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State of Conservation (SOC)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1992)

Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger
UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds
International Assistance granted to the property

Requests Approved: 0
Total Amount Ap proved: 0USD

Missions**
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Construction of a dam (issue resolved); Bodo people insurgency; Illegal removal of vegetation and poaching

Corrective Measures
Current conservation issues

The Secretariat informed the Bureau that the damage caused by the invasion of this Sanctuary by the Bodo tribe in Assam, India, was estimated to be about 50 million Indian rupees (about 1.6 million US dollars). Although considerable damage was done to the Park infrastructure, the habitat in the inaccessible parts of the Sanctuary still remained intact. The Bureau, while noting that the conditions for introducing normal management and administration regimes for the site may be improving, was nevertheless concerned that a full assessment of damage had not been made and that the Indian authorities have not yet provided a formal written report on the state of conservation of this Sanctuary, despite repeated requests from the Committee since 1989.

The Bureau reiterated that the World Heritage Centre contact the Indian authorities once again and request a written, up-to-date report on the state of conservation of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. The Bureau recommended that the Committee, at its next session, review the information provided by the Indian authorities in such a report and in consultation with IUCN and the Secretariat, determine whether or not this site ought to be included in the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The Bureau's observations and recommendations were transmitted to the Indian authorities by letter of 14 August 1992 and a response is awaited.

Conclusion
Decision

  • Adopted

  • Draft Decision

16COMVIII
Link to the decision

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)

The Centre informed the Committee that the damage caused by the invasion of this Sanctuary by the Bodo tribe in Assam, India, was estimated to be about 50 million Indian rupees (about 1.6 million US dollars). Although the Park infrastructure suffered considerable damage, the habitat in the inaccessible parts of the Sanctuary appeared to be intact. The Committee, while noting that the conditions for introducing normal management and administration regimes for the site may be improving, was nevertheless concerned that a full assessment of damage had not been made and that the Indian authorities have not yet provided a formal written report on the state of conservation of this Sanctuary, despite repeated requests from the Committee since 1989.

The Committee noted with concern the information provided by the Representative of IUCN that the area is still not completely free from encroachment by militants belonging to the Bodo tribe and that illegal cultivation was spreading into parts of the Sanctuary. The Committee concurred with the view of IUCN that Manas Wildlife Sanctuary continues to be in danger of losing the values for which it was granted World Heritage status. The Committee noted with regret that the Indian authorities have not provided a report on the status of conservation of Manas, despite repeated requests over the last three years, and therefore decided to include Manas Wildlife Sanctuary on the List of World Heritage in Danger, in accordance with the provisions of Article 11, paragraph 4, of the Convention.

The Committee requested the Centre to inform the Indian authorities of its decision and reiterate its request for a comprehensive report providing a full assessment of damage to the site and the remedial measures that are being taken.

 

16COMX.E
Link to the decision

Even though there were no requests from the States Parties concerned, the Committee on the basis of state of conservation reports provided by IUCN (see Chapter VIII, page 20) decided, in accordance with Article 11, paragraph 4 of the Convention to include the following sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger. 

Angkor (Cambodia)

Mt. Nimba Nature Reserve (Cote d'Ivoire/Guinea)

Sangay National Park (Ecuador)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)

 

No draft Decision

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
State Party:
India
Date of Inscription: 1985
Nomination records (Year): 1984
Category: Natural
Criteria: (vii)(ix)(x)
Exports
Word File
SOC Reports (year)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1986
Threats*
  • Land conversion
  • Identity, social cohesion, changes in local population and community
  • Illegal activities
  • Civil unrest
  • Other Threats:
    Destruction of Park infrastructures
Documents
CLT.92/CONF.003/03
WHC.92/CONF.002/05
Other Documents:
View inscribed site documents, nomination file, reports, decisions, ...
SOC ID: 1698
Inscription on the Danger List
Year: 1992 -2011
Threats to the Site:

The Committee decided to include this site on the World Heritage in Danger List in 1992, when it was invaded by militants of the Bodo tribe in Assam. Damage to the sanctuary was estimated at more than two million US dollars.

The site's infrastructure suffered considerable damage during 1992-93. Political instability seems to have led to poaching during this period of thirty-three rhinos.

 


* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.