The Bureau recalled that the World Heritage Committee at its nineteenth session examined a monitoring report prepared by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention. This report indicated that the new water control structure allowed for an inflow of water on a small scale and that a colony of the Dalmatian Pelican had been re-established. The report concluded, however, that the integrity of the site had not yet been adequately restored. The Committee, therefore, decided to retain the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger and requested the Bulgarian authorities to prepare a status ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
Following an endorsement by the last session of the World Heritage Committee, a multinational rapid assessment mission was organized by the Centre and the Croatian authorities from 5 to 9 May 1996. The mission reviewed the state of conservation of the site, identified impact and damages caused by armed conflict to park facilities infrastructure, reviewed the legislative, administrative and management frameworks, assessed the socioeconomic situation of the site with regard to tourism potential and proposed summary recommendations. The full report of the mission was presented to the Bureau ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Bureau recalled that the site was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 due to threats from poachers, boundary encroachment and the adverse impacts of unplanned road construction. It furthermore recalled that at its last session, the World Heritage Committee called for an Environmental Impact Assessment of the road construction in the Park and requested information from INEFAN, the National Park administration, on road modifications, a land tenure study and steps for an updated management plan. Meanwhile, a copy of the land tenure study which was concluded in March of ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
The Bureau recalled that the site was included on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 because of negative impacts from a proposed iron-ore mining project and threats due to the arrival of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries.
The Bureau took note of a Round Table on Mount Nimba which was held in Conakry (Guinea) on 17 and 18 April 1996 organized by the Ministry for Energy and Environment in collaboration with the "Mission Française de Cooperation et d'Action Culturelle". The Round Table included representatives of the following donor countries and ...
The Bureau recalled that the site was included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 and that at the nineteenth session of the Committee the Observer of India invited members of the World Heritage Committee and the Director of the Centre to visit New Delhi, Assam and Manas. IUCN informed the Bureau that a member of the Rhino Specialist Group has recently visited the site and a full report will be available at the next session of the Bureau. The scheduling of a mission to the site is under discussion.
In the absence of any precise information, uncertainties remain concerning the ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bureau recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 as it was affected by civil disturbances and that a peace agreement was signed on 9 October 1994. In 1995 a dialogue was established between the parties, which has paved the way for a return to a normal situation and may allow for a detailed evaluation of the state of conservation of the site as well as the development of an action programme for its recovery.
The Bureau was informed that an IUCN project of 1 Million US$ is underway at the site to assist in re-establishing the management regime ...
The Bureau recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1993 and that the World Heritage Committee at its last session examined a detailed monitoring report, presented by the State Party, which outlined the longterm restoration work necessary to restore the balance of the Everglades ecosystem. The State Party presented a preliminary monitoring report dated May 1996 outlining the Government's efforts to protect the site. The report acknowledges that despite significant progress made (acquisition of additional land, improved ecological indicators), ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
The Bureau recalled that, at its nineteenth session, the World Heritage Committee decided that, on the basis of both ascertained dangers and potential threats, Yellowstone National Park be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and that the State Party should provide the Committee with reports on the results of the Environmental Impact Statement and mitigating actions. In such a report dated May 1996, the State Party advised the Centre about the different remedial actions taken. This includes long-term control programmes to counter the non-native lake trout introduction, public ...
Sites: Yellowstone National Park
The Bureau recalled that Virunga National Park was included on the List of World Heritage in Danger in December 1994, due to the tragic events in Rwanda and the subsequent massive influx of refugees from that country. Virunga National Park, situated on the border between Rwanda and Uganda, has been destabilized by the uncontrolled arrival of refugees, causing deforestation and poaching within its boundaries.
The Centre wrote to the authorities requesting that the World Heritage Committee be informed about any action to be undertaken to stop poaching operations within the site and to ...
Sites: Virunga National Park
The Bureau recalled that the World Heritage Committee at its nineteenth session discussed a report presented by IUCN, which underlined the infrastructural developments in the "Bow Corridor" and their impact on the integrity of the site. IUCN advised the Centre that it had submitted a brief to the Task Force which is due to report in September 1996.
The Bureau recommended that the Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session in November 1996 examines the Task Force report.
The Bureau considered the report of the mission led by the Chairman of the World Heritage Committee (1-11 June 1996) to examine the situation of the Galapagos Islands and to formulate recommendations to improve the situation. The Bureau commended the Ecuador Government for its support to that mission and fully endorsed the recommendations contained in the report (see INF.12).
The Bureau concluded that serious problems exist, such that immediate remedial actions are essential to safeguard the values of the World Heritage site and the surrounding marine areas, while recognizing the ...
Sites: Galápagos Islands
The Centre and IUCN have received a report on a Field Study on the flora and fauna of the Simen Mountains prepared by the University of Berne (Switzerland). The report indicates a deterioration of the Walia ibex population and that other large mammals (such as bushbuck and bushpig) have become extremely rare. In addition, IUCN stressed the serious situation at the ite, including the loss of biodiversity, the encroachment at the borders of the site, and the impacts of the road construction. An Action Plan for the site was proposed by the University of Berne. The report of the University of ...
Sites: Simien National Park
The Bureau recalled the detailed monitoring report prepared by an IUCN mission to the site in November 1995. This report noted the threats to the site, including agricultural intrusion and the implementation of land reform programmes. IUCN informed the Bureau that the Minister of Environment is in agreement with the findings. A number of follow-up actions, including the inscription of the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, was recommended. The Centre received a brief state of conservation report dated 30 April 1996 from the Honduran Minister of Environment, which indicated the ...
The Bureau requested the Centre to write a letter of appreciation to the Indonesian authorities expressing satisfaction on the actions taken and commending them for the detailed state of conservation report received for Komodo National Park from the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry dated February 1996.
Sites: Komodo National Park
The Bureau urged the State Party to keep the Committee informed about the proposed expansion of the industrial salt production project and to ensure the integrity of the site.
The Delegate of Mexico informed the Bureau that in July 1994 the ESSA Salt Mining Company submitted to the National Institute of Ecology an environmental impact study proposal to extend its installations. This proposal was refused by the National Institute of Ecology (INE) in February 1995. On 23 June 1995 the ESSA Company expressed interest in submitting a new study for evaluation by the INE.
In 26 February 1996, ...
The Centre received a progress report, dated March 1996, on the ongoing planning activities for the site and a schedule of activities. IUCN noted several recent developments in the Sanctuary that are of concern: (1) the poaching of thirteen Oryx and (2) the construction of a reverse osmosis plant which has resulted in significant damage to the desert habitat. The Bureau requested the Centre to contact the Omani authorities encouraging them to provide the definition of the final boundaries of the site and expressing concern over the poaching and construction activities.
The Bureau reiterated the request issued by the World Heritage Committee that a cultural resources inventory of the site be carried out and clarifications be provided on the road developments which may threaten the integrity of the site.
Sites: Huascarán National Park
The Bureau reiterated the request issued by the World Heritage Committee to the authorities to provide a map of the revised boundaries of the site and encouraged the State Party to finalize new legislation and to prepare a management plan.
Sites: Škocjan Caves
The Bureau was informed that the report of IUCN will be presented to the twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee and examined at that time.
Sites: Ichkeul National Park
The Bureau reiterated the request issued by the World Heritage Committee for information on the potential threats and the measures being taken to ensure that they are minimized.
In April 1996, the Centre and IUCN received information on the poaching of two Northern white rhinos (one female, one male adult). A joint WWF-Frankfurt Zoological Society-IUCN mission to the site was carried out recently and the findings will be transmitted to twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau in November 1996.
Given the gravity of the situation, notably concerning poaching of the white rhino population in Garamba National Park, the Bureau recommended to the Committee inscription of this site on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Bureau requested the Secretariat to ...
Sites: Garamba National Park
The Bureau took note of the report provided by IUCN on a "Sustainable Development Workshop" concerning the joint Zambia/Zimbabwe Strategic Environmental Assessment of Tourism Development in the Victoria. Falls Area which was held from 25 to 29 March 1996 in Livingstone. The Bureau was informed that a joint management plan is under preparation and that the first draft has been completed.
The Bureau requested the Centre to write a letter commending both Governments for the actions undertaken, and encourage them to complete the management plan of the site, which would give focus to the ...
The Bureau recalled previously discussed reports received on logging operations in adjacent areas to the site and was informed that discussions are now underway with Tasmania to develop a methodology for the proposed World Heritage assessments, involving both natural and cultural values.
The Bureau requested the Centre to write a letter to commend the State Party for its efforts to carry out the preliminary assessment of World Heritage values in areas adjacent to the World Heritage site. It requested the Australian authorities to provide a full report once the negotiations and assessment ...
Sites: Tasmanian Wilderness
The Bureau was informed of the decision of the National Institute for Culture to suspend the plans to construct two suspended cable car systems to facilitate access to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The Bureau suggested that the alternative means of access to Machu Picchu be studied in the context of integral planning for the whole of the area of the Sanctuary and that an assessment of its impact be undertaken. The Bureau requested the authorities of Peru to inform the Committee on the progress made in the development of an integral management mechanism as well as on the plans for the access ...
Upon hearing the report provided by the Secretariat regarding the hotel construction projects and discussions surrounding a query from a member of the Bureau on the "son et lumière" at Angkor Wat, the Bureau adopted the following decision:
The Bureau requested the Chairperson of the Committee to write to H.E. Mr Vann Molyvann, expressing on behalf of the Committee, his appreciation for the commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia to the World Heritage Convention and to request the Government to keep the World Heritage Committee informed on developments that may be of concern to the ...
Sites: Angkor
The Bureau took note that an expert mission is scheduled for September 1996 and requested the Secretariat to report on the outcome of this mission to the World Heritage Committee at its twentieth session.
Sites: Bahla Fort
The Bureau requested the Polish authorities to undertake the appropriate measures for the prompt implementation of the conservation project which involves the installation of dehumidifying equipment and requested to be kept informed of the progress made in this respect.
The Bureau commended the Albanian authorities for their efforts. In addition, it recommended that the Committee be kept informed about the on-going activities.
