Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara

• Lack of approved boundaries for the property and buffer zones linked to the land-use plans and appropriate protection;
• Deterioration of the architectural heritage fabric;
• Sea wave erosion;
• Theft of stone from ruins for use as building material;
• Lack of functioning local consultative committee;
• Lack of implementation of the conservation and management plans

Deterioration and decay leading to the collapse of the historical and archaeological structures for which the property was inscribed 

Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1586

Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1586

Total amount granted: 201,390 USD from the Norwegian Funds-in-Trust for UNESCO rehabilitation project.

A joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission visited the property in December 2013 (mission report available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/144/documents/). Subsequently, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report on 27 January 2014. An executive summary of this report is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/144/documents/. The report indicates progress on the following:

• Management system: A Management Plan for Kilwa was developed in 2004 and is being implemented particularly in relation to restoration efforts and to strengthening management processes. It is reported that the Plan is currently under review to update it in relation to new conditions and will be finalised in March 2014. The Management Structure is in place since 2009. Site interpretation has improved and efforts have been made in awareness raising leading to the creation of local ruins committees. A project to strengthen social and economic development through the promotion of heritage sites was launched in 2014. This includes both infrastructures for services, promotion of other heritage assets and land planning to protect the Kilwa skyline. In terms of legislative arrangements, the State Party reports that a new law for cultural heritage is in the process of development.
• Conservation of architectural heritage: Inventory and documentation of the intangible and tangible heritage of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, as well as the condition survey of all monuments and sites has been completed. The State Party reports that conservation of heritage monuments has achieved significant progress and has reached the 70% benchmark. Training of local communities in conservation has been undertaken. Interventions have been undertaken to halt sea-wave action and planting of mangrove seedlings is foreseen.
• Boundaries and extension of the property: The State Party reports that although boundaries have not been clearly defined, there is recognition of the importance of the property and that encroachment is not a threat. Land Use Plans are to be completed by April 2014 and the boundaries of the property will become clear after these exercises. The State Party indicates that a draft proposal for the extension was submitted in 2005.

Significant progress has been made by the State Party in implementing the corrective measures for the property that included the development of the Management Plan and Land Use Plans, the operational management system, the establishment of the boundaries and a buffer zone. The results from the December 2013 monitoring mission that verified the progress in terms of restoration of heritage remains should be noted, together with the actions to halt sea wave erosion and the progress in planning tools for the property, which are expected to conclude by June 2014. The mission also noted that a strong relationship has been established with the local communities and that awareness has been raised with regards to conservation and protection needs.

It is considered that significant progress has been made in the implementation of the corrective measures and that the conditions that justified Danger Listing have largely been addressed. However, the State Party still has to comply with several measures to ensure the long-term success with regards to the protection of the property. These include the final definition of the boundaries of the property and its buffer zones, the updating and adoption of the updated Management Plan and finalisation of the Land Use Plans for Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara. The management structure currently in place needs to be maintained and reinforced, and resources secured to ensure the sustainability of conservation and maintenance interventions as well as the functioning of the management system. In addition, a sustainable tourism development and management plan needs to be drafted to guide current and future activities.

Given the progress achieved to date, the Committee may consider removing this property from the List of World Heritage in Danger. It might also wish to commend the State Party for the progress made in the conservation of the property.