Decision 42 COM 8B.18

Historic Monuments and Sites of Ancient Quanzhou (Zayton) (China)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC/18/42.COM/8B and WHC/18/42.COM/INF.8B1,
2. Refers the nomination of the Historic Monuments and Sites of Ancient Quanzhou (Zayton), China, back to the State Party, taking note of the high potential to meet criteria (ii), (iii) and (vi), in order to:
   1. Further refine and focus the justification for criteria (ii), (iii) and (vi),
   2. Better describe the boundaries and buffer zones of each of the nominated property components in relation to their ability to enclose and protect the nominated serial property,
   3. Strengthen the coordination of management between the components of the serial property,
   4. Consider a stronger engagement of maritime and port organizations within the management system;
3. Recommends that the State Party consider further integrating the significance of the Min-nan Culture, of which Quanzhou is considered to be the birthplace and centre, in the attributes that convey the values of the property;
4. Also recommends that the State Party continue its important support and contribution to the Thematic Study on Maritime Silk Routes, and further recommends that the World Heritage Centre, in collaboration with the Advisory Bodies, give special attention towards the preparation of a comprehensive Thematic Study on the Maritime Silk Routes, and encourages the development of a transnational dialogue on this theme.