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Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

Chile
Factors affecting the property in 2013*
  • Management systems/ management plan
  • Wind
  • Other Threats:

    a) Extremely fragile nature of the industrial buildings that were constructed using local materials such as timber for frames, corrugated iron sheets for roofs and some walls, in addition to stucco and lightweight construction; b) Lack of maintenance over the past 40 years; c) Corrosion of metal cladding and dismantlement of some of the structural elements. A few buildings such as the Leaching House are liable to structural collapse if no support is given; d) Very little conservation work carried out

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • Extremely fragile nature of the industrial buildings that were constructed using local materials such as timber for frames, corrugated iron sheets for roofs and some walls, in addition to stucco and lightweight construction;
  • Lack of maintenance over the past 40 years as well as vandalism at the property;
  • Corrosion of metal cladding and dismantlement of some of the structural elements. A few buildings such as the Leaching  House are liable to structural collapse if no support is given;
  • Very little conservation work carried out;
  • Damage caused by the wind.
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
  • Extremely fragile nature of the industrial buildings;
  • Lack of maintenance for 40 years;
  • Vandalism due to looting of re-usable materials;
  • Damage caused by the wind. 
Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger

Proposed for adoption in the draft Decision below.

Corrective Measures for the property
Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures
Not yet established
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2013
Requests approved: 2 (from 2007-2012)
Total amount approved : 60,000 USD
Missions to the property until 2013**

October 2004: ICOMOS evaluation mission; May 2007: World Heritage Centre site visit; April 2010: Joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission.

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2013

The State Party submitted a state of conservation report on 21 February 2013 in response to the decisions made by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg, 2012).

The draft statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for the property has been submitted by the State Party.

a)  International expert meeting

The expert meeting, organized within the framework of the international assistance provided by the World Heritage Fund, to make an analysis of the different factors that affect the materials of the property, took place from 20 to 25 October 2012. Priority actions were identified and the results of the meeting were essential to identifying measures to mitigate decay factors, criteria for conservation and restoration interventions, research applied for conservation programmes and conservation priorities and management issues that had yet to be addressed. The recommendations made have been integrated in the review process of the Management Plan and were considered for the formulation of the Desired State of Conservation for the property. The State Party submitted the final report of the meeting highlighting, in the recommendations, the commitment of the State Party to develop public policies and to ensure on-going proper allocation of resources.

b)  Desired State of Conservation for the property

The State Party included a draft statement which has been revised and is proposed for adoption by the World Heritage Committee at its 37th session.

c)  Conservation strategy and Priority Interventions Programme

The State Party reports that on the basis of the draft Desired State of Conservation (DSOC) and with the results from the expert meeting, a conservation programme that will include financial estimations of costs and a precise timeframe will be developed. The final conservation programme shall take into consideration the terms of the DSOC as approved by the Committee.

As for the Priority Interventions Programme, human resources for the management of the site have been maintained and the Saltpetre Museum Corporation has strengthened its staffing levels. Work on the Head Doctor’s House was concluded and consultants have been hired to implement consolidation works on the primary mills of the Santa Laura Saltpetre Works and the homes of coordination managers of Humberstone Saltpetre Works. In addition, restoration of the Humberstone General Store will be conducted and the space rehabilitated to function as the Saltpetre Era Interpretation Centre. Funding for the extensive endeavour has been secured from the National Tourism Board, public regional funds and a mining company. No additional information was provided on whether funding has been secured for the sustained implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme.

d)  Balance of allocation of resources for visitation and for conservation

The State Party notes that although significant resources are being invested in the improvement of visiting conditions, mainly due to the fact that contributions are coming from the National Tourism Board, there are also projects being implemented from these funds that attend to the Priority Interventions Programme. With the recommendations made by the World Heritage Committee, the State Party considers that a more comprehensive outlook towards allocation of resources currently exists, which should facilitate the implementation of balanced and sustainable strategies.

e)  Management Plan

The 2013-2018 Draft Management Plan was revised after the expert meeting, but the State Party anticipates further reviews as the Plan is circulated for comments. The Draft Plan is included in the report and the Advisory Bodies will make its evaluation available to contribute to the finalization of the Plan.

