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State of Conservation Old Town of Ghadamès 2021

Old Town of Ghadamès

Libya
Factors affecting the property in 2021*
  • War
  • Water (rain/water table)
  • Other Threats:

    Fires

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • Conflict situation prevailing in the country  
  • Torrential rains
  • Fires
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
Conflict situation prevailing in the country
Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger

Drafted; proposed for adoption in the draft Decision below

Corrective Measures for the property

Drafted; proposed for adoption in the draft Decision below

Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures

Drafted; proposed for adoption in the draft Decision below

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2021

June 2020: Netherlands Funds in Trust: USD 49,620 for Strengthening national capacities for the elaboration of corrective measures for Libyan World Heritage properties. 

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2021
Requests approved: 0
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 2021**

January 1998: UNESCO mission; March 2003: World Heritage Centre mission

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2021

On 6 February 2020, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, an updated version of which was submitted on 31 January 2021. Executive summaries of both reports are available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/362/documents/. Progress in a number of conservation issues addressed by the Committee at its previous sessions is presented, as follows:

  • Despite the difficult situation that the country has faced since 2011 and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Antiquities (DoA) continues to undertake conservation measures in collaboration with the Ghadames City Promotion and Development Authority (GCPDA) and the local community;
  • Training for the tourist police on the protection of World Heritage properties was undertaken;
  • 63% of the planned conservation and restoration works for 16 houses affected by the heavy rains of 2017 have been achieved. On the other hand, 6 houses have reportedly collapsed due to heavy rains in 2019. A request was sent to the Government of National Accord for additional funding to address the remaining works, and to conduct surveys and inventory works for the maintenance and restoration of houses affected by rainfall in 2019;
  • Measures were undertaken in response to the fire that occurred in July 2019 within the vicinity of the property, and resources have been requested for the cleaning and removal of fire waste and the preparation of a proposal for a fire fighting system;
  • A draft Management Plan, including a risk preparedness and conservation plan for the property, was submitted for technical review;
  • Additional activities have been carried out, including detailed documentation and its integration in a GIS, the designation of a tourist information centre, the development and adoption of land use regulations for the property and the buffer zone, and the elaboration of technical general specifications for maintenance, repair and rehabilitation work, as well as contractual obligations for contractors.

Several partnerships have contributed to technical and financial support for undertaking the above-mentioned activities. The State Party is seeking additional resources and intends to call on the international community to provide further financial and technical support, including through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).

The State Party considered the March 2020 technical meeting with ICOMOS and the World Heritage Centre as successful in initiating direct discussion and consultation, and as the starting point for a series of meetings aiming to support the State Party in the elaboration of the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR). As a result of the technical guidance provided, the Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) was finalized, and a boundary modification was submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review.

The State Party reiterates that the property is not facing any specific ascertained danger and requests its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger. To this end, it has formally reiterated its invitation for a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the state of conservation of the property.

Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2021

The important efforts undertaken by the State Party demonstrate its strong commitment to the conservation of the property, despite the prevailing situation and the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Party has made significant progress to secure funding from the Government of National Accord and various donors, such as the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) for the Libyan Cultural Heritage Management Project (MaliCH), led by King’s College London. It is recommended that the Committee welcome these efforts and call upon the international community to continue to support the State Party in its conservation initiatives.

The engagement of the authorities with the local communities is commendable. Several projects have been implemented at the property, including training activities, documentation, awareness-raising, conservation and rehabilitation using traditional techniques, development of regulations, and the elaboration of a Management Plan.

Heavy rains and fires continue to pose a threat to the property. It is evident that there is a need to finalize the risk management plan and the establishment of a firefighting system for the property. Efforts to finalize the works on the 16 houses affected by rain in 2017 and to conduct the surveys and inventory works for the maintenance and restoration of those affected in 2019, as well as the cleaning and removal of fire waste, need to be pursued.

Following Decision 43 COM 7A.26, the World Heritage Centre organized a meeting in Paris in March 2020 to address the elaboration of a proposed DSOCR and related corrective measures, boundary modifications and Tentative Lists. Participants comprised the State Party, ICOMOS, the UNESCO Rabat Office, and the World Heritage Centre. The State Party presented high quality documentation on the current state of conservation of the property and the conservation activities undertaken. Technical recommendations and discussions focused on the drafting the Retrospective Statement of OUV, the current state of conservation of the property, the Minor Boundary Modification proposal submitted by the State Party, and ongoing and planned projects.

