC/16/40.COM/7, WHC/16/40.COM/7A, WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add, WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add.2, WHC/16/40.COM/7B, WHC/16/40.COM/7B.Add and WHC/16/40.COM/7B.Add.2,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),Emergency situation resulting from conflicts
Deplores the conflict situation prevailing in several countries, the loss of human life as well as the degradation of humanitarian conditions and expresses its utmost concern at the damage sustained and the threats facing cultural and natural heritage in general;
Urges ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.44, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Welcomes the efforts made by the State Party in view of the establishment of a Supra Organic Management Body to ensure an effective and integral management mechanism for the property and its components and urges the State Party to finalize
Notes with concern the standstill of stabilization works at the summit of Cerro Rico and also urges the State Party to take all the necessary measures to proceed with the stabilization ...
Sites: City of Potosí
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.45, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Commends the State Party for its commitment to the full and timely implementation of the corrective measures and for the progress made in a period in which the State Party also had to respond to severe damages caused by the earthquake of 2014;
Acknowledges that the allocation of dedicated staff and resources, efficient planning and coordination among national and local institutions are key factors in the successful implementation of the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.46, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
While regretting that the set of corrective measures adopted at the time of inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger was not implemented within the timeframe 2012-2015, appreciates the State Party’s renewed commitment to take all necessary measures for the proper conservation and management of the property;
Welcomes the strategy, programme and timeframe that are now submitted by the State Party that will ensure ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.47, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Commends the State Party for the implementation of most of the corrective measures towards achieving the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) and encourages the State Party to continue its efforts for their implementation;
Notes with appreciation the significant efforts invested by the local, regional and national authorities, as well as the international and ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.48, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Appreciates the initiative of the State Party to invite an ICOMOS Advisory mission, welcomes the progress reported in the implementation of the corrective measures adopted in Decision 38 COM 7A.23 and expresses its appreciation for the steady progress in the conservation and restoration of both public and private property, as well as the extensive programme for the promotion and transmission of traditional know-how;
Also appreciates the ...
Sites: Coro and its Port
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Regrets that the State Party was unable to submit a state of conservation report of the property, as requested by the Committee;
Congratulates the State Party for the significant work undertaken in the reconstruction of the 14 Saint mausoleums destroyed during the occupation period of Timbuktu in 2012 and thanks the partners who provided support in the framework of the Mali Rehabilitation of Cultural Heritage project and requests the ...
Sites: Timbuktu
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.22, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Regrets that the State Party was unable to submit a state of conservation report on the property, as requested by the Committee;
Expresses its concern regarding the unstable security situation at Gao preventing the State Party from inviting the requested joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission to evaluate the general state of conservation of the property;
Also expresses its concern that the property remains under ...
Sites: Tomb of Askia
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.23, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Notes that the State Party has halted all developments at the property pending the completion of the Master Plan;
Notes with concern that no progress has been reported with the development of the Master Plan that was requested in 2012, as part of the corrective measures, in order to ensure that conservation of the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, and other buildings, and development proposals such as for fire-fighting, visitor management and the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examinedDocument WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
RecallingDecisions 38 COM 7A.1 and 39 COM 7A.24, adopted at its 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Notes that encroachments by local communities have been removed from the property and buffer zone;
Expresses its great concern regarding the state of conservation of the property and the implementation level of the recommended corrective measures;
Takes note that the State Party will start the elaboration of a comprehensive and integrated Management Plan for the property in 2017;
Urges ...
Sites: Abu Mena
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.25, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Encourages the State Party to pursue its efforts to ensure the protection of the property, despite the impossibility to access it;
Expresses its great concern about the absence of information on the state of conservation of the property and requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed of the evolution of the situation on the ground;
Calls upon all the UNESCO Member States to comply with the provisions of the ...
Sites: Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7B.51, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Encourages the State Party to pursue its efforts to ensure the protection of the property, despite the impossibility to access it;
Expresses its great concern about the absence of information on the state of conservation of the property and requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed of the evolution of the situation on the ground;
Calls upon all the UNESCO Member States to comply with the provisions of the ...
Sites: Hatra
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.26, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Encourages the State Party to pursue its efforts to ensure the protection of the property, despite the impossibility to acces it;
Expresses its great concern about the absence of information on the state of conservation of the property and requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed of the evolution of the situation on the ground;
Calls upon all the UNESCO Member States to comply with the provisions of the ...
Sites: Samarra Archaeological City
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC-16/40.COM/7A.Add2,
Recalling the relevant provisions on the protection of cultural heritage including the four Geneva Conventions (1949), the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of 1954 and its related protocols, the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970), the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972, the Delhi UNESCO Recommendation of ...
40 COM 7A.14
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem (Palestine) (C 1433)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.28, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Notes that conservation works for the roof of the Church of the Nativity have been completed and acknowledges the progress made in addressing conservation conditions at the architectural ensemble and the rehabilitation works undertaken at other areas in the property;
Also notes that a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Advisory mission will be carried out at the property and will allow evaluating the restoration works that have been ...
40 COM 7A.15
Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Palestine) (C 1492)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.29, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Takes notes of the actions undertaken by the State Party to initiate the implementation of the corrective measures adopted to achieve the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR);
Expresses its disappointment that a timeframe for implementing the agreed corrective measures has not been submitted as requested, and reiterates its request to the State Party to develop ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36,adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Expresses its great concern at the continuous escalation of the armed conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis and irreversible destruction within the property, including of whole ...
