Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
viii
ix
x
State of Conservation Minaret and ... 2011

Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam

Afghanistan
Factors affecting the property in 2011*
  • Civil unrest
  • High impact research / monitoring activities
  • Illegal activities
  • Management systems/ management plan
  • Other Threats:

    Inclination of the Minaret

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • Political instability
  • Inclination of the Minaret
  • Lack of management plan
  • Illicit excavations and looting
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger

See Committee Decision 26 COM 23.3

Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger

See Committee Decision 31 COM 7A.20

Corrective Measures for the property

See Committee Decision 31 COM 7A.20

Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures
A minimum of four years has been agreed in 2007, i.e. by 2011
UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2011

Total amount provided to the property: USD 845,000 provided by the Government of Italy and USD 138,000 by the Government of Switzerland. 

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2011
Requests approved: 1 (from 2002-2002)
Total amount approved : 20,000 USD
2002 Training for national and local authorities in the ... (Approved)   20,000 USD
Missions to the property until 2011**

Although there has been no reactive monitoring mission as such, several UNESCO expert missions were sent every year from 2002 to 2006 in order to implement the operational project for the property. However, since 2007 no UNESCO expert mission has been carried out to the property, due to the deteriorated situation and UN Security restrictions.  

2010 ALCO Mission Report, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, May 2010
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2011

As requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session (Decision 34 COM 7A. 20), the State Party submitted to the World Heritage Centre a draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value on 8 February 2011. However, no progress report on the implementation of the corrective measures by the State Party was submitted as of 12 May 2011.

Due to the volatile security situation in Afghanistan, no UNESCO international expert mission could be dispatched to the property to follow up the UNESCO/Italy and Switzerland Funds-In-Trust projects from 2007 to 2009. For this reason, the World Heritage Centre identified an Afghan partner, Afghan Land Consulting Organisation (ALCO), to resume and implement on-site activities in 2010 during the first UNESCO fieldwork on the property since three years.

With regard to corrective measures identified by the World Heritage Committee, the following progress has been noted:

a) Identification of the property’s boundaries and buffer zone

Financed through the UNESCO/Switzerland Funds-in-Trust agreement, ALCO undertook a three-week mission to Jam in May 2010. Accompanied by two Afghan officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture (hereafter called MoIC), the purpose was to clearly determine the boundaries of the property and to gather technical documentation of the Minaret. The successful mission resulted in establishing a topographical plan for the property, in addition to producing complete three-dimensional documentation of the Minaret and its geometric details. A concurrent in-situ training session was also organized for the two accompanying officials in order for them to continue the work. The topographic plan will now allow the relevant Afghan authorities to precisely define the World Heritage property boundary and its buffer zone.

b) Long-term consolidation and conservation of the monument, site security, and increased capacity of the staff of the Ministry of Information and Culture

In accordance with the revised work plan of the UNESCO/Italy Funds-in-Trust project, approved by the Italian Government on 16 April 2010, the World Heritage Centre had planned to carry out some on-site preservation work in Jam. However, due to various circumstances, activities such as the replacement of the wooden elements inside the Minaret, and the geophysical surveys, were postponed until 2011.

Furthermore, in pursuing a recommendation derived from the 2008 Second Expert Working Group Meeting in Rome, the World Heritage Centre made the best effort to establish the cooperation with the Italian Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale through mutual consultation. The aim was to organize training programmes to reinforce site security in accordance with the ‘corrective measures’ as defined by the World Heritage Committee. As a result, it was agreed to improve site conditions against looting and vandalism by holding a two-week training workshop in Kabul.

Accordingly, the World Heritage Centre is planning to implement the following programme during 2011:

i) Conservation work, including replacement of the internal wooden elements of the Minaret;

ii) A training programme to reinforcing conservation capacity-building:

· Training guards and staff from the MoIC in on-site security;

· Training on the use of measurement equipment by Afghan MoIC experts/officials so that they can independently carry out future monitoring of the Minaret inclination;

iii) Elaboration of the long-term conservation plan for the Minaret of Jam.

Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2011

The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies recognize the State Party’s efforts to cooperate in undertaking the mission with ALCO leading to the clear identification of the property boundaries. In addition, they note the continued technical and financial support and commitment of the international community, notably from Italy and Switzerland, in order to achieve the desired state of conservation of the property. However, they regret that no further information was made available regarding the progress on the implementation of all the above corrective measures. They also regret the absence of a proper management system at the property; the lack of capacity within the MoIC; and the lack of a state of conservation report from the State Party. 

Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2011
35 COM 7A.24
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Afghanistan) (C 211rev)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add,

2. Recalling Decisions 33 COM 7A.20 and 34 COM 7A.20 adopted at its 33rd (Seville, 2009) and 34th (Brasilia, 2010) sessions respectively,

3. Takes note of the draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value submitted by the State Party, as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010);

4. Regrets that the State Party has not submitted a state of conservation report, as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010);

5. Reiterates its request to the State Party to continue its efforts towards implementing all the corrective measures adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007);

6. Calls upon the international community, in co-operation with the World Heritage Centre, to continue its technical and financial support with the aim of implementing all the agreed corrective measures and, particularly, the prioritised activities identified in the recommendations of the Expert Group Meeting in Rome (June 2008), including national capacity building in order to reach the Desired state of conservation for the property;

7. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1February 2012, a report on the state of conservation of the property, on the implementation of the corrective measures, and on progress made in the establishment of a proper management system for the property, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;

8. Decides to retain the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Afghanistan) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Read more
35 COM 8C.2
Establishment of the World Heritage List in Danger (Retained Properties)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Following the examination of the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC-11/35.COM/7A, WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add and WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add.Corr),

2. Decides to maintain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:

  • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 35 COM 7A.24)
  • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 35 COM 7A.25)
  • Belize, Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Decision 35 COM 7A.15)
  • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.1)
  • Chile, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Decision 35 COM 7A.32)
  • Colombia, Los Katios National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.16)
  • Côte d'Ivoire, Comoé National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.2)
  • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 35 COM 7A.3)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.4)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.5)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.6)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Salonga National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.7)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 35 COM 7A.8)
  • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 35 COM 7A.19)
  • Ethiopia, Simien National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.9)
  • Georgia, Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (Decision 35 COM 7A.29)
  • Georgia, Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (Decision 35 COM 7A.30)
  • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 35 COM 7A.20)
  • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 35 COM  7A.21)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran, Bam and its Cultural Landscape (Decision 35 COM 7A.26)
  • Jerusalem, Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (Decision 35 COM 7A.22)
  • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 35 COM 7A.10)
  • Niger, Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 35 COM 7A.11)
  • Pakistan, Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (Decision 35 COM 7A.27)
  • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 35 COM 7A.33)
  • Philippines, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Decision 35 COM 7A.28)
  • Senegal, Niokolo Koba National Park (Decision 35 COM  7A.12)
  • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 35 COM 7A.31)
  • United Republic of Tanzania, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (Decision 35 COM 7A.18)
  • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 35 COM 7A.17)
  • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.14)
  • Venezuela, Coro and its Port (Decision 35 COM 7A.34)
  • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 35 COM 7A.23)
Read more
35 COM 8E
Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/8E,

2. Adopts the retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, as presented in the Annex I of Document WHC-11/35.COM/8E, for the following World Heritage properties:

  • Afghanistan: Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam; Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley;
  • Bahrain: Qal'at al-Bahrain - Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun;
  • Benin: Royal Palaces of Abomey;
  • Botswana: Tsodilo;
  • Cameroon: Dja Faunal Reserve;
  • Central African Republic: Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park;
  • China: Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas;
  • Germany: Upper Middle Rhine Valley;
  • India: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary;
  • Kenya: Lake Turkana National Parks; Lamu Old Town;
  • Malawi: Chongoni Rock-Art Area;
  • Mali: Old Towns of Djenné;
  • Pakistan: Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore;
  • Peru: Chan Chan Archaeological Zone;
  • Philippines: Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras;
  • Senegal: Island of Saint-Louis;
  • South Africa: iSimangaliso Wetland Park; Robben Island; Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape; Cape Floral Region Protected Areas; Vredefort Dome;
  • Togo: Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba;
  • Turkey: Historic Areas of Istanbul;
  • Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Rwenzori Mountains National Park;
  • United Republic of Tanzania: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara;
  • Yemen: Old Walled City of Shibam; Old City of Sana'a;
  • Zimbabwe: Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas;

3. Decides that retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value for World Heritage properties in Danger will be reviewed in priority;

4. 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 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.
Read more
Draft Decision: 35 COM 7A.24

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add,

2. Recalling Decisions 33 COM 7A.20 and 34 COM 7A.20 adopted at its 33rd (Seville, 2009) and 34th (Brasillia, 2010) sessions respectively,

3. Takes note of the draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value submitted by the State Party, as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010);

4. Regrets that the State Party has not submitted a state of conservation report, as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010);

5. Reiterates its request to the State Party to continue its efforts towards implementing all the corrective measures adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007);

6. Calls upon the international community, in co-operation with the World Heritage Centre, to continue its technical and financial support with the aim of implementing all the agreed corrective measures and, particularly, the prioritised activities identified in the recommendations of the Expert Group Meeting in Rome (June 2008), including national capacity building in order to reach the desired state of conservation for the property;

7. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2012, a report on the state of conservation of the property on the implementation of the corrective measures, and on progress made in the establishment of a proper management system for the property, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;

8. Decides to retain the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Afghanistan) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Previous 2010 Next 2012
Report year: 2011
Afghanistan
Date of Inscription: 2002
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(iv)
Danger List (dates): 2002-present
Documents examined by the Committee
WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add
arrow_circle_right 35COM (2011)
Exports
Previous 2010 Next 2012

* : 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.


top