Having examined Documents WHC-04/7EXT.COM/5A, WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5B, WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5C, WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5D, and WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5E,
Aware of the need to:
study and reflect on the first cycle of Periodic Reporting;
develop strategic direction on the forms and the format of the Periodic Reports, training priorities and international cooperation priorities; and
to streamline the Committee's consideration of matters raised through Periodic Reporting relating to inscribed properties;
Decides to suspend for one year the commencement of the next cycle of Periodic ...
7 EXT.COM 5A.1
Progress report on the preparation of the Periodic Report for Europe and North America
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5A,
Recalling its Decision 25 COM VII.25-27 at its 25th session (Helsinki, 2001) to examine at its 29th session (Durban, 2005), the Periodic Report for North America,
Notes the report on the progress of such Periodic Report.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC-04/7 EXT.COM/5B,
Recalling its Decisions 24 COM VII.1-4 and 27 COM 20B.I, adopted at its 24th session (Cairns, 2000) and its 27th session (UNESCO, 2003), respectively,
Takes note of the progress made in the implementation of the Regional Programme for the Arab States and in responding to the priority needs identified in the Periodic Report for the Arab States;
Thanks the Dutch Government for supporting the publication of such Periodic Report;
Requests the Director of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies to ...
15. This agenda item was introduced by the Chairman of the World Heritage Committee, Dr Adul Wichiencharoen (Thailand), who summarized the contents of his report on this subject as reflected in Working Document WHC-95/CONF.204/7 (see note [1] ) and the proposed resolution that had been prepared by him for this General Assembly (WHC95/CONF.204/DR.1). He recalled that the World Heritage Committee, after a long process of consultations, discussions and practical experiences in several States Parties and regions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, decided, at its eighteenth ...
22. The Director of the World Heritage Centre recalled that the Tenth General Assembly examined the monitoring and reporting on the state of conservation of World Heritage properties and that it decided the following (paragraph 31 of the Summary Record of the Tenth General Assembly):
'As a conclusion, the General Assembly decided to continue the debate on the systematic monitoring and reporting on the state of conservation of World Heritage properties at the Eleventh General Assembly of States Parties that will be held in 1997. The General Assembly requested the World Heritage Committee ...
The General Assembly,
Having examined documents WHC-05/15.GA/7 et WHC-05/15.GA/INF.7,
Takes note of the report and warmly welcomes the Vienna Memorandum adopted by the International Conference “World Heritage and Contemporary Architecture” (Vienna, 2005);
Based on the Vienna Memorandum, adopts the Declaration on the Conservation of Historic Urban Landscapes, as amended by the General Assembly.
32. The Bureau noted that a proposal to construct a dam across the Batoka Gorge could flood some parts of this transfrontier World Heritage site and that the World Heritage Centre has informed the group of consultancy engineers who are undertaking an environmental impact assessment of the dam construction project of potential threats to the integrity of this site. The Bureau requested the World Heritage Centre to contact the States Parties concerned and obtain more information on the proposed dam construction project for submission to the Committee in December 1992.
33. The Bureau took ...
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, had noted that eight helicopters simultaneously overflew the waterfall area and that local conservation groups opposed the use of the area by helicopters since it contravened legal regulations for air traffic over protected areas. At its last session, the Committee was informed that the Brazilian authorities had established a group to study the matter and had requested the Secretariat to contact the Argentine authorities to obtain lir information on the steps taken by them. The Brazilian authorities have, by their letter of 5 ...
The Bureau noted that, as requested by the Committee at the time of the inscription of this property on the World Heritage List in 1988, IUCN had undertaken a mission to the site. The Bureau learnt with satisfaction that despite a slow start, the management of the Wet Tropics area had achieved much progress last year, particularly with respect to:
(a) establishing a headquarters and appointment of staff; (b)drafting of legislation; (c) preparing of management plans andsite plans; (d) carrying out a number of policy-relevant studies; (e) setting-up advisory committees and a management ...
