Rainforests of the Atsinanana
Factors affecting the property in 2021*
- Fire (widlfires)
- Governance
- Illegal activities
- Land conversion
- Mining
- Society's valuing of heritage
- Subsistence hunting
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
- Encroachment
- Fire
- Hunting and poaching of endangered species, including lemurs
- Artisanal mining
- Illegal logging of precious wood species (ebony and rosewood)
- Weak governance and law enforcement to prevent the illegal logging end export of precious wood species
- Need to strengthen the engagement of and benefit-sharing with local communities
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
Illegal logging of precious wood species (ebony and rosewood) and its secondary impacts; poaching of endangered lemurs were identified as threats for the site’s integrity
Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger
Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4344
Corrective Measures for the property
Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4344
Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures
UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2021
Total amount granted: USD 1,890,000 from the United Nations Foundation and the Nordic World Heritage Foundation; USD 1,039,000 from the Government of Norway (2014-2016)
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2021
Total amount approved : 155,000 USD
| 2021 | APPUI A LA SORTIE DU BIEN FORETS HUMIDES DE ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2020 | Projet de sensibilisation pour l’appropriation de la ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2020 | Projet d’amélioration de la qualité des formations ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2016 | Conservation et gestion des forêts humides de ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2010 | Forêts Humides de l’Atsinanana (Approved) | 100,000 USD |
| 2005 | Elaboration of a a serial nomination for the humid ... (Approved) | 25,000 USD |
| 2000 | Technical Assistance for Building Capacity for World ... (Approved) | 30,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2021**
May 2011, September 2015: Joint World Heritage Centre / IUCN Reactive Monitoring missions
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2021
On 12 March 2020, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property available at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1257/documents/, which provides the following information:
- The strengthening of the application of the law on forest offenses (in particular with the instruction of 16 cases by the Special Court for the fight against the trafficking of rosewood and ebony since 2018) and the pursuit of actions related to the seizure of rosewood in Singapore in 2014, in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);
- The adoption of decisions 18.94 - 18.99 (https://cites.org/en/dec/valid17/82156) at the 18th Conference of the Parties in August 2019 and the publication of a notification 2019/051, https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2019-051.pdf) by CITES;
- No cases of fraudulent cutting of rosewood but cases of palisander (120 cuts recorded in 2019);
- A proposal made to CITES for liquidation was not accepted;
- Intensification of surveillance missions by park officials, in close collaboration with members of local park committees, law enforcement and the Environment Service (coverage rate of 70% of the property in 2019);
- Increase in the rate of deforestation, with 0.008% compared to 0.001% in 2018 (this remains under the indicator 2 of 0.01%). However, the figures reported for the different components of the property appear to be higher. In 2019, there was a slight increase in clearing (39ha) and the number of lemur traps (186);
- Delimitation of 232 km of external boundaries and the operationalisation of five guard posts as well as four control barriers to strengthen surveillance of the property;
- Ecological restoration of 724 ha of degraded land in 2019, mainly by leaving it to lie fallow;
- Empowerment of communities through the promotion of micro-projects for development in the areas, and distribution of 90,000 plants for ecological restoration and awareness actions;
- The evaluation of the management efficiency of the property shows an improvement.
No progress is reported on inventories of timber stocks, nor on their seizure or disposal. In addition, no information is provided on the implementation of the five-year action plan against illegal mining.
Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2021
The State Party has made efforts to respond to the decisions of the World Heritage Committee and to implement the corrective measures, in particular by the continuation of ecological monitoring, the intensification of the surveillance missions, the prosecution of the persons involved in the illicit trade of precious woods, the fight against illegal activities associated with the application of laws relating to forest and wildlife offenses, the empowerment of local communities and their involvement in the management of the property.
However, it is very worrying that 10 years after the inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger, no progress is noted with regard to the inventory, securing and the elimination of the stocks of rosewood, which must be regarded for the most part as illegal. It should be recalled that previous monitoring missions considered undocumented stocks to be the main factor behind continued illegal felling and exports. It is recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to find a sustainable solution aimed at eliminating all stocks of precious woods, fully implementing CITES decisions on ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.).
