Cultural Landscape of Sintra
Factors affecting the property in 2002*
- Management systems/ management plan
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
Need for a restoration programme
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2002
Total amount approved : 10,000 USD
| 1994 | Mission for the preparation of the nomination file of ... (Approved) | 10,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2002**
October-November 2000: joint ICOMOS/IUCN mission
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2002
As requested by the 24th session of the Committee, a report has been transmitted to the Secretariat on 27 March 2002. The report focuses on the measures taken by the Portuguese authorities for the preservation and rehabilitation of inscribed sites in Portugal. It underlines that a set of studies, plans and designs have been drawn up to safeguard these properties, which will help to maintain and defend the cultural and natural heritage of Sintra. The objective of these plans is to take action in the areas most in need in order to improve and preserve them, and to oppose development plans which run counter to the criteria on which the inscription was based. The report mentions that three bodies have responsibilities in the World Heritage site: The Ministry of Culture, the Institute for the Preservation of Nature and the Sintra Council. Furthermore, the report underlines that the Sintra Council is responsible for any action taken in the Town of Sintra and that, through the Historic Centre's Renewal Plan, an "Integrated Plan for Renewal and Improvement of the Town of Sintra has been set up". This plan covers 12 programmes which provide effective action in various areas and ensure judicious and timely management of its heritage and which will be developed in an integrated manner keeping in mind the principle of the preservation and conservation of the Town of Sintra. The report also states that the rehabilitation, improvement and renewal of the site is a priority and that booklets and brochures have been published for the general public in order to associate people in the effort of reviving, redeveloping and restoring the Town of Sintra and its cultural landscape. The report further underlines that a business corporation - Parques de Sintra - Monte da Lua - was set up in September 2000 with a view to coordinating action to renovate and improve areas within the perimeter of the World Heritage site. The report also mentions that the management plan for the site is an agreed programme between all parties involved in the protection of the site and that it aims at identifying the most significant issues affecting the site and finding solutions. This management plan is to be concluded by the end of 2002.
Furthermore, by letter dated 25 March 2002, the State Party informed the Secretariat that an underground car park project at Sintra has been abandoned.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2002
26 COM 21B.66
Cultural Landscape of Sintra (Portugal)
The World Heritage Committee,1. Takes note of the report provided by the State Party;
2. Congratulates the Portuguese authorities for the actions undertaken in view of the preservation and protection of the World Heritage site;
3. Recalls the practical steps recommended by the joint IUCN-ICOMOS mission and adopted by the Bureau at its 24th extraordinary session: creation of an independent Cultural Landscape Advisory Committee; creation of an advisory body/association of residents; the establishment of a public information, research and archives centre; and an adjustment of the high protection area of the Natural Park to coincide with the core area of the World Heritage site;
4. Urges the State Party to submit by 1 February 2003, a detailed report on these recommendations as well as a detailed management plan for the site for examination at its 27th session in June/July 2003.The Committee may wish to adopt the following decision:
"The Committee takes note of the report provided by the State Party and congratulates the Portuguese authorities for the actions undertaken in view of the preservation and protection of the World Heritage site. However, the Committee recalls the practical steps recommended by the joint IUCN-ICOMOS mission and adopted by the Bureau at its 24th extraordinary session, creation of an independent Cultural Landscape Advisory Committee; creation of an advisory body/association of residents; the establishment of a public information, research and archives centre; and an adjustment of the high protection area of the Natural Park to coincide with the core area of the World Heritage site. Therefore, the Committee urges the State Party to submit before 1 February 2003 a detailed report on these recommendations as well as a detailed management plan for the site for examination at its 27th session."
PortugalExports
* :
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.