Sites: Wet Tropics of Queensland
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, recommended that the Bulgarian authorities nominate this site for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger because this small (600 hectare) World Heritage site had lost much of its ecological viability. The Bureau was informed that IUCN had undertaken two missions to Bulgaria since the last session of the Committee and that although the site's importance as a Ramsar site and a Biosphere Reserve, in particular within a European context, could still be retained with the implementation of specific remedial actions, its ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
The Bureau was in agreement with the proposal of the Canadian authorities to delete 423 hectares, where petroleum and natural gas exploration will take place, and add 2,133 hectares of significantly higher conservation value to this site. In effect, the proposed modification of the boundaries of the site has resulted in a net gain of about 1,700 hectares in the total area of this Park. The Bureau recommended that the Committee register the report and the map provided by the Canadian authorities describing the revised boundaries of this World Heritage site.
Sites: Dinosaur Provincial Park
The Bureau was informed of progress achieved by the Canadian authorities in addressing threats to the conservation of this, Ripe site. The Bureau congratulated the Canadian authorities for the programme of action they have set in motion for its conservation. However, the Bureau was in agreement with the fact that safeguarding the World Heritage values of this site require continuous action over the long-term and requested the World Heritage Centre and IUCN to monitor the state of conservation of this site to report to the Committee any problems that may arise.
Sites: Wood Buffalo National Park
The Bureau recalled that when this site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988, several members of the Committee had registered their reservations as to its state of conservation and several threats to its integrity. The Bureau was concerned that despite assurances given to the Committee at the time of its inscription and the US$27 million EEC project in the region, the deterioration of the property had continued and this site still does not have a management plan. The Bureau took note of the intention of the President of the Central African Republic to transfer the management ...
The Bureau commended the Panamanian authorities for preventing 59,000 hectares of La Amistad National Park being released for oil exploration.
The Bureau noted that the Costa Rican authorities have not responded to the Secretariat's letter of 6 February 1992, requesting them to consider revising the boundaries of the Talamanca-La Amistad Reserves by deleting four Indian Reserves in the north-eastern Atlantic sector and submit a map showing the new boundaries of the site. Furthermore, the Bureau was also informed by the representative of IUCN that earlier plans to construct a road through ...
The Bureau noted that the Croatian authorities have officially informed UNESCO that they will abide by the obligations of the World Heritage Convention and requested that a joint UNESCO/IUCN mission be undertaken to assess the impacts which unrest in the region has had on the state of conservation of Plitvice Lake National Park. The Bureau recommended that the Committee, as requested by the Croatian authorities, inscribe Plitvice Lake National Park on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Bureau also decided to set aside an amount upto US$30,000 as emergency assistance to enable the ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Bureau was satisfied to note that the Sub-Secretario Forestal y Recursos Naturales y Renovables which is responsible for the management of this site has been successful in halting a proposed road construction project in order to bring together the relevant provincial and national agencies to discuss the environmental impact of the project and plan mitigating measures. In this regard, the Bureau commended the Ecuadorean authorities for having obtained official approval for including substantial areas south of the World Heritage site into the National Park. The Bureau, however, was ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
The Bureau was informed that the employees of this World Heritage site recently staged a four-week strike demanding higher salaries and other improvements of their working conditions. The Bureau also noted that a draft tourism and conservation plan for Galapagos is now being finalized and the Master Plan for the management of the Park would have to be revised in the light of the strategies and programme of actions foreseen in the tourism and conservation plan. The Bureau recommended that the World Heritage Centre contact the Ecuadorean authorities and request them to consider undertaking ...
Sites: Galápagos Islands
The Bureau noted with satisfaction that the Ethiopian authorities have submitted a rehabilitation project for this site. This project is now being implemented with US$50,000 approved by the World Heritage Committee.
Sites: Simien National Park
The Bureau recalled that the Committee at its last session concluded that the reduction in the size of this site proposed by the Government of Guinea in order to exclude areas that would be impacted by a proposed iron-ore mining project, posed a major threat to its integrity. Taking into account that the site also faced several other threats, the Committee, at its last session recommended that the Governments of C6te d'Ivoire and Guinea nominate this site for inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Bureau noted with satisfaction that experts of Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea, ...
