Decision 45 COM 7B.114

Colonial City of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) (C 526)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7B.66 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
3. Welcomes the preparation of carrying capacity studies for the historic centre, and that the second phase of the Integral Program for Tourism and Urban Development of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (PIDTUCCSD) has commenced and that it ensures a joint governance structure from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the Ministry of Culture (MINC) and the National District Council (ADN);
4. Considers the strengthening of the National Directorate of Monumental Heritage (DNPM) and the Cultural Heritage and Historic Centre Directorate (DPCH) of high importance for the appropriate management of the property;
5. Expresses its appreciation for the broad programme of activities undertaken by the national and local authorities during the 2019-2022 period and for the activities foreseen in the Action Plan 2022-2023;
6. Regrets the delays in the revision of the Law for Protection, Safeguarding and Development of Cultural Heritage, as well as of the submission of the Minor Boundary Modifications concerning the proposed buffer zone and urges the State Party to pay the highest possible priority to the matters;
7. Welcomes the progress in the certification of sustainable tourism and carrying capacity studies and the implementation of a Medical Emergency Plan;
8. Notes that capacity building in risk management is underway and that the preparation of the Risk and Disaster Management Plan is foreseen, and requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed and submit the Plan to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies;
9. Also notes that the reconstruction and restoration of the Hotel Frances and the restoration of the Santa Barbara Church and its surroundings have been completed, regrets that the Advisory Bodies did not have the opportunity to provide advice on these projects in due time and reiterates its request for additional information be provided regarding the conservation methods used in historic buildings within the property;
10. Further notes that the stabilization of the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco are being executed and also requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed of further developments concerning the restoration and future use of the complex;
11. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 47th session.