The State Party has continued close communication with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS for the elaboration of the Management Plan of the property, on which ICOMOS submitted a technical review in June 2020, the Minor Boundary Modification proposal, and the Retrospective Statement of OUV. The latter was submitted by the State Party for approval by the World Heritage Committee at its extended 44th session, which will be a significant step towards the conservation of the property.

Through the support of the project for “Strengthening national capacities for the elaboration of corrective measures for Libyan World Heritage properties” financed by the Netherlands Fund in Trust (NFiT), and the World Heritage Fund, the State Party continued this dialogue with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS for the elaboration of the DSOCR which has been finalized, with the necessary corrective measures and timeframe for implementation, and submitted to the World Heritage Centre on 26 April 2021. The detailed information can be found with the state of conservation report submitted by the State Party. The commitment and work undertaken by the State Party through its national and local authorities and partners is commendable. 

While important steps have been undertaken by the State Party to address threats, it remains crucial that the joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission takes place as soon as the security conditions permit. In the meantime, it is important that the State Party continues to keep the Committee, through the World Heritage Centre, updated on the situation on the ground and the implementation of corrective measures. It is therefore recommended that the Committee retain the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

It is also recommended that the Committee adopt the following DSOCR, corrective measures, and timeframe for implementation, which have been established and submitted by State Party, as follows:

Impacts or threats (direct / indirect damages)

Relationship to the OUV

Corrective measures*

Expected outcomes [DSOCR]

Verification of indicators

(by WHC)

Current status

Time frame

Annex

No.

A. Damage to the built fabric of the property due to constraints with the capital budgets.

Negative effects on the management, integrity and authenticity of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

1. Ensure long-term structural return of budgets to levels equal to those before the armed conflict for (a) emergency maintenance and (b) capital projects.

1. Long-term fully-resourced conservation and management system.

1. Commitment by the State Party to restore capital budgets to their equivalent level before the budget reductions.

1. a) Emergency maintenance work started in 2017 and is still ongoing regularly.

b) This year the capital budget is delayed but approval is expected in July 2021.

1. Work will continue (a, b) as capital budget returns to pre-existing levels by December 2023 latest.

 

1, 2, 3, 4

 

 

 

 

2. Provide additional interim budgets to repair the damage due to the budget constraints between 2014–2018.

2. Sufficient financial capacity to repair damage due to capital budget reductions.

2. Availability and use of additional capital budgets to complete restoration activities due to previous capital reduction (see also 3).

2. First set of additional funds were made available in December 2020 so the work is now ongoing.

2. Additional funds are expected yearly with work completed by end of March 2022.

1, 2

 

 

3. Resume preservation, restoration and maintenance activities to recover the attributes of the property OUV.

3. Complete the conservation of degraded built fabric to the level before beginning of the armed conflict.

Including:

a. Maintenance of 80% of the roofs and upper corridors of the old town houses

b. Rebuilding / Renovation some of the houses in danger of collapse,

c. Maintenance of the squares and main streets of the old town,

d. Repair of the 21 houses damaged by heavy rains.

3. Guidelines, budgets, and implementation and work plan.

3. The works started in January 2020 (80% estimated complete).

3. Completion date in July 2022.

2, 3, 4

 

 

4.. Determine a long-term strategy including protection from any repetition of similar threats to the property’s attributes.

4.  Permanent risk preparedness and reinforced capacities.

4. Specific inclusion in Guidelines, Work Plan, Management Plan, supported by training and coordinated with fire department and civil security.

4. This was started in May 2020, and is in an ongoing process of review.

4. Expected completion in June 2023.

1, 4

B. Damage to the significance setting of the property due to irrigation constraints.

Negative effects on the setting of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

1. Establish a stable mechanism to ensure continued water supply to the palm groves of the oasis,

1. Long-term fully financially resourced conservation and management system.

1. Commitment by the State Party to provide sufficient capital budgets to fully maintain the oasis.

1. Budgetary commitments expected in July 2021.

1. Expected resourcing completed  by December 2022.

1, 3, 4

 

 

2. Repair the damage due to the electricity shortage crisis and due to fires, 2014–2018.

2. Provide additional interim budgets to repair provoked damages.

2. Availability of additional capital budgets to complete rehabilitation .

2. Additional budget received in July 2020 with work ongoing (30% completed).

2. Work completed in March 2023.

1, 2, 3

 

 

3. Ensure continued operation of irrigation system in the future.

3. Confirmation that planned activities support the contribution of the setting to the authenticity and the attributes of the property OUV

including:

a. Continued maintenance of Ain Al-Faras Basin,

b. Continued operation of the 5 productive agricultural wells,

c. Continued maintenance of 18 km of traditional irrigation channels,

d. Continued maintenance of 36 linear km of fences for the main farm lanes,

e. Replanting of lost palm trees and repair of other important features.