The World Heritage Centre informed the Bureau that the damage caused by the invasion of this Sanctuary by militants from the Bodo tribe in Assam, India, was estimated to be about 50 million Indian rupees (about 1.6 million US dollars). Although considerable damage was done to the Park infrastructure, the habitat in the inaccessible parts of the Sanctuary still remained intact. The Bureau, while noting that the conditions for introducing normal management and administration regimes for the site may be improving, was nevertheless concerned that a full assessment of damage had not been made ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bureau expressed concerns that the region in which this site, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991, is situated has recently been affected by armed unrest. The Bureau was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Niger had requested the Director-General of UNESCO to launch an appeal for the protection of this site. The Bureau recommended that the World Heritage Centre contact the authorities in Niger and obtain more information on the impact the armed unrest in the region has had on the state of the conservation of the site and request them to nominate ...
The Bureau was informed by the representative of IUCN that the vegetation cover in this mixed site has been destroyed and could have adverse impacts on the landscape in the area. The Bureau requested the World Heritage Centre to contact the Greek authorities and obtain verification of this information and to request them to invite a mission to examine the state of conservation of this site.
Sites: Mount Athos
The Bureau recalled that an environmental impact study had found that the construction of a road through this National Park was preferable to the alternative of routing the road along the periphery of the Park because the route inside the Park could be better patrolled by Park staff. The Bureau noted that although the construction of the road had begun, work on the road has been temporarily suspended due to the beginning of the rainy season. The Delegate of Senegal informed the Bureau that the National Park Service had established several points, including one at Niokolo-Koba, to monitor ...
Sites: Niokolo-Koba National Park
The Bureau was pleased to note that the English version of the "Preservation and Management Plan" for this mixed site, prepared with financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund, has been published. The observer from Turkey informed the Bureau that the implementation of the Plan has begun and a project to remove some of the hotels and associated infrastructure which were threatening the integrity and authenticity of the site will soon commence and that the Turkish authorities hope to request international assistance from the World Heritage Fund to meet part of the costs of ...
Sites: Hierapolis-Pamukkale
The Bureau noted that the authorities responsible for the management of this site had submitted to the Secretariat several reports on the potential impacts of the proposed hydroelectric dam construction on the Tara River and the pollution of that river by a large asphalt plant situated upstream along the river. The Bureau was informed by the representative of IUCN that the Yugoslav authorities maintained that the two problems mentioned above had minimal impacts on the conservation of Durmitor and that necessary measures to mitigate those impacts were being taken. However, the Bureau ...
Sites: Durmitor National Park
The Bureau was happy to note that the rhinoceros population in the Park has now increased to 32 individuals due to an increase in the budget and personnel and that the state of conservation of the site continues to be stable. Hence, the Bureau recommended that the Committee, in accordance with the request made by the State Party by letter of 26 February 1991, delete this site from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Sites: Garamba National Park
48. The Bureau took note of document CLT-92/CONF.003/02 and commended the efforts of the Director-General of UNESCO for the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of Dubrovnik, particularly:
- his joint appeal together with the United Nations Secretary General for a return to peace and the protection of cultural heritage;
- his appeal to the various UNESCO missions to the different parties involved in the conflict with the aim of enforcing the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event of Armed Conflict (The Hague, 1954) and the World Heritage ...
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
The Bureau was happy to learn that the restoration work on the monuments at Arles (France) was continuing, thanks to participation of the Ministry of Culture, and also with important contributions from the municipal authorities and the World Monuments Fund.
The Bureau also noted with satisfaction the continuing efforts of the persons responsible for the conservation of the archaelogical site of Kerkouane (Tunisia), to reinforce the cliff which is being eroded by waves.
The Bureau took note of the information provided by the World Heritage Centre on the site of the Pont du Gard (France). It appears that the development activities at the site do not endanger its authenticity but seem to help re-establish it, as an existing electricity line will be buried.
With regard to the state of conservation of the monuments of Goreme (Turkey), the Bureau noted the willingness of the national authorities to continue the restoration of the site and requested the World Heritage Centre to prepare, in consultation with the responsible Turkish authorities and specialists, a more detailed dossier concerning tourist developments which may be detrimental to the visibility of the monuments.
The Bureau noted with concern the dangers threatening the conservation of the site because of its fragility and the increasing flow of pilgrims, as well as a possible reconstruction of the church over the saint's tomb. The Bureau requested the World Heritage Centre to draw the attention of the competent national authorities to these matters and request their assurances to take all action necessary for conserving this site.
Sites: Abu Mena
The Bureau noted that the restoration work was continuing and that the archaeological activities were limited to excavation connected with the installation of an electric line. The Bureau was concerned that the means and human resources to ensure the protection of the site was not yet in place.