f)  Mitigation measures for the bypass of Route A-16

Within the framework of the Environmental Impact Assessment System, the State Party reports that the requirements to ensure that no impacts occur on the property from the works have been identified by the Saltpetre Museum Corporation and by the National Monuments Council. Measures include archaeological rescue and monitoring, securing the boundaries, improving access with a single, safer and more functional entrance. These have been set forth to the Ministry of Public Works and to the implementation company. No additional information was provided on when it is expected that these measures will be implemented.

g)  Other issues

As requested by the World Heritage Committee, the State Party has also submitted the adequate maps with the revised boundaries and buffer zones which shall be reviewed by the Advisory Bodies.

The State Party also reports that the Saltpetre Survey in the Province of Tamarugal has been completed, which will allow the creation of a complete record of the sites associated with saltpetre which exist today. The museology plan funded by the National Tourism Board was also completed in 2012 and includes proposals for signage at the site. 

Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2013

The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies recommend that the Committee welcome the results from the expert meeting which will provide essential information to develop the adequate criteria and identify priorities for interventions in the short, medium and long terms. They also recommend that the Committee urge the State Party to finalize the Conservation Plan and its related programme and, based on that, review the Management Plan and integrate the results not only of this meeting, but of additional studies that have been carried out, so as to develop comprehensive and holistic programmes to address the conservation and management challenges being faced.

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2013
37 COM 7A.37
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Chile) (C 1178)

The World Heritage Committee,

1.  Having examined Document WHC-13/37.COM/7A.Add,

2.  Recalling Decision 36 COM 7A.33 , adopted at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg, 2012),

3.  Takes note of the results of the International Expert meeting (October 2012) and urges the State Party to integrate them in a comprehensive Conservation Plan for the property, including financial estimations of costs and a precise timeframe for its implementation;

4.  Acknowledges the progress made by the State Party in the implementation of conservation and management measures and also urges it to continue its efforts with particular attention to the following:

a)  Continue with the implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme and secure the necessary resources for sustained interventions,

b)  Based on the Conservation Plan, finalize and adopt the Management Plan and ensure that adequate resources exist to make an effective preservation system for the property operational;

5.  Adopts the following Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, as follows:

a)  Urban and industrial constructions of the Santa Laura and Humberstone saltpeter works have been stabilised, and their integrity and authenticity are guaranteed, on the basis of an agreed, long-term, comprehensive conservation strategy, and conservation plan. These buildings bear witness to the key historical, industrial, and social processes associated with the Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpetre works,

b)  The management system is fully operational, with adequate funding for operation. The comprehensive management plan, with conservation and management provisions for the property and its buffer zone, is fully enforced and implemented through an interdisciplinary group, with the participation of involved institutions and social stakeholders,

c)  The World Heritage property complies with safety and security standards for visitors and workers, and the assets of the property are adequately protected. Its Outstanding Universal Value is reliably conveyed to the public, which facilitates comprehension of the saltpetre era and the mining processes,

d)  There is a buffer zone that is protected and regulated;

6.  Also adopts the following corrective measures and timeframe for their implementation in order to ensure conditions of integrity and authenticity of the property and meet the Desired state of conservation:

a)  Measures to be implemented within two years:

Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i)  Continued implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme (PIP), according to its 2005 and 2008 definitions,

(ii) Development of a draft comprehensive conservation plan based on the necessary scientific research, a clear conservation strategy, and the appropriate safety and security standards,

(iii)   Continued implementation of security and protection for the site, preventing the theft of materials, and prosecuting those who engage in this kind of activity,

Management system and plan:

(iv)  Review, approval and initial implementation of the management plan for the new period,

(v)   Set up qualified management team,

(vi)  Explore means to count with appropriate and sustained human, material, and financial resources,

Presentation of the property:

(vii) Assessment and definition of visitation and presentation requirements and enhance visitor security measures,

(viii)    Definition and adoption of a visitor strategy and interpretation plan,

Buffer zone:

(ix)  Establishing a buffer zone, defining regulatory measures to ensure its protection, and initiate procedures for gaining necessary approvals,

 

b)  Measures to be implemented within five years:

Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i)   Full implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme (PIP), according to its 2005 and 2008 definitions,

(ii)  Full design and initial implementation of the comprehensive conservation plan, based on the necessary scientific research, a clear conservation strategy, and the appropriate safety and security standards,

(iii)  Security and protection measures for the site fully operational,

Management system and plan:

(iv)  Sustained implementation of the management plan and fully operational management system in place,

(v)   Management plan articulated with local and regional planning instruments,

(vi)  Appropriate and sustained human, financial and material resources for the conservation and management of the property secured,

(vii) Stable and continuous contribution by the State for the conservation and management of the property, in a framework of shared funding (public / private),

Presentation of the property:

(viii)    Visitor strategy and interpretation plan fully in place,

(ix)  Site’s facilities and activities contribute to the conservation and protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property,

Buffer zone:

(x)   Buffer zone fully established and approved and regulatory measures for its protection adopted and enforced, 

c)  Proposed indicators:

Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i) Number of adequate and efficient conservation interventions carried out (following the prioritized course of action set forth in the Programme for High Priority Interventions),

(ii)   Monitoring of state of conservation (material integrity) of the buildings,

(iii)  Evaluation of the appropriateness and efficacy of interventions for the buildings,

(iv)  Adoption of the conservation plan,

(v)   A safety and security system implemented (guards, information signs),

Management system and plan:

(vi)  Adoption of the management plan,

(vii) Funds allocated for the operational needs, considering sources and levels of furnishing of financial funds (private, public, generated by the property, etc.),

(viii)    Number of personnel working on the site (professional, technical and administrative levels),

(ix)  Prioritized yearly action plans derived from the Management Plan,

Presentation of the property:

(x)   Proactive social participation in conservation and management endeavours,

(xi)  Number of visitors, frequency of visit, origin and type of visitors,

(xii) Satisfaction with the visit,

(xiii)    Increased resources derived from sustainable tourism practices,

Buffer zone:

(xiv)   Adopted buffer zone map and integrated with local and regional planning instruments,

(xv)    Definition and implementation of regulatory measures for the buffer zone;

7.  Requests the State Party to provide three printed and electronic copies of the Management Plan upon completion;

8.  Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2014 , an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014;

9.  Decides to retain Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Chile) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

37 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (retained properties)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC-13/37.COM/7A, WHC-13/37.COM/7A.Add and WHC-13/37.COM/7A.Add.
  2. Decides to maintain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
  • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 37 COM 7A.29 )
  • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 37 COM 7A.30 )
  • Belize, Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Decision 37 COM 7A.16 )
  • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.1)
  • Chile, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Decision 37 COM 7A.37 )
  • Colombia, Los Katíos National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.17 )
  • Côte d'Ivoire, Comoé National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.2 )
  • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 37 COM 7A.3 )
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.4 )
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.5 )
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.6 )
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Salonga National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.7 )
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 37 COM 7A.8 )
  • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 37 COM 7A.23 )
  • Ethiopia, Simien National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.10 )
  • Georgia, Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (Decision 37 COM 7A.32 )
  • Georgia, Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (Decision 37 COM 7A.33 )
  • Honduras, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Decision 37 COM 7A.18 )
  • Indonesia, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (Decision 37 COM 7A.14 )
  • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 37 COM 7A.24 )
  • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 37 COM 7A.25 )
  • Jerusalem, Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (Decision 37 COM 7A.26 )
  • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 37 COM 7A.11 )
  • Mali, Timbuktu (Decision 37 COM 7A.19 )
  • Mali, Tomb of Askia (Decision 37 COM 7A.20 )
  • Niger, Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 37 COM 7A.12 )
  • Palestine, Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem (Decision 37 COM 7A.27 )
  • Panama, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Decision 37 COM 7A.36 )
  • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 37 COM 7A.38 )
  • Senegal, Niokolo-Koba National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.13 )
  • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 37 COM 7A.34 )
  • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 37 COM 7A.21 )
  • United Republic of Tanzania, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (Decision 37 COM 7A.22 )
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City (Decision 37 COM 7A.35 )
  • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 37 COM 7A.15 )
  • Venezuela, Coro and its Port (Decision 37 COM 7A.39 )
  • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 37 COM 7A.28 )
37 COM 8E
Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value
The World Heritage Committee,