Sites: Ancient City of Aleppo
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36, adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Acknowledges the efforts of the local communities to raise awareness of the need to protect the property despite the very difficult circumstances;
Deplores the breaking of the temporary ...
Sites: Ancient City of Bosra
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12, and 39 COM 7A.36, adopted at 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Expresses its deep concern over the damage caused by the conflict, and the fire at al-Asrooniya neighbourhood within the property, and requests the State Party to submit a detailed report on the ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36, adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Expresses its deep concern about the escalation of the conflict and the reported damages at the property, including at Saint-Simeon, as well as the illegal re-use of archaeological material and ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36, adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Commends the State Party for taking emergency safeguarding measures to protect the property and for undertaking its detailed documentation;
Reiterates that the State Party should continue to ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively;
Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
Condemns the deliberate acts of destructions at the property and deplores the considerable damage to the attributes of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV);
Acknowledges the documentation and ...
Sites: Site of Palmyra
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examinedDocument WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.34adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
Deplores the conflict situation prevailing in the country, the loss of human life and the degradation of humanitarian conditions;
Takes note of the report provided by the State Party regarding the state of conservation of the six Syrian World Heritage properties and the updated reports on the damage assessment of Palmyra, and on the fire in the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 38 COM 7A.13, adopted at its 38th session (Doha, 2014) and 39 COM 7A.37 adopted at its 39th Session (Bonn, 2015),
Expresses its concern at the recent damage caused to the cultural heritage of Yemen as a result of escalating armed conflict, and that the Historic City of Zabid continues to be subject to significant threats from the ongoing lack of organisational support and material resources for physical conservation projects;
Acknowledges the efforts of the General Organization for the ...
Sites: Historic Town of Zabid
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7B.59, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Expresses its great concern at the recent damage caused to the cultural heritage of Yemen as a result of escalating armed conflict, and that the Old City of Sana’a has incurred irreversible destruction and severe damage due to the armed conflict, and continues to be vulnerable owing to the deteriorating security situation, the ongoing social change and continuing lack of organisational support and resources for both heritage ...
Sites: Old City of Sana'a
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 22 BUR V.B.72 and 39 COM 7B.60, adopted at the 22nd session of its Bureau (UNESCO, 1998) and at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015) respectively,
Expresses its concern at the recent damage caused to the Old Walled City of Shibam as a result of armed conflict, and that the property continues to be subject to significant threats from natural elements, and a lack of organisational support and material resources for physical conservation projects;
Acknowledges the efforts of the General ...
Sites: Old Walled City of Shibam
40 COM 7A.26
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Afghanistan) (C 208 rev)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.39, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Notes with satisfaction that the Management Plan has been officially adopted and integrated into the Bamiyan City Master Plan, a tool which aims to control development pressures, but regrets that no updated report has been submitted on how these mechanisms work, especially in view of the strong development pressures observed recently;
Urges the State Party to continue vigilantly implementing the Management Plan for the World Heritage ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.38, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Deeply regrets that neither emergency measures nor conservation work have been undertaken in situ, and that no concrete report has been submitted providing precise and up-to-date information on the state of conservation of the property, including the security situation;
Also regrets that the State Party has neither adopted the detailed topographic map of the property, produced in 2012, nor submitted a proposal for minor boundary ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 39 COM 7A.40 and 39 COM 8B.35, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Welcomes the progress made by the State Party in the implementation of the corrective measures concerning the Gelati Monastery, one of the components of the property;
Notes the information provided by the State Party inter alia in response to Decision 39 COM 8B.95, regarding the significant boundary modification of the property, and in particular:
The clarified Management procedures and responsibilities of the ...
Sites: Gelati Monastery
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.41, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Welcomes the important work and commitment by the State Party to ensure that the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) forms the core of the development of the Urban Land-Use Master Plan (ULUMP);
Notes the measures taken by the authorities to guarantee protection to the property through the Decree on the Moratorium on Urban Development and Land Privatization as well as a revised ULUMP which has yet to be finalized and implemented in ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Decides to adjourn the debate on this agenda item until its next ordinary session.
Sites: Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
40 COM 7A.31
Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) (C 1150)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.43, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015) as well as Decisions 36 COM 7B.93 (Saint Petersburg, 2012), 37 COM 7A.35 (Phnom Penh, 2013) and 38 COM 7A.19 (Doha, 2014),
Notes that all stakeholders recognize the serious concerns of the World Heritage Committee over the potential threat of the Liverpool Waters development scheme to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property;
Recalls the conclusions of the 2015 joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Advisory mission, in ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.18, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Welcoming the efforts undertaken by the State Party towards the implementation of the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), including the announcement of a ban on offshore petroleum exploration within all seven components of the property and within one kilometre on either side of the Barrier Reef, notes that this policy announcement still needs to be translated ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 39 COM 7A.20, adopted at its 39th session (Bonn, 2015),
Commends the State Party and governmental and non-governmental partners for further progress made in integrated monitoring and granting negotiated local access to land and natural resources, and encourages the State Party and partners to continue these efforts;
Expresses its concern that another eviction has been carried out and strongly urges the State Party to prevent new illegal settlements so as to avoid further evictions in the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 38 COM 7A.34 and 39 COM 7A.1 adopted respectively at its 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions,
Takes note of the Bangui National Forum relating to the restoration of peace and expresses the hope that the commitments undertaken as a result of this Forum will enable a progressive improvement of the security situation in the country, including in the zone where the property is located;
However, notes with concern that insecurity continues to complicate the implementation of the ...