Sites: Delos
The Bureau was satisfied with the positive assessment of the state of conservation of the monuments and expressed its wish that the national authorities take measures to strengthen the protection of this site.
Despite the fact that it was aware of the efforts of specialists and the Tunisian authorities for conserving this site, the Bureau was, however, concerned about the modifications which affected the environment of the site and requested the competent authorities to take urgent measures necessary to reestablish the harmony of the site and its surroundings, halt all new constructions in the immediate environs and demolish the shopping arcade constructed on one side of the amphitheatre. If it is not possible to demolish the arcade, then it would be desirable to conceal it with a hedge. ...
Sites: Amphitheatre of El Jem
The Bureau took note with satisfaction that the urban development plan of the town had been modified and wished to obtain more information regarding the new plan from the competent Turkish authorities.
Sites: Historic Areas of Istanbul
The Bureau expressed its concern regarding the protection of Megalithic temples and requested the World Heritage Centre to draw the attention of the competent Maltese authorities to the necessity of establishing a larger buffer zone with better legal protection. A report on the information received will be submitted to the Committee at its next session, particularly in the light of a proposal for extension of this site presented by the Maltese authorities this year.
Sites: Megalithic Temples of Malta
The Bureau was concerned by the construction project inside the Vatican City of a concrete building of several floors in the place of the old Hospice de Santa Marta, the demolition of which was undertaken on 1 June 1992.
The breach in the Leonin Wall that appeared during this work constitutes a danger to the integrity of this fortified ensemble. Moreover, because of its co-visibility with the dome of Saint-Pierre, the height of the planned building would cause irreparable damage to the urban landscape of Rome, as well as to the Vatican City.
The Bureau recommended that the World ...
Sites: Vatican City
The Bureau took note with satisfaction of the safeguarding activities undertaken by UNESCO for Cambodian heritage. The Organization had already started this work before the signature of the peace treaty. Since then, Cambodia has adhered to the Convention and the Bureau considered it to be its duty to participate actively in the restoration and conservation of Angkor.
A member of the Bureau underlined the fact that the inscription of this site on the World Heritage List was a matter of genuine urgency. In fact, following the war which devastated this country, the protection of the site ...
Sites: Angkor
The representative of ICOMOS reported to the Bureau on the cultural sites he had monitored. A more detailed report accompanied by slide projections will be made during the Santa Fe session in December 1992 for all the cases mentioned. The properties in question are: Kizhi Pogost (Russian Federation), Monastery of Rila (Bulgaria), Budapest (Hungary) and Stonehenge (United Kingdom). With regard to the site of Stonehenge, the ICOMOS Representative mentioned the problem of tourist pressure and the deviation of the road A-344. A more detailed report will be submitted at the next session of the ...
The Bureau was informed of the building proposals in the buffer zone along the Saint-Lawrence River and the impact they would have on the views to and from the River. ICOMOS was critical about the consultation process and the design and specifically of the failure of the many levels of government to work together. The Bureau also learnt that four other prominent persons in Quebec had expressed similar concerns. The Bureau noted with concern the incompatibility between such activities and the aspiration of Quebec City concerning the World Heritage Cities Secretariat. The creation of an ...
The Bureau was happy to learn of the innovative efforts made by the competent American authorities for the long-lasting conservation of Chaco Canyon.
Sites: Chaco Culture
Abou Mena (Egypt)
The Committee was apprised of the report presented on the site of Abou Mena following concerns expressed by the Bureau in July 1992. At the request of the Chairperson, the Delegate from Egypt provided all the clarifications regarding allegations on the state of the site in his report, which the Chairperson, upon the suggestion of one of the delegates, requested the Committee to include in the report as an appendix. During the discussion which followed, the Tunisian Delegate asked the Centre to pay special attention to confirming the information received by the ...
Sites: Abu Mena
Delos and Delphi (Greece)
The Deputy Director of the World Heritage Centre informed the Committee of the status of the site of Delos, over which the Bureau had expressed some concern in terms of the human resources required for its protection. Following the explanations provided by the Observer from Greece, the Committee took note of the willingness of the Greek authorities to increase the number of guards in spite of the problems involved in attracting employees to an island which is no longer inhabited. On the other hand, concerning the site of Delphi, the Greek Observer reminded the ...
