Bryggen

In 1993, in collaboration with ICOMOS-Norway and ICCROM, the national authorities monitored the sites of Bryggen and Roros, both situated in an urban context where the risk of uncontrolled property development is high.

ICOMOS evaluated: the development of the sites to see if their qualities are still preserved; present local and national plans which might affect the future evolution of the sites, to see if they strengthen or weaken the qualities of the site; the need for and possibility of enlarging the World Heritage sites; in Bryggen to create a buffer zone around the existing site and enclose parts of the harbour and cityscape significant for the understanding of the historical context of Bryggen; in Roros to create a site which also may include the surrounding landscape, referring to the World Heritage Committee's emphasis on the cultural landscape aspect.

The resulting reports emphasized the need: i) to integrate the cultural heritage dimension in the planning process and local decision-making; ii) to strengthen the division of responsibilities between central and local governments and private owners; iii) for systematic monitoring as a part of the day-to-day management of the sites, with regular inspections and a coherent maintenance strategy. All treatments and changes to the monuments should be carefully documented and systematically stored.

As a result, the recommendations of the ICOMOS-Norway review will form a basis for the future management of the two sites. Measures have already been taken to allocate larger financial resources to ensure improved management of the sites.