Sites: Butrint
The Bureau was pleased to note that the Secretary for Culture of Bolivia shares the concerns about the potential degradation of the Cerro Rico and that it is collaborating with the regional authorities in the preparation of an ordinance for the use of the Cerro Rico. It requested the Secretary for Culture to keep the Committee informed on the progress made in this respect.
Sites: City of Potosí
The Bureau took note of the report on missions undertaken in December 1995 and January 1996 by the Chairman of the Committee, UNESCO and ICOMOS regarding proposed construction developments endangering the cultural landscape of this World Heritage site.
The Representative of ICOMOS informed the Bureau that the City of Potsdam had invited ICOMOS to advise on the possible extension of the site as well as on its management.
The Bureau expressed its serious concern about urban development plans in Potsdam, particularly the "Potsdam Centre" project, that could directly or indirectly affect ...
The Bureau took note of the report on the joint UNESCO - ICOMOS mission to examine the impact of housing construction that might have an impact on the Roman Amphitheater in Trier. It requested the German authorities to re-consider the construction of buildings that would be visible from the Amphitheater and to involve ICOMOS in the drawing up of the terms of reference for an architectural competition for the area immediately north of the theater. The Bureau requested that a full report of the mission as well as on the progress made in undertaking the architectural competition be presented ...
The Bureau thanked the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) for having provided accurate information on the state of conservation of this site and congratulated the Government of Ghana for their efforts in mobilizing international assistance for the establishment of a Castles Maintenance Trust Fund. It commended the current major conservation programme in Elmina and Cape Coast which should serve as a model for the conservation of the Castle of Osu, Accra. The Bureau recommended that protective action be taken to identify the buffer zones and protect the other coastal forts most at ...
The Bureau, concerned by the inadequate level of resources available for the conservation of the fragile Ashanti Traditional Buildings recommended that the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, in cooperation with the Centre, prepare comprehensive conservation and site management plans within the context of envisaged regional integrated development programmes. It requested the Ghana authorities to inform the World Heritage Committee before its twenty-first session at the latest, on the initiatives taken in this matter.
Sites: Asante Traditional Buildings
After having taken note of the report of the Secretariat concerning several problems threatening the conservation of Petra, the Bureau recommended that the authorities of the Royal Kingdom of Jordan undertake the measures necessary to ensure the long-term conservation of the World Heritage site of Petra, and more particularly that it:
- halt all projects for the construction of new tourist roads, and carefully evaluate the impacts of the road-widening project from Wadi Musa to Taybeth;
- carefully evaluate the location of the water purification station;
- prolong the ...
Sites: Petra
The Bureau took note with satisfaction of the information provided by the Delegate of Lebanon, namely that the road construction project passing behind the site had been definitely abandoned following a Council of Ministers decree, and that the water seepage problems in the underground passages was being treated.them to also undertake emergency conservation measures to halt the degradation of the inner north-east angle of the Temple of Bacchus, protect the visitors and foresee the necessary conservation and restoration measures.
Sites: Baalbek
The Bureau took note with satisfaction of the information provided by the Delegate of Lebanon, namely that the project to extend the northern part of the port had been completely abandoned following a Council of Ministers decree and that a joint project of the Ministry of Urbanism and the General Directorate of Antiquities was being implemented to remove the unsightly constructions from the Roman aqueduct.
The Bureau thanked the Lebanese authorities for the efforts undertaken for the conservation of Tyr. It recommended them to take all legal and financial measures to preserve the ...
Sites: Tyre
The Bureau commended the Lithuanian authorities for their efforts, and encouraged them to pursue the promising revitalisation programme for the Historic Centre of Vilnius.
Sites: Vilnius Historic Centre
After having been informed by the Secretariat of the measures undertaken by the Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco to ensure the safeguarding of the Medina of Fez against the threatening automobile circulation project, the Bureau expressed its warm thanks to the national authorities of Morocco and to their Cultural Heritage Directorate, and recommended that they continue to be vigilant with regard to any new project of this kind, and that economic development projects envisaged with assistance from The World Bank for the rehabilitation of the Medina continue to be ...
Sites: Medina of Fez
The Bureau took note of information provided by the Secretariat regarding projects in the historical city of Cusco that could have a negative impact on the World Heritage values of the site. It invited the authorities to establish appropriate planning mechanisms for the historical city of Cusco and to inform the Committee through its Secretariat, in conformity with Paragraph 56 of the Operational Guidelines, of major restorations or new constructions which may affect the World Heritage value of the property.
Sites: City of Cuzco
The Bureau commended the Government of Poland on halting the construction works in the immediate vicinity of the Auschwitz concentration camp. It urged the authorities to devise a plan for the preservation of the site and its immediate surroundings and to keep the Committee informed on this matter.
The Bureau thanked the Antiquities Unit of Tanzania for having provided the state of conservation report. Since it is obvious that the site lacks proper documentation and a management plan, the Bureau recommended that a management plan be prepared by the Antiquities Unit of the Republic of Tanzania.
The Bureau expressed to the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic its grave concern with regard to the serious damage sustained to the authenticity of this exceptional monument, the Omeyyades Mosque through the inordinate use of reinforced concrete, plaster and marble, and by the demolition and reconstruction work carried out without sufficient scientific studies and without taking into account international standards for authenticity and integrity. It recalled Articles 4 and 5 of the World Heritage Convention ratified by the Syrian Arab Republic on 13 August 1975, whereby States ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
The Bureau recalled that the situation regarding the proposed airport extension in the vicinity of the Taos Pueblo site had been discussed by the Committee and the Bureau over the last several years.
The Bureau was informed that a preliminary monitoring report from the United States National Park Service indicated that no agreement had been reached as of yet between the Federal Aviation Administration, the Taos Pueblo and the National Park Service on the definition of the geographic area of potential impacts and on the contents of the Environmental Impact Statement. As to the ...
Sites: Taos Pueblo
The Bureau informed the Yemeni authorities of its concern with regard to the work undertaken by local donors at the Grand Mosque, part of the World Heritage site of the Historic Town of Zabid, and which appears to be causing serious damage to the authenticity and integrity of the monument.
It drew their attention to Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the World Heritage Convention whereby States Parties undertake to ensure the protection and the conservation of their heritage, and that conservation must be carried out in accordance with international standards, such as the Charter of Venice, in order ...
Sites: Historic Town of Zabid
Requests approved by the Bureau
Conservation Strategy and Preparation of a Management Plan for the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
In the light of the state of conservation report presented on this site, the Bureau approved an amount of US$ 30,000 for theelaboration of a management plan for the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras) subject to the submission of a detailed budget outline for this request.
Requests not approved by the Bureau
Architectural Design of the Interpretation Centre at the Galapagos National Park (Ecuador) (US$ 25,900)The Bureau recalled the recent ...
Preparation of Interpretation Materials for the Galapagos National Park (Ecuador) (US$29, 900)
The Bureau recalled that the total amount for promotion has already been fully committed and that no further funds are available.
Sites: Galápagos Islands
The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
786
Austria
C(i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property as an ensemble on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an especially well preserved example of the Baroque princely residential ensemble, which constitutes an outstanding example of a Gesamtkunstwerk. The Palace and Gardens are exceptional by virtue of the evidence that they preserve of modifications over several centuries that vividly illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of ...
II.1 The Chairperson opened the session and presented the documents relating to the adoption of the agenda (Working Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/2 and WHC-96/CONF.201/3) During discussions several States Parties expressed the wish to hold all debates in plenary sessions.
II.2 Following the proposal of the Chairperson and in order to respond to the requirements of the agenda and those of the States Parties, the Committee approved the agenda with the following modifications:
- Monday, 2 December and Wednesday, 4 December, from 17.00 to 18.00: Examination of the World Heritage Fund and Budget ...
III.1 As proposed by the Delegate of Australia, and endorsed by the Delegates of Germany, Benin, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Japan, Lebanon and Niger, Ms Maria-Teresa Franco (Mexico) was elected by acclamation as Chairperson of the Committee. The following members of the Committee were elected as Vice-Chairpersons by acclamation: Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Morocco, and Mr Lambert Messan (Niger) as Rapporteur.
20 COM VII.A.1-5
State of Conservation - Report and Draft Resolutions for Submission to the GA and GC
A. REPORT AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF STATES PARTIES AND THE 29TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNESCO
VII.1 The Secretariat introduced the working document (WHC-96/CONF.201/6A)on this agenda item, emphasizing that, following the discussions during the nineteenth session of the World Heritage Committee, the matter of monitoring and reporting should be brought to the attention of both the Eleventh General Assembly of States Parties and the 29th General Conference of UNESCO.
VII.2 As to the Eleventh General Assembly, it was noted that the Committee at ...
20 COM VII.B.6-12
State of Conservation - Revision of the Nomination Form and Format for SOC Reports
B. REVISION OF THE NOMINATION FORM AND FORMAT FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATE OF CONSERVATION REPORTS
VII.6 The Secretariat informed the Committee that, as requested by the Committee at its nineteenth session, it had circulated the proposed revised nomination form and format for World Heritage state of conservation reports to all States Parties and that comments had been received from thirteen States Parties as well as from the Nordic World Heritage Office.
Nomination form
VII.7 The Secretariat summarized the replies received from the States Parties and from ICOMOS and submitted a revised ...
VII.17 Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Guinea/Cote d'Ivoire)
The site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 because of negative impacts from a proposed iron-ore mining project and threats due to the arrival of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries.
The Ministry for Energy and Environment, in collaboration with the "Mission Francaise de Cooperation et d'Action Culturelle", organized a Round Table on Mount Nimba which was held in Conakry (Guinea) on 17 and 18 April 1996 with participation from the Secretariat. The Round Table included ...
VII.18 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)
The Committee recalled that the site was included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992. At the nineteenth session of the Committee, the Observer of India indicated that her Government was ready to welcome a mission by members of the World Heritage Committee and the Director of the Centre to New Delhi, Assam and Manas. In her recent letters, the Ambassador of India to UNESCO reiterated this information and advised that an updated state of conservation report would be available in due course; the latter has not been received to date. The ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
VII.19 Air-et-Tenere Reserve (Niger)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 at the request of Niger as it was affected by civil disturbances. The Committee recalled that a peace agreement was signed on 20 April 1995 and that it had encouraged the authorities to strengthen their efforts to safeguard the site. In 1995 the dialogue established between the Parties, allowed for a detailed evaluation of the state of conservation of the site as well as the development of an action programme for the recovery of the site.