Vatican (Holy See)
The Committee was informed of the various actions undertaken by the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS in collaboration with the Holy See authorities following a certain number of protests concerning a new building on the site of the Hospice of Santa Marta.
The Director of the World Heritage Centre as well as ICOMOS were able to ascertain at the site that the allegations reported mainly by the press were groundless. They commended the spirit of co-operation with which this problem had been approached by the authorities of the Vatican. One delegate congratulated ICOMOS ...
Sites: Vatican City
Ggantija Temples (Malta)
The Deputy Director of the World Heritage Centre brought up the problem of protecting the Megalithic temples of Ggantija and indicated that the report requested of the Maltese authorities on this subject had arrived shortly before the sixteenth session of the Committee. This report shows that the authorities involved have taken the Bureau's concerns into consideration and confirmed the request to extend the site.
Sites: Megalithic Temples of Malta
Ancient City of Damascus (Syria)
The Deputy Director of the World Heritage Centre reported on the information unofficially transmitted to UNESCO expressing concern over the work being done on the western wall of the Mosque of the Omeyyades in Damascus (Syria). When invited by the Chairperson to provide clarification, the Delegate from Syria retraced the history of the Mosque and confirmed that the work in question is being effected on a wall built about twenty years ago to protect the Mosque's inner courtyard from the rain.
The ensuing discussion emphasized the need for the Centre to ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
El Jem (Tunisia)
Regarding the site of El Jem (Tunisia), the Committee was informed of the measures taken at the highest level of Government, as the President of the Republic of Tunisia had transmitted through, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the concerns of the Bureau, the decisions pertaining to a halt in the construction of any extension to the shopping arcade and to the ban on construction of any permanent structures within the amphitheatre. Concerning this point, the Delegate from Tunisia took the floor to thank the Committee for its interest in heritage at large and ...
Sites: Amphitheatre of El Jem
Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (Turkey)
The Committee noted with concern the information received on the state of conservation of the site. According to the consultant responsible for evaluation of the site in question, the Turkish authorities and the Ministry of Culture in particular did not seem to be aware of the decisions taken by the Committee in 1985 providing for an extension of the protected area of the Goreme site. According to the consultant's report, this site is undergoing serious changes due mainly to the construction of hotels in the safeguarded ...
Historic Areas of Istanbul (Turkey)
On the subject of Istanbul, ICOMOS found the information provided by the Turkish authorities to be acceptable. However, it would be desirable for ICOMOS to obtain the accompanying plans of the master safeguard plan, which the Centre might request. Given the importance of Istanbul, which, like Goreme, is the subject of a UNESCO international safeguard campaign, the Committee felt it necessary to send a mission there.
Sites: Historic Areas of Istanbul
Rila Monastery (Bulgaria)
After the presentation on the Monastery of Rila, the Committee asked the World Heritage Centre to write a letter to the Bulgarian authorities to draw their attention to the necessity for implementing a management plan in co-operation with Church representatives.
Sites: Rila Monastery
Quebec Historic Area (Canada)
In response to information conveyed by the press as well as by groups and individuals, the ICOMOS Representative informed the Committee of the task assigned to him by the World Heritage Centre to examine, with the authorities in Quebec, two construction projects (one for the IMAX cinema and one for a naval academy) both on the land located immediately outside the protected area. The ICOMOS report on this matter and the additional explanations given by him gave rise to two statements, the first by the Observer from Canada and the second by the Representative ...
Paris, Banks of the Seine (France)
Concern was expressed with regard to the insertion of a new building in the historic setting of the Banks of the Seine in Paris. Based on a visit to the site and a study of the architectural project, an ICOMOS expert, Mr. Barthelemy, made a favourable report on the project which was approved by ICOMOS and of which the Committee took note.
Sites: Paris, Banks of the Seine
Budapest, the Banks of the Danube (Hungary)
After having analyzed the characteristics of the construction project for the French Institute of Culture building in Budapest, the ICOMOS Representative emphasized the doctrinal considerations involved in inserting contemporary architecture in historic quarters, and the necessity to avoid pastiche or "kitch". He proposed that no action should be taken with regard to this project.
