St Kilda
Factors affecting the property in 2002*
- Management systems/ management plan
- Oil and gas
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
- Proposed Oil exploration and production, and potential oil spills
- Need to expand the boundaries
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2002
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 2002**
Information presented to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee in 2002
Previous deliberations:
25th session of the Bureau – Chapter V.168-169.
25th session of the Committee – Chapter VIII.97 / Annex IX, page 122.
Main issues:
Oil exploration in the Atlantic frontier, protection of marine area, management plan.
New information:
A detailed report on the site has been provided via letter and electronic mail from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports dated 4 February 2002. IUCN notes that the report states that the results from the seabed survey are being analysed and a report will be produced as soon as possible. These results will inform the development of the proposal for an extension to the St Kilda World Heritage Site as well as providing information for the site to be designated, and therefore protected under European legislation, as a Special Area of Conservation.
It is still proposed to complete a consultation draft of the management plan, incorporating both natural and cultural elements of the Site, by June 2002. The maritime aspects of the plan will reflect the obligations of the Natural sites that will be able to call on the full backing of legislation to enable enforcement. If the new boundaries extend beyond the six-mile territorial limit this will raise issues relating to the Law of the Sea administered by the International Maritime Organisation.
Action Required
The Bureau notes that no substantial new information is forthcoming, that the process of producing the management plan is ongoing, and looks forward to the proposals being provided in June 2002.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2002
26 COM 21B.25
St Kilda (United Kingdom)
The World Heritage Committee,Notes the state of conservation report and the decision by the Bureau contained in document WHC-02/CONF.202/2, paragraphs XII. 41-43.
26 BUR XII.41-43
St Kilda (United Kingdom)
XII.41 A detailed report on the site has been provided via letter and electronic mail from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports dated 4 February 2002. IUCN noted that the report stated that the results from the seabed survey are being analysed and a report will be produced as soon as possible. These results will inform the development of the proposal for an extension to the St Kilda World Heritage site as well as providing information for the site to be designated, and therefore protected under European legislation, as a Special Area of Conservation.
XII.42 It is still proposed to complete a consultation draft of the management plan, incorporating both natural and cultural elements of the site. The maritime aspects of the plan will reflect the obligations of the Natural sites that will be able to call on the full backing of legislation to enable enforcement. If the new boundaries extend beyond the six-mile territorial limit this will raise issues relating to the Law of the Sea administered by the International Maritime Organisation.
XII.43 The Observer of the United Kingdom noted that the draft of the management plan will not be ready by June 2002 but needs another year and that her authorities will keep the Centre informed. The Bureau noted that no substantial new information is forthcoming, that the process of producing the management plan is ongoing, and looked forward to the proposals being provided by the State Party.
The Committee is requested to note the decision by the Bureau (please refer to document WHC-02/CONF.202/2, paragraphs XII. 41-43)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Documents examined by the Committee
26COM (2002)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.