The Committee ...
VII.20 Everglades National Park (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1993 and that at its last session, it examined the detailed monitoring report presented by the State Party, which outlined the precedent-setting long-term experimental restoration work necessary to restore the balance of the Everglades ecosystem. The State Party presented an interim monitoring report dated May 1996 outlining the Federal and State of Florida government's US$2 billion partnership efforts with the private sector to protect ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
VII.21 Yellowstone National Park (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it decided that, on the basis of both ascertained dangers and potential threats outlined by the State Party, Yellowstone National Park be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and that the State Party was invited by the Committee to provide information on the results of its required Environmental Impact Statement as related to proposed mining activity adjacent to the Park boundary and mitigating actions. In May 1996, the State Party advised the Centre about the ...
Sites: Yellowstone National Park
VII.14 Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it examined a monitoring report prepared by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention. This report indicated that the new water control structure allowed for an inflow of water on a small scale and that a colony of the Dalmatian Pelican had been re-established. The report concluded, however, that the integrity of the site had not yet been adequately restored.
As a result, the Committee decided at its nineteenth session to retain the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger and requested ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
VII.15 Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
The Committee took note of the results of a international rapid assessment mission organized by the Centre and the Croatian authorities from 5 to 9 May 1996. The mission made an interdisciplinary review of the state of conservation of the site and determined that the World Heritage values had not been adversely impacted by the armed conflict. To the contrary, the mission concluded the natural systems of the area were recovering from pre-war overdevelopment and over-use. The mission surveyed the war damage to Park commercial and ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
VII.16 Sanqay National Park (Ecuador)
At its nineteenth session, the World Heritage Committee called for an Environmental Impact Assessment of road construction activities in the Park and requested information from INEFAN, the National Park administration, on road modifications, a land tenure study and steps for an updated management plan. INEFAN informed the Centre that with respect to the road construction a meeting had been organized with the concerned political authorities and local communities. It was also noted that the road was declared of military interest. The Centre received a ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
VII.22 Virunga National Park (Zaire)
The Committee recalled that Virunga National Park was included on the List of World Heritage in Danger in December 1994, due to the tragic events in Rwanda and the subsequent massive influx of refugees from that country. Virunga National Park, situated on the border between Rwanda and Uganda, has been destabilized by the uncontrolled arrival of refugees, causing illegal extraction of wood and poaching at the site.
The Centre wrote to the authorities requesting that the World Heritage Committee be informed about any action to be undertaken to stop ...
Sites: Virunga National Park
VII.24 Angkor (Cambodia)
The Committee was informed of the Secretariat's report to the Bureau on the progress made by the Government of Cambodia in meeting the obligations made to the Committee at the time of the inscription of the site on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Committee was informed that it continues to assist the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to prepare the decrees necessary for the enforcement of the Law for the Protection of National Cultural Heritage which was promulgated on 25 January 1996.
The Authority for the Protection ...
Sites: Angkor
VII.2S Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
On September 5, 1996, the area of Dubrovnik was hit by an earthquake. In response to a request from the Croatian authorities, a fact-finding mission was sent to Dubrovnik late November to survey the effects of the earthquake. The expert mission reported that the earthquake caused minimum damage in Dubrovnik. Only some cracks dating back to the earthquake of 1979 had deteriorated.
Very serious damage, however, was caused to the historical town of Ston, which is on the Croatian Tentative List. Inside the city walls nearly all buildings were damaged ...
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
VII.26 Bahla Fort (Oman)
The Bureau at its twentieth session was informed that an expert mission would visit the site. This mission was undertaken in September 1996 and several recommendations were made regarding conservation techniques, proj ect management etc. All of these were accepted by the Omani Government.
After having examined the report of the Secretariat on the expert mission to Bahla Fort, the Committee thanked the Omani authorities for their efforts towards safeguarding the site and the satisfactory use of traditional materials, and to have adopted the recommendations of the ...
Sites: Bahla Fort
VII.27 Archaeological zone of Chan Chan (Peru)
It was recalled that an extensive report on the state of conservation of Chan Chan was submitted to the Committee at its seventeenth session in Cartagena in 1993 which concluded that the issue of encroachment and land occupation needed to be addressed in order to reclaim and secure the site. In 1996, the Government of Peru initiated this process. Long-term protection of the site is now a concern for the site managers and several alternatives of securing the site are presently under study.
Furthermore, a Pan-American Course on the ...
VII.28 Wieliczka Salt Mines (Poland)
At its eighteenth session in 1994, the Committee approved an amount of US$ 100,000 to purchase the dehumidifying equipment required for the preservation of the salt sculptures of this World Heritage site in Danger.
A contract to this effect was negotiated and signed between the Culture Sector of UNESCO and the Polish Permanent Delegation. The project is to be completed before the end of 1997.
The Committee commended the Polish authorities and the Marie Curie Foundation for their efforts in order to preserve the precious salt sculptures at Wieliczka, ...
VII.47 Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian (People's Republic of China)
A UNESCO mission, undertaken in September 1996, revealed a number of major problems, including the complete halt of site excavations, lack of adequate maintenance of the site and the lack of a new generation of researchers.
The Committee took note of the report provided by the Director of the UNESCO Division for Cultural Heritage who attended the first international Technical Committee on the Peking Man Site from 25 to 27 November 1996. The Technical Committee recommended enhancement in the protection of the site, ...
VII.48 Potala Palace in Lhasa (People's Republic of China)
The Secretariat reported that pressures of urban development and growth in tourism-related activities are resulting in many construction acti vi ties in the historic sector of Lhasa with a negative impact on historic structures and their authenticity. Furthermore, in Shol, the former administrative area of Potala Palace, which is part of the World Heritage protected area, the works undertaken on the historic buildings and the widening of the streets risk causing irreversible changes to the historic character of this area.
The ...
VII.49 Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat underlined the complementarity of the projects implemented by the Division of Cultural Heritage and the Centre. It reported that fields requiring particular attention are:
1. the restoration of the site: particularly the protection of the roofs and the drainage systems ;
2. the management of the site and the harmonization of current projects. Presently, the main difficulty encountered by the national authorities seems to be the harmonization of the different projects and coordination between the partners. Several precise ...
Sites: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
VII. 50 Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (Germany)
It was recalled that the Committee during its nineteenth session invited the German authorities to provide a full state of conservation report on the site, including statements concerning legal protection, current planning and development of Potsdam, as well as information on possible extensions of the site and/or buffer zones adjacent to the site.
Furthermore, during its twentieth session in June 1996, the Bureau expressed its serious concern about urban development plans in Potsdam, particularly the "Potsdam Centre" project, ...
VII.51 The Town of Luang Prabang (Laos)
The Committee was informed of the Secretariat's report to the Bureau that a surge of overseas public and private investments, and of tourism is being witnessed in this World Heritage town. Building renovations and new constructions are taking place throughout the town, including the rehabilitation of many temples without sufficient consideration for authenticity. Numerous violations of building regulations are occurring.
To strengthen the national capacity, a Heritage House (Maison du patrimoine) was established within the provincial ...
Sites: Town of Luang Prabang
VII.52 Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)
The World Heritage Committee at its seventeenth session in 1993, expressed deep concern over the state of conservation of the Kathmandu Valley and considered the possibility of placing this site on the List of World Heritage in Danger following discussions on the findings of the November 1993 Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS Review Mission.
Since then, the Government has given priority to responding to the sixteen points of concern raised by the UNESCO/ICOMOS mission.
To emphasize the increased importance being placed on the preservation of the World Heritage site as ...
Sites: Kathmandu Valley
VII. 53 City of Cusco (Peru)
At its twentieth session in June 1996, the Bureau took note of information provided by the Secretariat regarding projects in the historical City of Cusco that could have a negative impact on the World Heritage values of the site. It invited the authorities to establish appropriate planning mechanisms for the historical City of Cusco.
The Secretariat informed the Committee that no substantive reply had been received to the concerns expressed by the Bureau. However, the Peruvian authorities had submitted a request for technical cooperation. The Secretariat ...
Sites: City of Cuzco
VII.54 Auschwitz Concentration Camp (Poland)
At its twentieth session, the Bureau commended the Government of Poland on halting the construction works in the immediate vicinity of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. It urged the authorities to devise a plan for the preservation of the site and its immediate surroundings, and keep the Committee informed on this matter.
The Secretariat informed the Committee that since then, and although additional assurance had been given by the Polish authorities that construction works had stopped, it had received information that a cigarette company had ...
VII.55 Ancient City of Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic)
The Secretariat recalled that a mission of five experts visited the city of Damascus late 1995 and that their reports emphasized the tremendous investment on the part of the Syrian authorities for the conservation of the Mosque of the Omeyyades, but also expressed severe concern and reservations about the conservation and restoration approach and techniques.
In January 1996, UNESCO requested the Syrian authorities to stop the work immediately and to continue it only when in-depth studies would be carried out, and in accordance with ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
VII.56 Taos Pueblo (United states of America)
The Bureau, at its twentieth session, was informed that a preliminary monitoring report from the United States National Park Service indicated that no agreement had been reached as yet between the Federal Aviation Administration, the Taos Pueblo and the National Park Service on the definition of the geographic area of potential impacts and on the contents of the Environmental Impact Statement. As to the recommendations made by the Committee at its nineteenth session regarding the involvement of ICOMOS and IUCN in the definition of the Impact ...
Sites: Taos Pueblo
VII.60 City of Potosi (Bolivia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session noted with satisfaction that, in response to a request from the Committee at its nineteenth session and the Bureau at its twentieth session, the Bolivian Mining Corporation had included the preservation of the form, the topography and the natural environment of the Cerro Rico as one of the objectives for future exploitation of the Cerro Rico mountain. The Bureau commended the Bolivian authorities for this action and requested them to keep the Committee informed on further developments in this ...