Historic Centre of Rome (Italy)
The ICOMOS Representative informed the Committee of the state of the Rome Colisseum which is suffering both from air pollution due to the proximity of a road and from vibrations caused by the subway. At present financial support from the Banco de Roma is enabling conservation work of the monument to ensure its safeguard.
The Delegate of Italy intervened to thank ICOMOS for the scientific information presented to the Committee and which recalled the usual problems dealt with concerning catastrophes, but in this case the problem of the Colisseum is the ...
Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)
Upon the initiative of ICOMOS, the report pertaining to the Valley of Kathmandu was submitted to the attention of the Committee. This site is the subject of a UNESCO international safeguard campaign and, as the ICOMOS Representative pointed out, numerous reports have been written about it for the past twenty years. Moreover, following an ICOMOS seminar held recently in Nepal on wood conservation, the ICOMOS Representative was able to confirm previously identified obstacles posed by the protection of sites in the Kathmandu Valley. He expressed his concern for the ...
Sites: Kathmandu Valley
Kizhi Pogost (Russian Federation)
With the help of slide illustrations, the ICOMOS Representative introduced the status of the site of Kizhi Pogost, explaining the nature of the problems and the manner in which urgent problems were determined. This presentation was followed by a discussion during which several technical questions were raised. The Committee decided to support the coordination effort undertaken by ICOMOS for this site, and requested that a report be provided during the next meeting of the Bureau in view of implementing an assistance project. The Committee adopted the ...
Sites: Kizhi Pogost
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites (United Kingdom)
Concerning Stonehenge, the ICOMOS representative provided all the details on the management of the site as well as on the anticipated projects for improvement, including that of a museum site. The ICOMOS recommended to the World Heritage Centre to write to the authorities in the United Kingdom in order to support the measures undertaken for the management of Stonehenge.
Hadrian's Wall (United Kingdom)
Bringing up the point pertaining to Hadrian's Wall, the ICOMOS Representative indicated to the Committee that ICOMOS is taking the necessary steps to monitor all actions undertaken near this site and will keep the Committee informed. These include projects for opencast coal mining and for a long-distance footpath.
City of Bath (United Kingdom)
The Committee noted with satisfaction the model plan drawn up for the City of Bath. The World Heritage Centre was asked to write to the authorities in the United Kingdom to this effect.
Sites: City of Bath
Chaco Canyon (United States of America)
Following the monitoring report presented by ICOMOS on the status of the Chaco Canyon site, the Committee expressed its warm congratulations to the National Park Service for the work carried out.
Sites: Chaco Culture
Tipasa (Algeria)
Mr. Beschaouch indicated that he had personally ascertained the status of the site of Tipasa in Algeria during a visit in October 1992. This site had suffered the effects of an earthquake in October 1989 and emergency assistance had been granted by the Fund.
The remedial works had been completed in good conditions and a safeguard plan elaborated. He asked the Committee to recommend application of the safeguard plan in order to ensure the integrity of the site. The Committee adopted this proposal. Furthermore, Mr. Beschaouch raised the question of training of scientific ...
Sites: Tipasa
Tyr (Lebanon)
Concerning the site of Tyr, the Committee requested, at the suggestion of Mr. Beschaouch, that a report be provided during the next meeting of the Bureau on the project carried out by the Lebanese authorities and UNESCO, specifically from the standpoint of the international safeguard campaign.
Sites: Tyre
Ksar of Alt-Ben-Haddou (Morocco)
Mr. Beschaouch brought to the attention of the Committee information pertaining to a project implemented jointly by UNDP, UNESCO (World Heritage Centre) and the Moroccan authorities on the site of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (Morocco) and pointed this out as a positive example, and the Committee took note of this.
Sites: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Wet Tropics of Queensland (Australia)
The Committee noted that, as requested at the time of the inscription of this property on the World Heritage List in 1988, IUCN had undertaken a review mission to the site. The Committee learnt with satisfaction that despite a slow start, the management of the Wet Tropics area had achieved much progress, particularly with respect to:
(a) establishing a headquarters and appointment of staff; (b) drafting legislation; (c) preparing management plans and site plans; (d) carrying out a number of policy-relevant studies; (e) setting-up advisory committees ...
