Workshop for the World Heritage property of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Lumbini, Nepal

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre together with the UNESCO Kathmandu Office, in close collaboration with Nepal's Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust is organizing a workshop for the World Heritage property of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Lumbini, Nepal.

About 100 participants from different Nepali ministries, institutions, stakeholders as well as the Lumbini Buddhist institutions will attend. The international participants are representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the UNESCO Kathmandu office, the Asian Development Bank and international experts Prof. Yukio Nishimura from Japan, Mr. Augusto Viallon from the Philippines, Prof. Shin Yong Kak from Korea/France as well as several Asian Buddhist masters and researchers.

Prior to the workshop, a visit will be organized to the World Heritage site of Lumbini, well as to other major Buddhist sites in the region.

During the workshop, all the related parties and participants will have a general overview of an Integrated Management Plan for Lumbini World Heritage site based on the review of a draft report "Issues and Management Objectives" prepared by UNESCO consultant Kai Weise from Nepal, in close collaboration with international expert Prof. Herb Stovel.

More specifically, important future issues for Lumbini will be discussed during the workshop:

1. World Heritage: Integrated Management Plan preparation; World Heritage Committee 32COM Decision; Preservation, Conservation and Archaeological activities for effective conservation; Boundary issues; Potential Extension of World Heritage boundary; Potential future Serial Nomination with the other related Buddhist sites in Nepal (or in India);

2. Integrated Development: Review implementation of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan; Cultural Tourism; Regional planning and development; Industrial Area at least 11 km out of Lumbini, etc.

3. Buddhist Art, Culture, Research, Promotion and Scientific documentation and publication...

4. Community participation

5. Capacity building, Awareness Raising, Education, etc.