Sites: City of Potosí
20 COM VII.D.61/62
SOC noted by Committee: The Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde (People's Republic of China)
VII.61 The Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde (People's Republic of China)
The Secretariat informed the Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session that a UNESCO mission visited the Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, in Chengde and noted remarkable achievements in the restoration of several of its buildings and of the landscape.
Major issues for the future are to bring development plans for the town of Chengde in line with World Heritage conservation needs, the improvement of buffer zone protection and the reduction of air pollution.
The Representative of ICOMOS ...
VII.63 Lower Valley of the Awash (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat reported that in spite of its difficult access, it appeared that the site is subject to the uncontrolled visits of individual tourists seeking souvenir fossils. To provide better protection and in order to further enhance this si te, several measures were recommended, including the:
designation of a guide by the CRCCH;
construction of a museum;
eventual extension of the zone inscribed on the World Heri tage List.
The Bureau took note of the Secretariat's report and encouraged the Centre for Research and Conservation of ...
Sites: Lower Valley of the Awash
VII.64 Lower Valley of the Omo (Ethiopia)
The Secretariat reported that erosion endangers the site by erasing the markers which had been planted during the last scientific missions of 1974 and 1976 on the major sites, especially those that had revealed hominid fossils.
Due to the suspension of the international missions since 1976, it was recommended that a survey should be carried out on the present state of the deposits to record the changes brought about by erosion, to seek out the markers still in place, and position each locality by means of a GPS (Global Positioning System) .
The ...
Sites: Lower Valley of the Omo
VII.65 Fasil Ghebbi (Gondar, Ethiopia)
Gondar was the political capital of Christian Ethiopia from 1632 to the middle of the 19th century. The Secretariat reported that an extensive and high quality three-year restoration programme is being undertaken to transform the main palace into a museum of Gondarian Civilization.
The Committee warmly thanked the Directorate of the Centre for Research and Conservation of the Ethiopian Cultural Heritage (CRCCH) for the financial and human efforts made towards the preservation of this World Heritage site, as well as the si te manager for his ...
Sites: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
VII.66 Tiya (Ethiopia)
The city of Tiya is representative of the numerous archaeological sites of the Megalithic period which bear witness to extinct cultures.
The Secretariat reported that the preservation of the site is effective, but that it could be further improved by a series of measures, including:
developing the surrounding area,
installing a signposting system,
numbering the stelae, and
improving the maintenance of the grassy surface of the site and the drainage system to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
However, for it to be truly enhanced, the site should be ...
Sites: Tiya
VII.67 Roman Monuments in Trier (Germany)
It was recalled that the Secretariat presented to the Bureau at its twentieth session a report on a joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission to Trier in reference to the construction of urban villas and a proposed urban development scheme in the immediate vicinity of the Roman amphitheatre. The Bureau requested that a full report of the mission, as well as on the progress made in undertaking the architectural competition for the area north of the amphitheatre, be presented to its session in November 1996.
ICOMOS reported that the mission had been successful. ...
VII.29 The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session examined reports on the state of conservation of thirteen natural, two mixed and twenty-six cultural properties. The Committee examined twenty of them (eight natural, one mixed and eleven cultural properties) and noted the decisions of the twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau on twenty-one state of conservation reports (five natural, one mixed and fifteen natural properties).
VII.30 Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Canada)
The Committee recalled discussions held at its nineteenth session on the infrastructural developments in the "Bow Corridor" and their impact on the integrity of the site. The Canadian authorities had set up the Bow Valley Task Force, in order to prepare a study on these issues. The Canadian provided a full report in October 1996.
In addition, IUCN provided information about the resolution at the World Conservation Congress held in Montreal, Canada in October 1996, endorsing the study's findings.
The Committee commended the Canadian ...
VII.31 Galapagos National Park (Ecuador)
The Committee recalled extensive discussions at its eighteenth and nineteenth sessions, on the issues and threats facing the site and that the Bureau at its twentieth session considered the report of the mission led by the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee (1-11 June 1996) to examine the situation of the Galapagos Islands. The Bureau, while recognizing the considerable efforts made, concluded that serious problems existed, such that immediate remedial actions were essential to safeguard the values of the World Heritage site and the ...
Sites: Galápagos Islands
VII.32 Simen National Park (Ethiopia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled discussions held at its twentieth session concerning reports received by the University of Berne (Switzerland) on the deterioration of the Walia ibex population and other large mammals (such as bushbuck, Simen fox and bushpig) which have become extremely rare. At the twentieth session of the Bureau additional information on the state of conservation of the site was provided by IUCN (loss of biodiversity, encroachment at the borders of the site, impacts of the road construction) and a report ...
Sites: Simien National Park
VII.33 Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
The Committee recalled that at its nineteenth session it took note of a monitoring report prepared by IUCN. This report noted the threats to the site, including agricultural intrusion and the implementation of land reform programmes. A number of follow-up actions, including the inscription of the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, were recommended. Following the Committee session, the Centre requested the Honduran authorities to inform the Committee about the actions taken to protect the site. The Centre received a state of ...
VII.34 Whale Sanctuary of El Viscaino (Mexico)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled discussions held at its nineteenth session, concerning a report on a project for industrial salt production at the site and its potential threats to the whale population. At its twentieth extraordinary session, the Bureau was informed by the Delegate of Mexico that the National Institute of Ecology (INE) created a Committee comprising national and foreign experts, which held a first meeting in March 1996, participated in a public conference attended by nearly 300 persons and ...
VII.35 Skocjan Caves (Slovenia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the World Heritage Committee, at its nineteenth session, had requested the Centre to contact the Slovenian authorities to provide a map of the revised boundaries of the site and to encourage the State Party to finalize new legislation and to prepare a management plan. In its letter of 8 August 1996, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning informed the Centre about preparations of the adoption of the "Law on the Protection of Skocj an Caves Regional Park", which was in the last phase ...
Sites: Škocjan Caves
VII. 36 Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia)
The Committee recalled that the site was included on the World Heritage List in 1980 and took note of the report presented by IUCN on threats to the site which was prepared in cooperation with the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. The report confirmed that the construction of dams had a devastating impact on the wetland values of Ichkeul National Park. The significant adverse environmental impact of the construction of two dams limiting the freshwater flow to the area was also described in a recent report by the Tunisian Ministry of the Environment. ...
Sites: Ichkeul National Park
VII.37 Garamba National Park (Zaire)
The Committee recalled that due to the success of the safeguarding action of the northern white rhino population by the World Heritage Committee, IUCN, WWF, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Zaire authorities, the site was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992. In April 1996, the Centre and IUCN received information on the poaching of two white rhinos.
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of additional information provided by IUCN on the loss of three rangers killed at the site and information based ...
Sites: Garamba National Park
VII.38 Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of a progress report which was prepared by IUCN's Commission on National Parks during a visit to the site in August 1996. The Bureau recalled that the Committee in 1992 had made recommendations on human impacts at the site and its possible extension. It noted substantial progress in dealing with the growing human impact in the area, and the possibility of twinning the site with another World Heritage site in Europe. On the other hand, the Committee I s ...
VII.39 Arabian Oryx Sanctuary (Oman)
The Bureau recalled that at its nineteenth session it took note of a progress report, dated March 1996, on the ongoing planning activities for the site and a schedule of activities. IUCN had noted several recent developments in the Sanctuary that are of concern: (1) poaching of thirteen Oryx, and (2) the construction of a reverse osmosis plant which has resulted in significant damage to the desert habitat. The Bureau had requested the Centre to contact the Omani authorities encouraging them to provide the definition of the final boundaries of the site ...
VII.40 Huascaran National Park (Peru)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the Committee, at its nineteenth session recommended to the Peruvian authorities that a cultural resources inventory of the site be carried out and asked for clarification on the road developments which may threaten the integrity of the site. The Bureau noted that no reply had been received to a letter addressed to the State Party.
The Bureau reiterated the request by the World Heritage Committee that: (a) a cultural resources inventory of the site be carried out; (b) ICOMOS be kept ...
Sites: Huascarán National Park
VII.41 Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that the Committee, at its nineteenth session, noted the potential threats to the integrity of this site, due to the proposed development of a new port, and the proposal to issue a license for the establishment of a large floating hotel at the site. Furthermore, the Committee at its nineteenth session learnt that Japanese aid agencies were considering supporting the project up to an amount of US$ 100 million and noted that Japan was still studying the pro] ect. The Committee recalled Article 6.3 of ...
20 COM VII.D.42
SOC noted by Committee: Durmitor National Park (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro))
VII.42 Durmitor National Park (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro))
The Bureau at its extraordinary twentieth session took note of the World Heritage Centre's mission to the site, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980. The mission reviewed the state of conservation of the site and damage at the Park Headquarters building in Zablj ak caused by a fire in 1995, which destroyed library and reference collections. The building had since been reconstructed, almost wholly refurbished and is operational.
The mission noted the rapid unplanned and uncontrolled ...
Sites: Durmitor National Park
VII.43 Australia
IUCN provided additional information on the situation of World Heritage sites in Australia. The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that Australia is a leading State Party in the protection and enhancement of World Heritage. It took note of information provided by IUCN on potential threats at a number of World Heritage sites in Australia, including salt mining at Shark Bay, logging in adjacent areas of the Tasmanian Wilderness, uranium mining at Kakadu National Park, and the opening of nature reserves at the Great Barrier Reef to fishing and ...
VII.44 Japan
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that at the time of the inscription of Shirakami-Sanchi and Yakushima the Committee requested a follow-up mission to review progress in 1996. IUCN informed the Bureau that it was invited by the Japanese authorities, but was not able to conduct a review in 1996 due to budgetary constraints. The Bureau noted that this mission had been re-scheduled for 1997.
VII.45 Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Peru)
The Secretariat recalled the suggestion of the Bureau at its twentieth session that alternative means of access to Machu Picchu should be studied in the context of integral planning for the whole of the area of the Sanctuary and that an assessment of the impact of a possible cable car system be undertaken, and the Bureau's request that the authorities of Peru inform the Committee on the progress made in the development of an integral management mechanism as well as on the plans for the access to the ruins of Machu Picchu. No response was ...