3. Approved specific work plan, guidelines and practical evidence.

Implementation of the work plan.

Restoration and maintenance of the built fabric of the property.

3.Current phase of work started in 2018 and is currently ongoing (based on previous annual work).

3. Phase completed in December 2022 (annual  continuity and regular review).

1, 3, 4

 

 

4. Determine a long-term strategy to protect, conserve and maintain the irrigation system along with an emergency back-up plan.

4. Permanent risk preparedness and reinforced capacities in relation to the irrigation and its importance for the property’s setting.

4. Inclusion of risk preparedness in the Property Management Plan with provision of back-up mechanisms and successful and regular testing exercises.

4.Work started in May 2020 and currently ongoing.

4. Expected completion date in June 2023.

1, 3, 4

Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2021
44 COM 7A.14
Old Town of Ghadamès (Libya) (C 36)
Decision: 44 COM 7A.14

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
  2. Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.26, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
  3. Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, and urgesit to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
  4. Also commends the State Party for the submission of the Retrospective Statement of OUV for the Old Town of Ghadamès;
  5. Welcomes the progress made in the elaboration of the Minor Boundary Modification proposal and requests the State Party to continue the process in close consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, and to submit it in line with Paragraph 164 of the Operational Guidelines;
  6. Adopts the set of corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation, as well as the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), elaborated in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies;
  7. Also requeststhe State Party to regularly inform the World Heritage Centre on the evolution of the situation at the property and any new measures undertaken to implement the corrective measures and ensure its protection and conservation, as well as any future plans for major restoration or new construction projects that may affect the OUV of the property, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.
  8. Notes with satisfaction the progress made by the State Party in the development of a Management Plan for the property, including a risk preparedness and conservation plan, and invites it to continue its efforts in that regard, taking into account the recommendations of ICOMOS’ technical review;
  9. Acknowledgesthe invitation by the State Party for a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to the property, to take place as soon as the conditions permit;
  10. Reiterates its callfor an increased mobilization of the international community to provide financial and technical support to the State Party, including through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, to implement the corrective measures that have been identified;
  11. Expresses its appreciation to the Netherlands Funds in Trust and other donors and institutions, for the support provided to the State Party towards the conservation and management of the property;
  12. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2022, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 45th session;
  13. Decides to retain the Old Town of Ghadamès (Libya) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
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44 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (Retained Properties)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC/21/44.COM/7A, WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add, WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2, WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2.Add),
  2. Decides to retain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
  • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 44 COM 7A.28)
  • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 44 COM 7A.29)
  • Austria, Historic Centre of Vienna (Decision 44 COM 7A.32)
  • Bolivia (Plurinational State of), City of Potosí (Decision 44 COM 7A.35)
  • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.39)
  • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 44 COM 7A.40)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.41)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.42)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 44 COM 7A.43)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.45)
  • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 44 COM 7A.5)
  • Honduras, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Decision 44 COM 7A.55)
  • Indonesia, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (Decision 44 COM 7A.52)
  • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 44 COM 7A.6)
  • Iraq, Hatra (Decision 44 COM 7A.7)
  • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 44 COM 7A.8)
  • Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by Jordan) (Decision 44 COM 7A.10)
  • Kenya, Lake Turkana National Parks (Decision 44 COM 7A.47)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Cyrene (Decision 44 COM 7A.11)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (Decision 44 COM 7A.12)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Decision 44 COM 7A.13)
  • Libya, Old Town of Ghadamès (Decision 44 COM 7A.14)
  • Libya, Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Decision 44 COM 7A.15)
  • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 44 COM 7A.48)
  • Mali, Old Towns of Djenné (Decision 44 COM 7A.1)
  • Mali, Timbuktu (Decision 44 COM 7A.2)
  • Mali, Tomb of Askia (Decision 44 COM 7A.3)
  • Mexico, Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California (Decision 44 COM 7B.56)
  • Micronesia (Federated States of), Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Decision 44 COM 7A.30)
  • Niger, Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 44 COM 7A.49)
  • Palestine, Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Decision 44 COM 7A.17)
  • Palestine, Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Decision 44 COM 7A.16)
  • Panama, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Decision 44 COM 7A.36)
  • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 44 COM 7A.37)
  • Senegal, Niokolo-Koba National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.50)
  • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 44 COM 7A.33)
  • Solomon Islands, East Rennell (Decision 44 COM 7A.53)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Aleppo (Decision 44 COM 7A.18)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Bosra (Decision 44 COM 7A.19)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Damascus (Decision 44 COM 7A.20)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (Decision 44 COM 7A.21)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (Decision 44 COM 7A.22)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Site of Palmyra (Decision 44 COM 7A.23)
  • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 44 COM 7A.4)
  • United Republic of Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve (Decision 44 COM 7A.51)
  • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 44 COM 7A.54)
  • Uzbekistan, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (Decision 44 COM 7A.31)
  • Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Coro and its Port (Decision 44 COM 7A.38)
  • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 44 COM 7A.25)
  • Yemen, Old City of Sana’a (Decision 44 COM 7A.26)
  • Yemen, Old Walled City of Shibam (Decision 44 COM 7A.27).
Read more
44 COM 8E
Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/8E,
  2. Commends the States Parties for the work accomplished in the elaboration of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value for World Heritage properties located within their territories;
  3. Adopts the retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, as presented in Annex 1 of Document WHC/21/44.COM/8E, for the following World Heritage properties:

    ARAB STATES

    • Libya, Old Town of Ghadamès
    • Oman, Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

    ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

    • Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
    • India, Ajanta Caves
    • India, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
    • India, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

    EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA

    • France, Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
    • France, Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
    • Germany, Maulbronn Monastery Complex
    • Italy, Costiera Amalfitana
    • Italy, Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
    • Spain, Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
    • Spain, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
    • Spain, Las Médulas
    • Spain, Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
    • Spain, Palmeral of Elche
    • Spain, Vizcaya Bridge
    • Spain, San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries;

  4. Notes that retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value for World Heritage properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger will be reviewed in priority by the Advisory Bodies;
  5. Also adopts the Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, as presented in Annex 2 of Document WHC/21/44.COM/8E, for the following World Heritage properties, for which the protection and management part was updated in compliance with the Operational Guidelines:

    EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA

    • Czechia, Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž
    • Czechia, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora;
  6. Requests the World Heritage Centre to upload the two language versions of the above-mentioned retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value on its website.
Read more
Draft Decision: 44 COM 7A.14

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
  2. Recalling Decision 43COM 7A.26, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
  3. Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, and urgesit to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
  4. Also commends the State Party for the submission of the Retrospective Statement of OUV for the Old Town of Ghadamès;
  5. Welcomes the progress made in the elaboration of the Minor Boundary Modification proposal and requests the State Party to continue the process in close consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, and to submit it in line with Paragraph 164 of the Operational Guidelines;
  6. Adopts the set of corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation, as well as the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), elaborated in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies;
  7. Also requeststhe State Party to regularly inform the World Heritage Centre on the evolution of the situation at the property and any new measures undertaken to implement the corrective measures and ensure its protection and conservation, as well as any future plans for major restoration or new construction projects that may affect the OUV of the property, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.
  8. Notes with satisfaction the progress made by the State Party in the development of a Management Plan for the property, including a risk preparedness and conservation plan, and invites it to continue its efforts in that regard, taking into account the recommendations of ICOMOS’ technical review;
  9. Acknowledgesthe invitation by the State Party for a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to the property, to take place as soon as the conditions permit;
  10. Reiterates its callfor an increased mobilization of the international community to provide financial and technical support to the State Party, including through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, to implement the corrective measures that have been identified;
  11. Expresses its appreciation to the Netherlands Funds in Trust and other donors and institutions, for the support provided to the State Party towards the conservation and management of the property;
  12. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2022, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 45th session in 2022;
  13. Decides to retain the Old Town of Ghadamès (Libya) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Previous 2019 Next 2023
Report year: 2021
Libya
Date of Inscription: 1986
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (v)
Danger List (dates): 2016-present
Documents examined by the Committee
WHC/21/44.COM/7A
SOC Report by the State Party
Report (2020) .pdf
Initialy proposed for examination in 2020
arrow_circle_right 44COM (2021)
Exports
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* : 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.


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