The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Documents WHC/17/41.COM/8B and WHC/17/41.COM/INF.8B1,
- Refers the nomination of the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, Azerbaijan, back to the State Party in order to further advance conservation and preservation mechanisms with a view for their better implementation;
- Recommends the State Party to prepare the Action Plan for conservation and preservation of the nominated property in close consultation with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS;
- Invites the State Party to give consideration to the following:
- to strengthen the mandate and resources of the management team, and to revise and adopt the management plan for its further proper implementation,
- to strengthen protective measures for the buffer zone to ensure the long-term protection of the wider landscape setting,
- to prepare conservation guidelines to ensure future restorations are undertaken utilizing adequate materials and expertise,
- to consider the increase of the role of traditional governance structures such as the Council of Elders and the neighbourhood representatives in decision-making and management processes,
- to develop a monitoring system focused on both the state of conservation of the nominated property and the implementation of the management plan.