VII.46 Mount Huangshan (People's Republic of China)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session recalled that an international seminar was held at the site in 1991 by the National Environmental Protection Agency of China and UNEP, which indicated growing negative impacts of unregulated tourism development. It also noted that a training workshop for Chinese protected area managers was organized at Huangshan in October-November 1993. Recommendations of the workshop included the construction of a visitor centre, improving the disposal of the large amount of waste generated by ...
Sites: Mount Huangshan
VII.57 Khami (Zimbabwe)
The Secretariat informed the Committee that the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe had reported that a Strategic Action Plan for the conservation and management of Khami is being formulated. However, resources for maintenance work and surveillance are inadequate.
The Committee noted the information provided by the National Museums and Monuments concerning the threats of the development project in the vicinity which are leading to increased negative pressure on the si te. It encouraged the Zimbabwe authorities to pursue their efforts for better ...
VII.58 Butrinti (Albania)
At the twentieth extraordinary session of the Bureau, the Secretariat reported that major studies were being undertaken for tourism development of the World Heritage site of Butrinti and that Albania had made a request for technical cooperation for monitoring these activities, which, in the meantime, was approved by the Chairperson of the Committee. The assistance, however, could not be implemented due to the non-payment of the contributions to the World Heritage Fund.
The Bureau commended the Albanian authorities for their efforts at Butrinti, and recommended ...
Sites: Butrint
VII. 59 Kasbah of Algiers (Algeria)
In July 1996, the Permanent Delegation of Algeria transmitted a progress report for the project entitled "Safeguarding Plan for the Kasbah of Algiers", and informed the Centre that the training in Paris, financed by the World Heritage Fund, of three architects in charge of drawing up the plan had been satisfactory.
The Bureau, at its twentieth extraordinary session, took note of the information provided and warmly thanked the Algerian authorities for having informed it of their strong interest in the preservation of the Kasbah of Algiers and the ...
Sites: Kasbah of Algiers
VII.62 Aksum (Ethiopia)
The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session took note of the report provided by the Secretariat that the site management should be strengthened by providing and collecting scientific documentation at the site level as the basis for management and conservation planning, particularly in view of the master plan that is being prepared.
The Bureau warmly thanked the Ethiopian authorities for all their efforts and the measures already taken to ensure the preservation and enhancement of this site. It asked the Centre for Research and Conservation of the Cultural ...
Sites: Aksum
VII.68 Vilnius Old Town (Lithuania)
The Secretariat informed the Bureau that the rehabilitation programme of Vilnius Old Town is progressing well. In September 1996, the Danish/Scottish/Lithuanian consultant team submitted their final report on the Revitalization Strategy and steps are being taken to implement the consultants' recommendations, notably the establishment of a management structure for the rehabilitation programme. Furthermore a computer-assisted information system for the rehabilitation of the historic centre is in preparation. The President of the Republic of Lithuania and ...
Sites: Vilnius Historic Centre
VII.69 Archaeological sites of Bat, AI-Khutun and AI-Ayn (Oman)
On the occasion of a mission sent to Oman from 14 to 21 September 1996, UNESCO experts noted that several structures of the site of Bat are now protected by wire fence enclosures, but that several repairs and preventive measures should be taken.
Having noted the Secretariat report on the state of conservation of the archaeological site of Bat, the Bureau thanked the Omani authorities for preserving the structures of the site and encouraged them to implement as quickly as possible the additional measures already foreseen:
- ...
VII.70 The Monuments of Hue (Vietnam)
The inscription on the World Heritage List encouraged donations and international patronage, in addition to substantial financial allocation by the Vietnamese Government for conservation activities. At present this support contributes to the restoration of the monuments, the treatment of the wood against termites, and to setting up a geographical information data system.
The Secretariat reported that considerable urban and regional development for the area of Hue - Da Nang is being planned and major infrastructural works are being considered with a ...
Sites: Complex of Hué Monuments
VII.71 Historic Town of Zabid (Yemen)
The World Heritage Bureau during its twentieth session was informed that renovations which were seriously threatening the authenticity and integrity of the Great Mosque of Zabid had been undertaken by the local authorities.
The Secretariat informed the Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session that, since then, it had received the report of its expert stressing that the work is presently being carried out in a manner more in keeping with the traditional techniques; however, a water conveyance proj ect planned by the National Water and Sewerage ...
Sites: Historic Town of Zabid
VII.72 Great Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
Considerable progress was reported in the preservation programme for this site managed by National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). A site management plan is in place. As a result of a special Donors Conference held in 1992, the site has also secured surveying equipment. A total survey has been undertaken.
The Bureau commended the Zimbabwe authorities for their efforts of conservation and the professional expertise which is available in situ. It recommended that the World Heritage Committee be kept informed of on-going ...
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
764
Belize
N(ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee inscribed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System under natural criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv) as the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere, as a serial nomination consisting of seven sites. The Reef illustrates a classic example of reefs through fringing, barrier and atoll reef types. It commended the Belize authorities for having responded to the Bureau's request concerning the clarification on the boundaries of the nominated property, confirmation of the legal status of the different parts of ...
Lake Baikal
754
Russian Federation
N(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee inscribed Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). It is the oldest and deepest of the world's lakes containing nearly 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater reserve. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The Committee took note of the ...
Sites: Lake Baikal
The Volcanoes of Kamchatka
765
Russian Federation
N(i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee inscribed the Volcanoes of Kamchatka as one of the most outstanding examples of the volcanic regions in the world on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii). The site contains a high density of active volcanoes, a variety of different types and a wide range of volcanic features. The Peninsula location between a large continental landmass and the Pacific Ocean also exhibits unique characteristics with major concentrations of wildlife. The discussions held at the twentieth extraordinary ...
Sites: Volcanoes of Kamchatka
W National Park of Niger
749
Niger
N(ii) (iv)
Following a request by the Delegate of Benin, the Committee heard a presentation by IUCN on this nomination and a summary report on the "Sub-regional Training Seminar for Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site Managers from Francophone Africa" held at La Tapoa, Niger, from 29 September to 6 October 1996. This report was presented by the Rapporteur of the seminar and focused on the results concerning the three-point mandate specifically given by the twentieth session of the Bureau held in Paris in June 1996. The German Delegate ...
Sites: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
718
Zaire
N(iv)
The Committee inscribed the property as one of the most important sites for conservation, including the rare Okapi and rich floral diversity, under natural criterion (iv). The Committee expressed its hope that the activities outlined in the new management plan would ensure the integrity of the site. Considering the civil unrest in the country, the question of the long-term security of the site was raised.
Several delegates mentioned the importance of the pygmy population living at the site and the interaction between traditional people and ...
Sites: Okapi Wildlife Reserve
20 COM VIII.A
Change in the Name of an Inscribed Site on the World Heritage List: Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in Corsica (France)
Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in Corsica
258
France
The Committee took note of the letter dated 30 July 1996, in which the French authorities informed the Centre that they wish to change the name of the site "Cape Girolata, Cape Porto and Scandola Nature Reserve in Corsica" (France) and to add "The Piana Calanches". The Committee adopted the following name: "Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Piana Calanches in ...
VII.4 The Committee at its twentieth session examined the state of conservation reports contained in Working Document WHC-96/CONF.201/7B, and additional information provided in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.23 and decided to include the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
Simen National Park (Ethiopia)
Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia)
Garamba National Park ...
20 COM VIII.B
Inscription: Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (China)
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
779
China
C(iv) (vi) N(iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property under cultural criteria (iv) and (vi) considering the area of Mt. Emei is of exceptional cultural significance, since it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory and from where it spread widely throughout the east. It is also an area of natural beauty into which the human element has been integrated, and natural criterion (iv) for its high plant species diversity with a large number of endemic ...
The Laponian Area
774
Sweden
C (iii) (v) N (i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of natural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) and cultural criteria (iii) and (v). The Committee considered that the site is of outstanding universal value as it contains examples of ongoing geological, biological and ecological processes, a great variety of natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and significant biological diversity including a population of brown bear and alpine flora. It was noted that the site meets all conditions of integrity. The site has ...
Sites: Laponian Area
The Monastery of Haghpat
777
Armenia
C(ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the Monastery of Haghpat on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (iv) considering that it is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture that developed in Armenia in the 10th to 13th centuries which is unique by virtue of its blending of elements of both Byzantine church architecture and the traditional vernacular building style of this region.
The State Party was invited to consider the possible extension of the site to include the Sanahin Monastery when ...
The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
784
Austria
C(ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi) and considered that the site is of outstanding universal value being an important example of a European ecclesiastical city-state which preserves to a remarkable degree its dramatic townscape, its historically significant urban fabric and a large number of outstanding ecclesiastical and secular buildings from several centuries. It is also noteworthy for its associations with the arts, and in ...
The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
786
Austria
C(i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property as an ensemble on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an especially well preserved example of the Baroque princely residential ensemble, which constitutes an outstanding example of a Gesamtkunstwerk. The Palace and Gardens are exceptional by virtue of the evidence that they preserve of modifications over several centuries that vividly illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of ...
Lushan National Park
778
China
C (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) as a cultural landscape of outstanding aesthetic value and its powerful associations with Chinese spiritual and cultural life.
Sites: Lushan National Park
The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
763
Czech Republic
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being a cultural landscape which is an exceptional example of the designed landscape that evolved in the Enlightenment and afterwards under the care of a single family. It succeeds in bringing together in harmony cultural monuments from successive periods and both indigenous and exotic natural elements to create an outstanding work of human ...
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
751
Finland
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criterion (iv) considering that the Groundwood and Board Mill and its associated habitation is an outstanding and remarkably well preserved example of the small-scale rural industrial settlement associated with pulp, paper, and board production that flourished in northern Europe and North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries, of which only a handful survives to the present day.
The Committee congratulated Finland on the inscription of this site ...
Le Canal du Midi
770
France
C(i) (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Modern Age, providing the model for the flowering of technology that led directly to the Industrial Revolution and the modern technological age. Additionally, it combines with its technological innovation a concern for high aesthetic architectural and landscape design that has few parallels.
The Committee ...
Sites: Canal du Midi
Upper Svaneti
709
Georgia
C (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iv) and (v), considering that the region of Upper Svaneti is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional landscape that has preserved to a remarkable degree its original medieval appearance, notable for the distribution, form, and architecture of its human settlements.