1.  Having examined Documents WHC-13/37.COM/8E and WHC-13/37.COM/8E.Add,

2.  Congratulates States Parties for the excellent work accomplished in the elaboration of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value for World Heritage properties in their territories;

3.  Adopts the retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, as presented in the Annex of Document WHC-13/37.COM/8E, for the following World Heritage properties:

  • Andorra: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley;
  • Argentina: Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas; Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba; Quebrada de Humahuaca; Iguazu National Park;
  • Australia: Shark Bay, Western Australia; Greater Blue Mountains Area; Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens; Willandra Lakes Region; Kakadu National Park;
  • Austria / Hungary: Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape;
  • Bangladesh: The Sundarbans; Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur;
  • Belgium : La Grand-Place, Brussels;
  • Belgium / France: Belfries of Belgium and France;
  • Bolivia: Fuerte de Samaipata; Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture; Historic City of Sucre; Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos;
  • Brazil: Serra da Capivara National Park;
  • Chile: Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works; Rapa Nui National Park; Churches of Chiloé; Sewell Mining Town; Historic quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso;
  • China: Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area; Mount Huangshan; Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde; Ancient City of Ping Yao; Classical Gardens of Suzhou; Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing; Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun; Longmen Grottoes; Yungang Grottoes; Yin Xu; Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties; Historic center of Macao; Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor;
  • Colombia: Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena; Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox; San Agustín Archaeological Park; National Archeological Park of Tierradentro;
  • Costa Rica: Area de Conservación Guanacaste;
  • Cuba: Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios; Desembarco del Granma National Park; Alejandro de Humboldt National Park; Old Havana;
  • Cyprus: Choirokoitia; Painted Churches in the Troodos Region;
  • Denmark: Kronborg Castle;
  • Ecuador: City of Quito; Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca; Galápagos Islands;
  • El Salvador: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site;
  • Ethiopia: Aksum; Fasil Ghebbi;
  • Finland / Sweden: High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago;
  • Guatemala: Archeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua; Antigua Guatemala;
  • Germany: Classical Weimar; Messel Pit Fossil Site; Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier; Aachen Cathedral; Cologne Cathedral; Hanseatic City of Lübeck; Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar; Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin; Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof; Speyer Cathedral; Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen; Town of Bamberg;
  • Greece: Mount Athos;
  • Honduras: Maya Site of Copan;
  • Hungary: Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings; Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment; Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae); Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape; Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta; Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue;
  • Hungary / Slovakia: Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst;
  • India: Sun Temple, Konârak; Group of Monuments at Hampi; Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya; Elephanta Caves; Great Living Chola Temples; Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus); Mountain Railways of India;
  • Indonesia: Ujung Kulon National Park; Komodo National Park; Lorentz National Park; Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra; Sangiran Early Man Site;
  • Iran (Islamic Republic of): Pasargadae; Takht-e Soleyman;
  • Ireland: Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne;
  • Italy: Venice and its Lagoon;
  • Japan: Yakushima; Shirakami-Sanchi; Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area; Shiretoko; Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities); Shrines and Temples of Nikko; Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range; Itsukushima Shinto Shrine; Himeji-jo;
  • Latvia: Historic Centre of Riga;
  • Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Town of Luang Prabang;
  • Lithuania: Vilnius Historic Centre;
  • Luxembourg: City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications;
  • Malaysia: Kinabalu Park;
  • Mauritius: Aapravasi Ghat;
  • Mexico: Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan; Historic Centre of Morelia; Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl; Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro; Historic Fortified Town of Campeche; Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro; Agave Landscape and the Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila; Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino; Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche; Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco; Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan; Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza; Historic Centre of Zacatecas; Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán; Sian Ka’an; Luis Barragán House and Studio; Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco; Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes; Historic Centre of Puebla; Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines; Pre-hispanic town of Uxmal; Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara; Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California; Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco; Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque; El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City;
  • Netherlands: Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station); Schokland and Surroundings; Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder); Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House);
  • Nicaragua: Ruins of León Viejo;
  • Nigeria: Sukur Cultural Landscape;
  • Norway: Rock Art of Alta; Urnes Stave Church; Bryggen;
  • Oman: Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn;
  • Pakistan: Taxila; Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta; Rohtas Fort; Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol;
  • Panama: Darien National Park; Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá;
  • Paraguay: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue;
  • Peru: City of Cuzco; Chavin (Archaeological Site); Historic Centre of Lima; Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu;
  • Philippines: Historic town of Vigan;
  • South Africa: uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park;
  • Switzerland: Abbey of St Gall; Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair; Old City of Berne; Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona;
  • Thailand: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex; Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries; Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns; Ban Chiang Archaeological Site;
  • Turkey: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia; Nemrut Dağ; Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği; Hierapolis-Pamukkale;
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Blaenavon Industrial Landscape; Blenheim Palace; Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church; Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd; City of Bath; Durham Castle and Cathedral; Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast; Heart of Neolithic Orkney; Ironbridge Gorge; Maritime Greenwich; New Lanark; Old and New Towns of Edinburgh; Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites; Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey; Tower of London; St Kilda; Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church;
  • Uruguay: Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento;
  • Uzbekistan: Itchan Kala;
  • Venezuela : Coro and its Port; Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas;