In accordance with the Committee’s request, an analysis of the deforestation from satellite images was carried out. The results obtained between 2010 and 2018 show an annual rate of 0.11 to 0.21% of the different components of the property in 2018, which seems to be in contradiction with the rate provided for the property as a whole (0.001% in 2018). It should be recalled that the objective is to limit the annual rate of clearing to below 0.01% of the area of the property with a view to its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger (indicator 2). In addition, the increase in land clearing observed in 2019 (39ha) and the number of cases of illegal logging for palisander (120) remain worrying. It is recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to provide detailed data on deforestation, explaining the contradictions observed in the report, and on the sites still to be rehabilitated.
The total number of reported traps, associated with the decrease in numbers of five species of lemurs, remains of great concern.
Regarding illegal mining, it is regrettable that the information relating to the modalities of the implementation of the five-year action plan and the necessary ecological restoration activities, and the assessment of the damage caused by the mining activity to the property have not been provided, despite the Committee's request since its 42nd session. It is recommended that the Committee request the State Party to resubmit its request for International Assistance regarding illegal mining activity in the property, taking into account the recommendations provided by the World Heritage Centre.
In conclusion, threats to the property, including deforestation linked to the illicit trade in precious woods, poaching and artisanal mining, still constitute serious threats to its Outstanding Universal Value. It is recommended that the Committee request the State Party to continue and intensify its efforts for the implementation of the corrective measures. It is regrettable that the timetable for the implementation of the corrective measures was not provided despite the Committee's request (Decision 43 COM 7A.13), and given the State Party's request for financial support for this process. Finally, it is recommended that the Committee retain the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2021
44 COM 13
International Assistance
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/13,
- Decides not to approve the International Assistance request from Madagascar entitled “Support for the removal of the Atsinanana Rainforests property from the List of World Heritage in Danger as decided by the World Heritage Committee”;
- Encourages the State Party of Madagascar to evaluate the outcomes of the implementation of the previous International Assistance request approved in 2010 for the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, and to submit a new International Assistance request focused on the fight against illegal logging and trade of rosewood which are the main reasons for retaining the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger;
- Decides to approve the following International Assistance requests:
- “Support for Heritage Impact Assessment to protect World Heritage in Lao PDR” (Lao PDR) for an amount of US$ 44,500 under the Conservation & Management-Culture budget. Flexibility is granted within the budget lines dedicated to travel and meetings, in order to accommodate possible adjustments in the implementation of the activities made necessary by the sanitary context related to the Covid-19 pandemic ;
- “Reparation and strengthening of the staircases to the frescos, the visitor platform, the wind-corridor metal bridge and the fragmented rock slabs of the lion staircase of the Sigiriya rock of the Sigiriya Ancient City” (Sri Lanka) for an amount of US$ 91,212 under the Conservation & Management-Culture budget;
- “Strengthening the Capacities to Manage the Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region: GIS Database Development Training for the Institute and Museum-Ohrid” (North Macedonia) for an amount of US$ 55,000 under the Conservation & Management-Nature budget, as authorized by paragraph 240 of the Operational Guidelines. Flexibility is granted within the budget lines dedicated to travel and meetings, in order to accommodate possible adjustments in the implementation of the activities made necessary by the sanitary context related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The profile of the national experts to be involved in the project will be be further clarified in a dialogue between World Heritage Centre and State Party at the time of implementation, as well as the work of the international experts, which could be distributed throughout the project;
- Decides that the Emergency Assistance budget for 2020-2021 can be increased by a maximum amount of US$ 124,000 from the operating reserve in order to reach a maximum of US$ 524,000, if the initial budget of US$ 400,000 is not sufficient;
- Recalling Decision 43 COM 13, paragraph 4, strongly appeals to all States Parties to make voluntary contributions for International Assistance by choosing among the options described in Resolution 19 GA 8;
- Encourages States Parties considering preparation of International Assistance requests to contact the World Heritage Centre for advice either on the topic and/or on the technicalities of their International Assistance requests well ahead the annual deadline of 31 October.