Sites: Upper Svaneti
The Bauhaus and its sites in Weimar and Dessau
729
Germany
C (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value since these buildings are the seminal works of the Bauhaus architectural school, the foundation of the Modern Movement which was to revolutionize artistic and architectural thinking and practice in the twentieth century.
The Committee also noted that this type of inscription testifies a better recognition of the 20th century ...
Cologne Cathedral
292Rev.
Germany
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the monument is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional work of human creative genius, constructed over more than six centuries and a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe.
The Committee suggested that protective legislation should be set up which would ensure that new constructions around the property would be in conformity with the ...
Sites: Cologne Cathedral
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
783
Germany
C(iv)(vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of criteria (iv) and (vi), considering that it is of outstanding universal value bearing unique testimony to the Protestant Reformation, which was one of the most significant events in the religious and political history of the world and constitutes outstanding examples of 19th century historicism.
The Committee congratulated the German authorities on this nomination and considered that its symbolic value clearly justifies inscription under ...
The Archaeological Site of Vergina
780
Greece
C(i) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value representing an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization, at the transition from classical city-state to the imperial structure of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This is vividly demonstrated in particular by the remarkable series of royal tombs and their rich contents.
The Committee decided to add to the proposed criteria ...
20 COM VIII.C
Inscription: The Millenary Benedictine Monastery of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment (Hungary)
The Millenary Benedictine Monastery of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
758
Hungary
C(iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iv) and (vi) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value illustrating in an exceptional manner the structure and setting of an early Christian Monastery that has evolved over a thousand years of continuous use. Its location and the early date of its foundation bear unique witness to the propagation and continuity of Christianity in Central Europe.
This nomination called the ...
Sangiran Early Man Site
593
Indonesia
C (iii) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated site under cultural criteria (iii) and (vi) as one of the key sites for the understanding of human evolution that admirably illustrates the development of Homo sapiens sapiens from the Lower Pleistocene to the present through the outstanding fossil and artefactual material that it has produced.
Sites: Sangiran Early Man Site
Skellig Michael
757
Ireland
C(iii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional, and in many respects unique example of an early religious settlement deliberately sited on a pyramidal rock in the ocean, preserved because of a remarkable environment. It illustrates, as no other site can, the extremes of a Christian monasticism characterizing much of North Africa, the Near East and ...
Sites: Sceilg Mhichíl
Castel del Monte
398Rev.
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world, and classical antiquity. Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture, reflecting the humanism of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. The Delegation of Mexico emphasized the importance of the Castle as a reference point ...
Sites: Castel del Monte
The Trulli of Alberobello
787
Italy
C(iii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (iii), (iv) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional example of a form of building construction deriving from prehistoric construction techniques that have survived intact and functioning into the modern world.
The name of this property has been changed to "The Trulli of ...
Sites: The Trulli of Alberobello
The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
788
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value being of remarkable significance by virtue of the supreme artistry of the mosaic art that the monuments contain, and also because of the crucial evidence that they provide of artistic and religious relationships and contacts at an important period of European cultural history.
The original name of the nominated property has been changed ...
The Historic Centre of the City of Pienza
789
Italy
C(i) (ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it represents the first application of the Renaissance Humanist concept of urban design, and as such occupies a seminal position in the development of the concept of the planned "ideal town" which was to play a significant role in subsequent urban development in Italy and beyond. The application of this principle in Pienza, and in particular in the ...
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
775
Japan
C(vi)
The Delegation of China expressed reservations on the approval of this nomination in a statement prior to the Committee taking its decision. The text of China's statement is reproduced in Annex V.
The Committee decided to inscribe the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) on the World Heritage List, exceptionally on the basis of cultural criterion (vi).
The Delegate of the United States of America made a statement dissociating his Delegation from the Committee's decision. This text is reproduced in Annex ...
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
776
Japan
C(i) (ii) (iv) (vi)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi) as the supreme example of this form of religious centre, setting traditional architecture of great artistic and technical merit against a dramatic natural background and thereby creating a work of art of incomparable physical beauty. The Delegate of Germany suggested that the authorities may consider cultural landscape criteria for a possible ...
Sites: Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
The Ancient ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, Oualata
750
Mauritania
C (iii) (i v) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the World Heritage List on the basis of cultural criteria (iii), (iv) and (v) considering that these four ancient cities constitute exceptional examples of settlements built to serve the important trade routes of the Sahara Desert, and which were witness to cultural, social and economic contacts for many centuries.
Several delegations emphasized the importance of this inscription, following a long safeguarding campaign, which adds to ...
The Prehispanic Town of Uxmal
791
Mexico
C (i) (ii) (iii)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii) and (iii) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value. The ruins of the ceremonial structures at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of late Mayan art and architecture in their design, layout and ornamentation, and the complex of Uxmal and its three related towns of Kabah, Labna and Sayil admirably demonstrate the social and economic structure of late Mayan society.
The Committee also commended Mexico on the ...
Sites: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
The Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro
792
Mexico
C(ii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of a colonial town whose layout symbolizes its multi-ethnic population. It is also endowed with a wealth of outstanding buildings, notably from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Historic City of Meknes
793
Morocco
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the Historic City of Meknes under cultural criterion (iv) because it represents in an exceptionally complete and well preserved way the urban fabric and monumental buildings of a 17th century Maghreb capital city which combines elements of Islamic and European design and planning in a harmonious fashion.
Furthermore, the Committee congratulated Morocco on the presentation of Meknes, and welcomed its inscription Moulay'a Ismail capital on the World Heritage List. Meknes strengthens the coherence of the ...
Sites: Historic City of Meknes
The Defence Line of Amsterdam
759
Netherlands
C(ii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is an exceptional example of an extensive integrated defence system of the modern period which has survived intact and well conserved since it was created in the later 19th century. It is also notable for the unique way in which the Dutch genius for hydraulic engineering has been incorporated into the defences of the nation's capital ...
Sites: Dutch Water Defence Lines
The Historic Centre of Oporto
755
Portugal
C (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criterion (iv) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as the urban fabric and its many historic buildings bear remarkable testimony to the development over the past thousand years of a European city that looks outward to the west for its cultural and commercial links.
The Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
781
Spain
C(ii) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (v) considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is an exceptional example of the medieval fortress town that has preserved its original townscape remarkably intact along with many excellent examples of religious and secular architecture from the 12th to the 18th centuries. It is also exceptional because the walled town blends into and enhances the fine rural and natural landscape within which it is ...
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
782
Spain
C (i) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (i) and (iv), considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a wholly exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which dramatically illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities.
The Church Village of Gammelstad, Lulea
762
Sweden
C(ii) (iv) (v)
The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iv) and (v), considering that the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a remarkable example of the traditional church town of northern Scandinavia, and admirably illustrates the adaptation of conventional urban design to the special geographical and climatic conditions of a hostile natural environment.
20 COM VIII.C
Extension and Change of Name: The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto (Italy)
The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
712bis
Italy
C(i) (ii)
The Committee decided to approve the extension of the site inscribed in 1995.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction that the protection of this property was extended to incorporate 22 Palladian villas.
The name of the property was changed to "The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto."
20 COM IX.A.1-6
Progress Report on Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Global Strategy for Cultural Heritage
A.1 Follow up to the Harare Meeting (1995)IX.1 The proceedings of the First Global strategy meeting held in Harare (Zimbabwe) from 11 to 13 October 1995, were published as an illustrated document disseminated in Africa through UNESCO Offices and National Commissions for UNESCO. As a result of this meeting and thanks to preparatory assistance, Zimbabwe organized another sub-regional meeting in November 1996, to harmonize the tentative lists, and which was attended by ten countries. The experts, who had already participated in the 1995 meeting, undertook to finalize their tentative lists ...
20 COM IX.B.7
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Thematic Studies
Regional Thematic Study Meeting: European Cultural Landscapes of Outstanding Universal Value (Vienna, Austria, 21 April 1996)
IX.7 The Committee recalled that following the Action Plan for Cultural Landscapes as adopted by the seventeenth session of the World Heritage Committee held in Cartagena in December 1993, a series of regional thematic study meetings were organized in 1994 and 1995. In 1996 a regional thematic study meeting on European Cultural Landscapes of Outstanding Universal Value was organized by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the advisory bodies and the Austrian ...
20 COM IX.C.8-15
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic Studies: Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
C.1 Expert Meeting on Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites (Pare national de la Vanoise, France, 22 to 24 March 1996)
IX.8 The Committee commended the French authorities for hosting the expert meeting on "Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites" from 22 to 24 March 1996 at the Parc National de la Vanoise (France) and took note of the full report of the meeting presented in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.8 in English and French.
IX.9 The Australian Delegation ...
20 COM IX.C.16-17
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic Studies: Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
C.2 Expert Meeting on Geological and Fossil Sites held at the 30th International Geological Congress (Beijing, China, 8 to 10 August 1996)
IX.16 The Committee recalled that the Bureau at its eighteenth session in July 1994, had asked for an expert meeting on geological and fossil sites. This expert meeting was held at the 30th International Geological Congress (Beijing, China, 8 to 10 August 1996) in order to enhance the preparation of a comparative global study of Earth's evolutionary history. The meeting was organized by the UNESCO Division of Earth Sciences, the World Heritage Centre ...
20 COM IX.D.18-21
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Projects for 1997 and 1998
D.1 Global Strategy for Cultural Heritage
IX.18 The Committee approved a Global Strategy meeting for the Pacific Region in 1997, and the principle of a meeting for the Caribbean region with the French Ministry of Education nationale et d'Enseignement Superieur et de la Recherche in 1998. The Committee allocated an amount of US$ 40,000 under Chapter 11 of the budget for the Pacific region.
D.2 Global Strategy for Natural Heritage
IX.19 The Committee decided that, in view of the Vanoise conclusions on strengthening the links between cultural and natural values, and in the spirit ...
20 COM IX.E.22
Progress Report on the Global Strategy and Thematic and Comparative Studies: Comparative Studies on Cultural Heritage
IX.22 The Committee took note of the ICOMOS document on Comparative Studies (Information, Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.11) and its results.