4.  Decides that retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value for World Heritage properties in Danger will be reviewed by the Advisory Bodies in priority;

5.  Further decides that, considering the high number of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value to be examined, the order in which they will be reviewed by the Advisory Bodies will follow the Second Cycle of Periodic Reporting, namely:

  • World Heritage properties in the Arab States;
  • World Heritage properties in Africa;
  • World Heritage properties in Asia and the Pacific;
  • World Heritage properties in Latin America and the Caribbean;
  • World Heritage properties in Europe and North America;

6.  Requests the World Heritage Centre to harmonise all sub-headings in the adopted Statements of Outstanding Universal Value where appropriate and when resources and staff time allow to carry out this work;

7.  Also requests the State Parties, Advisory Bodies and World Heritage Centre to ensure the use of gender-neutral language in the Statements proposed for adoption to the World Heritage Committee;

8.  Further requests the World Heritage Centre to keep the adopted Statements in line with subsequent decisions by the World Heritage Committee concerning name changes of World Heritage properties, and to reflect them throughout the text of the Statements, in consultation with States Parties and Advisory Bodies;

9.  Finally requests the States Parties to provide support to the World Heritage Centre for translation of the adopted Statements of Outstanding Universal Value into English or French respectively, and finally requests the Centre to upload these onto its web-pages.

Draft Decision:  37 COM 7A.37

The World Heritage Committee,

1.  Having examined Document WHC-13/37.COM/7A.Add,

2.  Recalling Decision 36 COM 7A.33, adopted at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg, 2012),

3.  Takes note of the results of the International Expert meeting (October 2012) and urges the State Party to integrate them in a comprehensive Conservation Plan for the property, including financial estimations of costs and a precise timeframe for its implementation;

4.  Acknowledges the progress made by the State Party in the implementation of conservation and management measures and also urges it to continue its efforts with particular attention to the following:

a)  Continue with the implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme and secure the necessary resources for sustained interventions,

b)  Based on the Conservation Plan, finalize and adopt the Management Plan and ensure that adequate resources exist to make an effective preservation system for the property operational;

5.  Adopts the following Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, as follows:

a)  Urban and industrial constructions of the Santa Laura and Humberstone saltpeter works have been stabilised, and their integrity and authenticity are guaranteed, on the basis of an agreed, long-term, comprehensive conservation strategy, and conservation plan. These buildings bear witness to the key historical, industrial, and social processes associated with the Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpetre works,

b)  The management system is fully operational, with adequate funding for operation. The comprehensive management plan, with conservation and management provisions for the property and its buffer zone, is fully enforced and implemented through an interdisciplinary group, with the participation of involved institutions and social stakeholders,

c)  The World Heritage property complies with safety and security standards for visitors and workers, and the assets of the property are adequately protected. Its Outstanding Universal Value is reliably conveyed to the public, which facilitates comprehension of the saltpetre era and the mining processes,

d)  There is a buffer zone that is protected and regulated;

