Baalbek
Factors affecting the property in 1996*
- Ground transport infrastructure
- Relative humidity
- Water (rain/water table)
International Assistance: requests for the property until 1996
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 1996**
Information presented to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee in 1996
UNESCO organized a mission of two experts to the site, from 24 November to 4 December 1995.
Baalbeck
This mission noted the disturbances and water infiltration in the underground passages, which could be remedied by efficient maintenance of the site, and especially called attention to a serious alteration in the inner north-east angle of the Temple of Bacchus where the combined effects of water infiltration and frost have eroded the sculpted decoration, causing the stone to crack and weakening the inner wall of the construction to the point of possible collapse, with the consequent danger for tourists.
Furthermore, if the electrical transformer project appears to have been abandoned, a rectilinear road project, passing near the back of the site, in a natural environment of traditional cultivation and gardens, must definitely be abandoned. Finally, efforts should be made to make the site's welcoming and access facilities more functional and aesthetic.
By letter of 13 March 1996, UNESCO transmitted to Mr. Michel Eddé the experts' reports and recommendations concerning the two sites.
Action Required
The Bureau thanked the Lebanese authorities for the efforts undertaken for the conservation of the sites of Baalbeck and Tyr, and recommended they take the necessary measures to ensure their preservation:
Baalbeck
urgent conservation measures to halt the degradation of the north-east angle of the Temple of Bacchus, protect tourists and implement the necessary conservation and restoration measures,
halt water infiltration and other interference in the underground tunnels,
total abandon of both the rectilinear road project envisaged behind the site, in order to preserve its natural environment and traditional agricultural activities, and the electrical transformer project.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 1996
20 BUR IV.7
Baalbeck (Lebanon)
The Bureau took note with satisfaction of the information provided by the Delegate of Lebanon, namely that the road construction project passing behind the site had been definitely abandoned following a Council of Ministers decree, and that the water seepage problems in the underground passages was being treated.them to also undertake emergency conservation measures to halt the degradation of the inner north-east angle of the Temple of Bacchus, protect the visitors and foresee the necessary conservation and restoration measures.
Lebanon
* :
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.