X.1 The Secretariat presented a summary of Document WHC-96/CONF.201/11 on the subject of Co-operation between the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre. With increasing volume and complexity of work and relatively static funding abilities, the Secretariat, advisory bodies and Committee had expressed concerns for the need of a close working relationship between the Centre and the three Advisory Bodies to avoid overlap, to effect cost efficiencies and to expedite the work of the Convention. As no overall agreements between the Centre and the advisory bodies existed, it was agreed ...
XX.1 The Committee decided that, following the invitation of the Government of Italy expressed at its nineteenth session and reiterated at the twentieth session of the Bureau, the twenty-first session of the Committee will take place in Naples, Italy from 1 to 6 December 1997. The Committee expressed its gratitude for this generous invitation.
XX.2 The Delegate of Japan informed the Committee that his country would like to host the Committee in 1998. However, as the Delegate of Niger had already transmitted, at the nineteenth session of the Committee, his Government1s intention to host ...
XI.7 Several Committee members expressed their full satisfaction with the proposed training strategy for cultural heritage. They took note of Information Document WHC- 96/CONF.201/INF.15 before approving a recommendation on the principles which should guide training activities in the field of natural and cultural heritage which is attached in Annex IV. They announced their intention to increase the 1997 budget line earmarked for training. The Representative of ICCROM proposed that ICCROM coordinate the training initiatives in order to avoid duplication.
XII. The Bureau at its twentieth extraordinary session noted that several requests for international assistance were related to state of conservation reports on the same properties and suggested the Committee to consider if these should be examined together. The Committee approved the recommendation of the Bureau. Furthermore, the Delegate of Germany proposed that all training requests submitted for World Heritage funding on a yearly basis be studied together so as to provide information on the level of funds obligated on a regular basis. The Delegate of Canada insisted that these ...
Sites: Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites Serra da Capivara National Park Simien National Park Town of Luang Prabang
XXII.1 The Rapporteur presented the draft report of the session to the Committee and thanked the Secretariat for its efficient support in its preparation. Following a detailed examination of the draft report, the Committee adopted it with the amendments noted and received in written form during the debate.
20 COM XIII.1-12
Examination of the World Heritage Fund and Approval of the Budget for 1997, and Presentation of a Provisional Budget for 1998
XIII.1 The Chairperson opened the session and referred to Working Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/14A, B and C, as well as to Information Documents WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.17, INF.18 and INF.19. Mr Mark Warren, Deputy Comptroller of the Bureau of the Comptroller of UNESCO, then presented the structure of the accounts and the global proposals for 1997.
XIII.2 The Deputy Comptroller explained that the documents relating to this agenda item (with the exception of WHC- 96/CONF.201/14D which would be discussed later), had been prepared in response to the Bureau's decision at its twentieth session for a ...
XXIII.1 The Director of the Centre, on behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO, expressed his gratitude to the Mexican authorities for having provided the facilities for this session and to the Chairperson, the Rapporteur and all members of the Committee for their constructive participation in the debates. He assured the Committee that the Secretariat will do its utmost to implement the decisions of the Committee in a timely and appropriate manner.
XXIII.2 The Delegate of Australia, speaking on behalf of all participants, thanked the Government of Mexico for its generous hospitality and ...
XIII.13 Proposed Workplan for 1997 and provisional budgetfor 1998
Whilst regretting that the details and explanations provided by the Centre relating to the use of the funds foreseen in the Workplan for 1997 were insufficient, the delegates questioned the structure of the budget and the allocation of funds. Thus, the following decisions were taken:
a) the budget for 1997 is increased to US$ 3.5 million instead of US$ 3.3 million originally foreseen;b) the funds allocated for the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations of the Convention (US$ 40,000 in Chapter I and US$ 100,000 in Chapter ...
XIV.1 The Secretariat presented Document WHC-96/CONF.201/15, "The implementation of the Convention in light of twenty-five years' practice" which was divided into three sections. Section I provided a review of the "Strategic Orientations for the Future" including a synopsis of achievements in meeting the five goals established by the sixteenth session of the Committee in 1992. Section II provided the highlights of the States Parties' replies to the 25th Anniversary Circular Letter as of 23 October 1996. Section III proposed a meeting of experts to thoroughly review the implementation ...
XV.1 In introducing this agenda item on promotional and educational activities carried out in 1996 and to examine the proposals for 1997 (as contained in Document WHC-96/CONF.201/16), the Chair stated that these activities play a vital role In enhancing the implementation of the Convention and that the Committee therefore attaches great importance to these matters. She explained to the Committee that the World Heritage Centre, in addition to managing such activities financed from the World Heritage Fund, also coordinates promotional and educational activities on World Heritage carried out ...
XVI.1 The Secretariat summarized Working Document WHC-96/CONF.201/17 on the "Use of the World Heritage Emblem" which was requested by the twentieth session of the Bureau in 1996, and which provided a legal analysis by UNESCO's Legal Advisor of the aspects concerning the use of the emblem, as well as proposals as to the manner in which to guide its appropriate use. The legal analysis determined that under the terms of the contract with the artist, Mr. Olyff, who designed the emblem, the owner of the emblem is UNESCO. However, it was further underlined that the Committee adopted the artwork ...
20 COM XVII.1-9
Revision of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention
XVII.1 The Committee took note of the revisions to the Operational Guidelines which were proposed by the Expert Meeting on Evaluation of general principles and criteria for nominations of natural World Heritage sites (Pare national de la Vanoise, France, 22 to 24 March 1996) and of the full report contained in Information Document WHC-96/CONF.201/INF.8, as well as the responses by eleven States Parties to the Circular Letter requesting comments on this matter.
XVII.2 The Delegate of Canada proposed to keep the Vanoise recommendations as well as comments by States Parties on record and ...
XVIII.1 The Committee examined the proposals contained in Document WHC-96/CONF.201/19 to ensure the continuing legality for the functioning of the Bureau following each General Assembly of States Parties until the election of the new Bureau.
XVIII.2 The Committee decided to modify Rule 12.1 of the Rules of Procedure as follows:
"The Committee, at the beginning of each ordinary session, shall elect a Chairman, five Vice-Chairmen and a Rapporteur, who shall remain in office until the beginning of the next ordinary session. When its December session precedes the year when the General ...
20 COM XIX.1-2
Date, Place and Provisional Agenda of the Twenty-first Session of the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee
XIX.1 The Committee decided that the twenty-first session of the Bureau will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 23 to 28 June 1997.
XIX.2 The Committee adopted the provisional agenda for the Bureau's session which is attached as Annex VIII.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
A.1 TECHNICAL COOPERATION
A.1.1 ICCROM - Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) (US$ 25,000 requested)
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 25,000 to allow ICCROM to continue its work of dissemination of scientific information by supplying World Heritage sites with basic conservation materials and libraries.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
A.1 TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION
A.1.2 Technical Assistance Request for Vilnius Old Town (Lithuania) (US$ 25,000 requested)
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 25,000 to provide expert advice and logistic support to both the rehabilitation programme and the organization of the Donors' and Investors' ...
Sites: Vilnius Historic Centre
CULTURAL HERITAGE
A.1 TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION
A.1.3 Lalibela; Fasil Ghebi; Lower Valley of the Awash; Tiya; Aksum and Valley of of the Omo (Ethiopia) (US$ 27,500 requested)
Considering the quality and the well-chosen small-scale activities which are already partly funded by the Centre for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CRCCH) , and in order to backstop the remarkable achievements and commitments of CRCCH to conservation,
the Bureau approved an amount of US$ 27,500. Support from the World Heritage Fund will permit the funding of international experts to examine the ...
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.1 Regional Training Course on Critical Wetlands Habitats: Keoladeo National Park (India) (US$ 30,000 requested)
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 30,000 to organize at the beginning of 1997 this regional training workshop for site managers from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other countries in support of the Natural Heritage Training Strategy.
The Bureau requested the Secretariat to contact the Wildlife Institute and the Government of India to ensure that there is no overlap with any other subregional training seminars for protected area managers foreseen for 1997 to ...
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.2 International Study Project for the Conservation of Wadi Tumilat (Egypt) (US$ 26,000 requested)
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 20,000 for the international training project for a scientific study and the conservation of the region of Wadi Tumilat. Organized by the Universities of Cairo, London, and Uppsala, the project foresees the participation of 20 students in documentation and conservation research work.
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.3 Training Workshop for Urban Planning Officers of China's Historic Cities (US$ 25,000 requested)
The Bureau,
recognizing the urgent need to sensitize the municipal authori ties and increase their technical competence to safeguard the historic cities of China,
approved an amount of US$ 25,000 to organize a workshop in May 1997 for the preparation of the Conference for the Mayors of Historic Cities, foreseen in September ...
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.4 Regional Training Workshop in Tbilisi and Signagi on "The Significance of Vernacular Architecture and the Problem of Conservation (Georgia) (US$ 27,000 requested)
The Bureau recognized the importance of Georgian vernacular architecture and the need to improve scientific, technological and management competences of the persons responsible for the conservation and presentation of the remarkable heritage.
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 27,000 for this regional training activity organized for trainees from the neighbouring countries, viz. Armenia, Azerbaijan, ...
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.5 ICCROM: Regional course for Latin America the Caribbean on Scientific Principles Conservation (US$ 30,000 requested)
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 30,000 as a contribution towards the costs of the regional course for Latin America and the Caribbean on Scientific Principles of Conservation, in order to improve the understanding of the elementary principles of scientific conservation relevant to different materials, the deterioration processes they undergo and the governing principles of different conservation/restoration ...
A.2 TRAINING
A.2.6 Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Course on Financial and Institutional Capacity-Building in Urban Rehabilitation in Historic Cities (request submitted by Cuba) (US$ 30,000 requested)
The Bureau took note of the complementary nature of this course, organized in Cuba, with the one proposed by the Federal Uni versi ty of Pernambuco in Brazil.
The Bureau approved an amount of US$ 30,000 for the organization of this two-week course, which places the emphasis on funding and addresses decision-makers at the municipal level, and in particular those of World Heritage ...
