The State Party report, received on 1 February 2010, provides information regarding the actions implemented by the National Institute for Historic Monuments of Romania and the Municipality of the town of Sighisoara since the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee (Quebec, 2008), namely:
a) Monitoring of the state of conservation
The National Institute for Historic Monuments has developed a « Study on Interventions affecting the constructions of the urban ensemble of Sighisoara for the period 1990-2006 ». This study indicates examples of interventions on the buildings such as volume modifications, irregular interventions on facades, use of inadequate materials, replacement of traditional woodwork, changes in the function of buildings, development of interior courtyards and terrasses. In its report, the State Party recognizes that these types of intervention transform the urban aspect of the ensemble and could threaten the historic urban fabric. The study recommends the adoption of solutions aimed to avert major interventions and irreversible loss. In October 2008, the Mayor of Sighisoara founded a World Heritage Bureau to improve the management and monitoring of the state of conservation of the property.
b) Protection and management of the site
Since 2008, the town of Sighisoara is part of the thematic network HerO (Heritage as Opportunity) of the URBACT II Programme of the European Commission. Under this programme, and based on the results of the Framework Programme for the protection and management of the Historic Centre of Sighisoara finalised in 2007, the authorities expect to complete the management plan and the local action plan for this property before end-2010.
With the report, the State Party transmitted summaries of the following documents:
- Economic-social development strategy for the town of Sighisoara 2008-2013, approved by the Municipality of the town;
- The Zonal and Regulatory Urban Plan for the Protected Area of the property, approved by the National Commission for Town Planning;
- The Feasibility Study for the rehabilitation of the Historic Centre of Sighisoara as a part of the Documentation for Notice of Intervention Work;
- Study concerning the presentation of the Historic Centre of Sighisoara;
- Traffic Control Regulations in the Citadel;
- Regulations for street commerce;
- « Lighting Designers for Historic Urban Landscape » Project under the « Culture 2007 – 2013 » Programme;
- Funding Conventions for two road construction projects.
c) Rehabilitation, restoration, construction
With the report, the State Party also transmitted information concerning the following projects :
- Rehabilitation of systems for waste water and drinking water supplies
- Rehabilitation of the gas network
- Optical surveillance
- Architectural illumination
- Rehabilitation of street pavements in the Citadel and access roads
- Best practice guides
- Restoration and development of the Tailors’ Tower in partnership between the Municipality of Sighisoara and the « Cele sapte Cetati » Association.
d) Promotional activities
The State Party transmitted with the report information concerning several promotional activities organized at Sighisoara, notably:
- Feasibility Study for the establishment of a National Centre for Tourist Information
- 25 cultural events organized in 2009 by the Town authorities, NGOs and the History Museum of Sighisoara
- Establishment of a partnership between the Municipality of Sighisoara and the « Mihai Eminescu Trust » Foundation, under the patronage of HRH Prince Charles of Great Britain.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note that the report prepared by the national authorities contains very detailed information concerning the actions taken by the State Party to ensure the monitoring of the state of conservation of the property, as well as its protection and management. However, information concerning the state of conservation presented in the Study on Interventions affecting the Constructions of the Urban ensemble of Sighisoara is only for the period 1990 to 2006. The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies thank the State Party for its Study that clearly highlights the potential impacts of the interventions on the value and integrity of the property, and shares the concerns expressed in this document. Consequently, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that, in accordance with paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the State Party should be encouraged to transmit for evaluation and comment detailed documents concerning the recent interventions, the detailed monitoring of the state of conservation of the property and in particular the general state of the monuments and fortifications. The description of any intent to undertake or authorize restoration, rehabilitation, conservation or construction projects, likely to affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Historic Centre of Sighisoara should also be transmitted for evaluation.