44 COM 7A.48
Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) (N 1257)
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
- Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.13, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
- Notes the efforts made by the State Party for the implementation of corrective measures, in particular the fight against illegal activities and trafficking, the application of laws relating to forest and wildlife offenses, ecological monitoring, ecological restoration, and the empowerment of neighbouring communities and their involvement in the management of the property;
- Notes with preoccupation the rate of deforestation of the property recorded following the analysis of satellite data for the period from 2010 to 2018 as well as the increase in clearing in 2019, recalls the objective of limiting the annual rate of clearing below 0.01% of the surface of the property with a view to its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger (indicator 2) and reiterates its request to the State Party to provide the World Heritage Centre with detailed data on deforestation, explaining the contradictions observed in the report, and detailed information on the sites to be rehabilitated, for examination by IUCN;
- Notes with concern that 10 years after the inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger, there is no significant progress with regard to the inventory, the securing and elimination of the stocks of rosewood, and also reiterates its request to the State Party to find a lasting solution aimed at eliminating all stocks of precious woods by fully implementing the decisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concerning ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.);
- Further reiterates its request to the State Party to provide an update on the progress of the implementation of the action plan, as well as an assessment of the impacts of mining activity on the property, and to undertake the necessary ecological restoration activities;
- Urges the State Party to continue the implementation of the CITES action plan and the biodiversity management plan, and strongly encourages it to implement all CITES decisions relating to the ebony, palisander and rosewood;
- Also notes with concern that the deforestation linked to the illegal trade in precious timber, poaching and artisanal mining still constitute serious threats to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and requests the State Party to continue and intensify its efforts to implement corrective measures;
- Further reiterates its request to the State Party to update the timetable for the implementation of the corrective measures by developing a budgeted and time-bound action plan as part of the new integrated management plan, and to submit the draft management plans for each element of the property, as well as the integrated management plan, to the World Heritage Centre, for examination by IUCN before approval;
- 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;
- Decides to retain the Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
44 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (Retained Properties)
The World Heritage Committee,
- 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),
- 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).
Draft Decision: 44 COM 7A.48
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
- Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.13, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
- Notes the efforts made by the State Party for the implementation of corrective measures, in particular the fight against illegal activities and trafficking, the application of laws relating to forest and wildlife offenses, ecological monitoring, ecological restoration, and the empowerment of neighbouring communities and their involvement in the management of the property;
- Notes with preoccupation the rate of deforestation of the property recorded following the analysis of satellite data for the period from 2010 to 2018 as well as the increase in clearing in 2019, recalls the objective of limiting the annual rate of clearing below 0.01% of the surface of the property with a view to its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger (indicator 2) and reiterates its request to the State Party to provide the World Heritage Centre with detailed data on deforestation, explaining the contradictions observed in the report, and detailed information on the sites to be rehabilitated, for examination by IUCN;
- Notes with concern that 10 years after the inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger, there is no significant progress with regard to the inventory, the securing and elimination of the stocks of rosewood, and also reiterates its request to the State Party to find a lasting solution aimed at eliminating all stocks of precious woods by fully implementing the decisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concerning ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.);
- Further reiterates its request to the State Party to provide an update on the progress of the implementation of the action plan, as well as an assessment of the impacts of mining activity on the property, and to undertake the necessary ecological restoration activities;
- Urges the State Party to continue the implementation of the CITES action plan and the biodiversity management plan, and strongly encourages it to implement all CITES decisions relating to the ebony, palisander and rosewood;
- Also notes with concern that the deforestation linked to the illegal trade in precious timber, poaching and artisanal mining still constitute serious threats to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and requests the State Party to continue and intensify its efforts to implement corrective measures;
- Further reiterates its request to the State Party to update the timetable for the implementation of the corrective measures by developing a budgeted and time-bound action plan as part of the new integrated management plan, and to submit the draft management plans for each element of the property, as well as the integrated management plan, to the World Heritage Centre, for examination by IUCN before approval;
- 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;
- Decides to retain the Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Madagascar
Exports
* :
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.