20 EXT.BUR V.A.1.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes approuvées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Egypte
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
A. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant compris entre 20.000 dollars EU et 30.000 dollars EU approuvées par le Bureau (budget 1996)
A.1 COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
A.1.1 Identification de sites potentiels du patrimoine naturel dans les pays arabes (Egypte) - (29.346 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a approuvé la demande pour un montant réduit de 13.300 $EU et suggéré que le séminaire proposé comme une partie de l'étude, soit relié au séminaire de formation qui aura lieu au Maroc sur "la formation à la conservation et gestion de biens naturels ...
20 EXT.BUR V.A.2.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes approuvées par le Bureau-Formation-Maroc
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
A. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant compris entre 20.000 dollars EU et 30.000 dollars EU approuvées par le Bureau (budget 1996)
A.2 FORMATION
A.2.1 Formation à la conservation et la gestion du patrimoine naturel dans la région arabe : conservation de la biodiversité dans les zones protégées (Maroc) - (29.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a approuvé la demande pour un montant de 29.000 $EU et demandé au Secrétariat de contacter les organisateurs pour étudier les résultats de l'étude égyptienne qui sera préparée sur "l'identification ...
20 EXT.BUR V.A.2.2
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes approuvées par le Bureau-Formation-Viet Nam
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
A. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant compris entre 20.000 dollars EU et 30.000 dollars EU approuvées par le Bureau (budget 1996)
A.2 FORMATION
A.2.2 Planification de gestion pour un tourisme durable sur le site du patrimoine mondial de la baie d'Ha-Long (Viet Nam) - (24.250 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a reconnu la nécessité de former le personnel responsable de la gestion du site dans le domaine du tourisme.
Toutefois, le Bureau a suggéré d'organiser la formation pour l'élaboration d'un plan stratégique pour la gestion de la Baie ...
20 EXT.BUR V.A.2.3
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes approuvées par le Bureau-Formation-Tanzanie
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
A. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant compris entre 20.000 dollars EU et 30.000 dollars EU approuvées par le Bureau (budget 1996)
A.2 FORMATION
A.2.3 Bourses individuelles au Collège de gestion de la faune sauvage africaine, Mweka (Tanzanie) - (30.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a approuvé un montant de 30.000 $EU pour des bourses destinées à trois étudiants pour un cycle d'un an (1997/1998), à condition qu'une demande officielle soit soumise par les autorités du ...
20 EXT.BUR V.A.2.4
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes approuvées par le Bureau-Formation-Inde
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
A. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant compris entre 20.000 dollars EU et 30.000 dollars EU approuvées par le Bureau (budget 1996)
A.2 FORMATION
A.2.4 Cours régional de formation sur les habitats des terres marécageuses critiques : Parc national de Keoladeo (Inde) - (30.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a pris note de cette demande et demandé au Secrétariat de la présenter au Nouveau Bureau, étant donné que tous les fonds pour la formation étaient déjà engagés pour ...
20 EXT.BUR V.B.1.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Thailande
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
B. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU dont le Bureau recommande l'approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
B.1 COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
B.1.1 Seconde réunion du réseau régional pour la gestion du patrimoine mondial, sanctuaires de faune de Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng (Thaïlande) - (65.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver un financement de base de 50.000 $EU, pour soutenir l'organisation de la Seconde réunion du réseau régional pour la gestion du patrimoine mondial en Asie du ...
20 EXT.BUR V.B.1.2
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Ethiopie
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
B. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU dont le Bureau recommande l'approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
B.1 COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
B.1.2 Atelier technique sur la conservation du Parc national de Simien (Ethiopie) (46.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver le montant réduit de 30.000 $EU.
Il a aussi demandé à l'État partie de mieux définir, en consultation avec le Secrétariat et l'UICN, le programme de l'atelier, les résultats attendus, et de réviser le ...
Sites: Simien National Park
20 EXT.BUR V.B.2.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-Costa Rica
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
B. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU dont le Bureau recommande l'approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
B.2 FORMATION
B.2.1 Dix-neuvième cours international du CATIE sur les zones protégées (Costa Rica) - (48.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver une somme de 30.000 $EU pour couvrir les frais de transport, de pension et de logement pour les participants, pour assister au dix-neuvième cours international du CATIE sur les zones protégées, Costa Rica, à condition qu'un budget ...
20 EXT.BUR V.B.2.2
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-Cameroun
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
B. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU dont le Bureau recommande l'approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
B.2 FORMATION
B.2.2 Bourses individuelles à l'Ecole pour la formation de spécialistes de la faune et de la flore à Garoua (Cameroun) - (45.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver un montant de 45.000 $EU pour des bourses individuelles pour trois étudiants d'États parties de pays africains francophones, pour deux ans (1997/98 et ...
20 EXT.BUR V.C.1.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine naturel-Demandes non recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Viet Nam
[in French only] PATRIMOINE NATUREL
C. Demandes concernant le patrimoine naturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU dont le Bureau ne recommande pas l'approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
C.1 COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
C.1.1 Coopération technique pour le renforcement de la gestion et de la protection du site du patrimoine mondial de la Baie d'Ha-Long (Viet Nam) (64.310 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau n'a pas recommandé cette demande au Comité et rappelé qu'il avait déjà approuvé une demande pour un séminaire au site de la Baie d'Ha-Long.
Le Bureau a suggéré que ce séminaire étudie les besoin ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.1.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Brésil
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.1. COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
D.1.1 Centre historique de la ville d'Olinda (Brésil) - (33.000 $EU demandés)
Considérant l'intégration potentielle d'Olinda dans un important programme pour le développement du tourisme dans le nord-est du Brésil avec des possibilités ultérieures de financement pour la rénovation et la restauration d'Olinda,
le Bureau a recommandé l'approbation la demande pour un montant ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.1.2
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Laos
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.1. COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
D.1.2 Conservation de maisons traditionnelles à Luang Prabang (Laos) - (49.900 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver un montant de 39.900 $ EU pour répondre aux frais encourus par ce projet (avec une réduction d'apport pour l'achat de matériaux de construction en passant de 20.000 $ EU à 10.000 $ EU), pour cofinancer un projet visant à transmettre des ...
Sites: Town of Luang Prabang
20 EXT.BUR V.D.1.3
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Brésil
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.1. COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
D.1.3 Parc national de Serra de Capivara (Brésil) - (35.500 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver un montant de 35.000 $ EU pour la coopération technique à la documentation, l'inventaire et l'observation de l'état des peintures rupestres du parc national de Serra da ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.1.4
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-El Salvador
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.1. COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
D.1.4 Site archéologique de Joya de Ceren (El Salvador) (10.000 $EU demandés en plus des 25.000 $EU déjàapprouvés en 1994)
Considérant la fragilité du site et la complexité de sa conservation et de sa gestion ainsi que la nécessité de poursuivre le processus commencé en 1994, le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver le montant supplémentaire de 10.000 $ EU pour un ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.2.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-Brésil
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.2 FORMATION
D.2.1 Amérique latine et Caraïbes : Cours régional de formation de troisième cycle sur "la conservation urbaine et territoriale intégrée" (CUTI/BR) (demande présentée par le Brésil) - (42.600 $EU demandés)
Le cours répond à la stratégie de formation concernant le patrimoine culturel et aux besoins soulignés par de très nombreux rapports sur l'état de conservation.
Considérant que ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.2.2
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-ICCROM
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.2 FORMATION
D.2.2 ICCROM : Cours de formation pour une approche intégrée de la conservation urbaine - (40.000 $EU demandés)
Etant donné qu'il est demandé aux organes consultatifs, dans la stratégie de formation décrite dans le document WHC-96/CONF.201.12, de concevoir des cours thématiques au niveau international et de les adapter au niveau régional, le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver le ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.2.3
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-ICCROM
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.2 FORMATION
D.2.3 ICCROM : Conservation de biens immeubles en Afrique subsaharienne - (50.000 $EU demandés)
Etant donné que le projet pilote pour l'Afrique fait partie de la stratégie de formation pour les biens culturels telle qu'elle estdécrite dans le document WHC-96/CONF.201.12, le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver le montant demandé de 50.000 $ EU. Ce montant servira à co-financer la ...
20 EXT.BUR V.D.2.4
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes recommandées par le Bureau-Formation-Gambie
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
D. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel d'un montant supérieur à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau recommande pour approbation par le Comité (budget 1997)
D.2 FORMATION
D.2.4 Projet pilote dans le cadre d'un programme de conservation (James Island, Gambie) - (40.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a recommandé au Comité d'approuver cette demande de 40.000 $ EU au vu de la recommandation concernant la stratégie de formation au sud du Sahara et de demander à l'ICCROM/GAIA de mettre en oeuvre ce projet qui est une illustration de son approche stratégique. Ce ...
20 EXT.BUR V.E.1.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Demandes non recommandées par le Bureau-Coopération technique-Portugal
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
E. Demandes concernant le patrimoine culturel supérieures à 30.000 $EU que le Bureau ne recommande pas pour approbation au Comité d'accepter
E.1 COOPERATION TECHNIQUE
E.1.1 Troisième Assemblée générale de l'Organisation des villes du patrimoine mondial et quatrième Symposium des villes du patrimoine mondial, Evora (Portugal) (50.000 $EU demandés)
Le Bureau a débattu de cette demande et décidé de la transmettre au Comité sans recommandation. Des membres du Bureau ont rappelé la décision du Comité à sa 18e session (Phuket) de ne pas contribuer au ...
20 EXT.BUR V.F.1
[in French only] Examen des demandes d'assistance internationale-Patrimoine culturel-Assistance d'urgence-Equateur
[in French only] PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
F. ASSISTANCE D'URGENCE
F.1 Théâtre Sucre à Quito (Equateur) (50.000 $EU demandés)
Considérant que la contribution totale au titre du Fonds de réserve d'urgence du patrimoine mondial pour le théâtre s'élèverait à 65.000 $ EU (15.000 $ EU approuvés en 1996 plus le montant supplémentaire de 50.000 $ EU),
le Bureau a étudié cette demande et approuvé le montant de 50.000 $ EU au titre de l'assistance ...
Sites: City of Quito