6.  Also adopts the following corrective measures and timeframe for their implementation in order to ensure conditions of integrity and authenticity of the property and meet the Desired state of conservation:

a)  Measures to be implemented within two years:

  Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i)  Continued implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme (PIP), according to its 2005 and 2008 definitions.

(ii)  Development of a draft comprehensive conservation plan based on the necessary scientific research, a clear conservation strategy, and the appropriate safety and security standards.

(iii)  Continued implementation of security and protection for the site, preventing the theft of materials, and prosecuting those who engage in this kind of activity.

  Management system and plan:

(iv)  Review, approval and initial implementation of the management plan for the new period.

(v)  Set up qualified management team.

(vi)  Explore means to count with appropriate and sustained human, material, and financial resources.

  Presentation of the property:

(vii)  Assessment and definition of visitation and presentation requirements and enhance visitor security measures.

(viii)  Definition and adoption of a visitor strategy and interpretation plan.

  Buffer zone:

(ix)  Establishing a buffer zone, defining regulatory measures to ensure its protection, and initiate procedures for gaining necessary approvals.

 

b)  Measures to be implemented within five years:

  Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i)  Full implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme (PIP), according to its 2005 and 2008 definitions.

(ii)  Full design and initial implementation of the comprehensive conservation plan, based on the necessary scientific research, a clear conservation strategy, and the appropriate safety and security standards.

(iii)  Security and protection measures for the site fully operational.

  Management system and plan:

(iv)  Sustained implementation of the management plan and fully operational management system in place.

(v)  Management plan articulated with local and regional planning instruments.

(vi)  Appropriate and sustained human, financial and material resources for the conservation and management of the property secured.

(vii)  Stable and continuous contribution by the State for the conservation and management of the property, in a framework of shared funding (public / private).

  Presentation of the property:

(viii)  Visitor strategy and interpretation plan fully in place.

(ix)  Site’s facilities and activities contribute to the conservation and protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

  Buffer zone:

(x)  Buffer zone fully established and approved and regulatory measures for its protection adopted and enforced.

 

c)  Proposed indicators:

  Stability, authenticity, integrity, safety, and security:

(i)  Number of adequate and efficient conservation interventions carried out (following the prioritized course of action set forth in the Programme for High Priority Interventions).

(ii)  Monitoring of state of conservation (material integrity) of the buildings.

(iii)  Evaluation of the appropriateness and efficacy of interventions for the buildings.

(iv)  Adoption of the conservation plan.

(v)  A safety and security system implemented (guards, information signs).

  Management system and plan:

(vi)  Adoption of the management plan.

(vii)  Funds allocated for the operational needs, considering sources and levels of furnishing of financial funds (private, public, generated by the property, etc.)

(viii)  Number of personnel working on the site (professional, technical and administrative levels).

(ix)  Prioritized yearly action plans derived from the Management Plan.

  Presentation of the property:

(x)  Proactive social participation in conservation and management endeavours.

(xi)  Number of visitors, frequency of visit, origin and type of visitors.

(xii)  Satisfaction with the visit.

(xiii)  Increased resources derived from sustainable tourism practices.

  Buffer zone:

(xiv)  Adopted buffer zone map and integrated with local and regional planning instruments.

(xv)  Definition and implementation of regulatory measures for the buffer zone;

7.  Requests the State Party to provide three printed and electronic copies of the Management Plan upon completion;

8.  Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2014, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014;

9.  Decides to retain Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Chile) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

 

Report year: 2013
Chile
Date of Inscription: 2005
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(iv)
Danger List (dates): 2005-2019
Documents examined by the Committee
arrow_circle_right 37COM (2013)
Exports

* : 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.


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