Sites: Wet Tropics of Queensland
Srebarna Biosphere Reserve (Bulgaria)
The Committee recalled that at its last session, it recommended that the Bulgarian authorities nominate this small (600 ha) site for inclusion in the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Committee was informed of the conclusion of two IUCN missions to this site undertaken in early 1992: although Srebarna's importance as a Ramsar site and a biosphere reserve could still be retained by the implementation of specific remedial measures, its World Heritage status can no longer be justified because it has deteriorated to a state where it has irretrievably ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
Manovo-Gounda Saint Floris (Central African Republic)
The Committee recalled that when this site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988, several members of the Committee had registered their reservations as to its state of conservation and several threats to its integrity. Despite assurances given to the Committee at the time of its inscription and the US$27 million EEC (European Economic Community) project which had been implemented in the region, the deterioration of the property had continued and this site still does not have a management plan. The Committee was informed of ...
Talamanca-La Amistad National Park (Costa Rica-Panama)
The Committee commended the Panamanian authorities for preventing 59,000 hectares of La Amistad National Park being released for oil exploration.
The Committee noted that the Costa Rican authorities have not yet informed the Centre of their views on its recommendation, made at its last session, to consider revising the boundaries of the Talamanca-La Amistad Reserves by deleting four Indian Reserves in the north-eastern Atlantic sector and submit a map showing the new boundaries of the site. The Committee was also informed of a ...
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
The Committee noted that the Croatian authorities officially informed UNESCO in June 1992, that they will abide by the obligations of the World Heritage Convention and requested that a joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN mission be undertaken to assess the impacts which unrest in the region has had on the state of conservation of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Using part of the US$30, 000 approved by the Bureau at its last session, for the organization of such a mission, a team of three experts representing IUCN, the Federation of Nature and National ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Sangay National Park (Ecuador)
The Committee noted that the Sub-Secretariat of Forestry and Renewable Natural Resources, which is responsible for the management of this site, has been successful in temporarily halting a proposed road construction project in order to bring together the relevant provincial and national agencies to discuss the environmental impact of the project and plan mitigating measures. The Committee commended the Ecuadorean authorities for having included substantial areas south of the World Heritage site in the National Park. The Committee, however, was concerned ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
Galapagos National Park (Ecuador)
The Committee was informed that the employees of this World Heritage site staged a four-week strike during may-June 1992, demanding higher salaries and other improvements of their working conditions. The Committee also noted that a draft tourism and conservation plan for Galapagos is now being finalized and the management plan of the Park would have to be revised in the light of the strategies and programme of action foreseen in the tourism and conservation plan.
The Committee noted with satisfaction that the Galapagos National Park authorities, in ...
Sites: Galápagos Islands
Mt. Nimba Nature Reserve (Cote d'Ivoire/Guinea)
The Committee recalled its decision taken at its last session in Carthage, Tunisia, that the reduction in the size of this site proposed by the Government of Guinea in order to exclude areas that would be impacted by a proposed iron-ore mining project, posed a major threat to its integrity. The site is also threatened by the arrival of a large number of refugees to areas in and around the Guinean part of the World Heritage site.
The Committee noted that a meeting of experts of Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea, with participants from UNDP and ...
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)
The Centre informed the Committee that the damage caused by the invasion of this Sanctuary by the Bodo tribe in Assam, India, was estimated to be about 50 million Indian rupees (about 1.6 million US dollars). Although the Park infrastructure suffered considerable damage, the habitat in the inaccessible parts of the Sanctuary appeared to be intact. The Committee, while noting that the conditions for introducing normal management and administration regimes for the site may be improving, was nevertheless concerned that a full assessment of damage had not ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Tsingy Bemaraha Nature Reserve (Madagascar)
The Committee was concerned with the information reported by the Representative of IUCN concerning the disruption of conservation activities due to shortage of supplies in, and transport to, this site which is situated in a remote part of Madagascar. The Committee noted that the World Heritage Fund has provided to this site US$20,000 for the purchase of equipment and an additional US$20,000 for a management seminar during 1992. The Committee instructed the Centre to contact the Malagasy authorities and request a state of conservation report for ...
Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand (New Zealand)
The Committee was informed that the Government of New Zealand has approved an application from a private company for a licence to export water from the World Heritage site. The exportation of freshwater would require the construction of a dam, a buried pipeline and four large reservoirs at Jackson's Bay. The Committee noted that the visual and ecological impacts of the proposed development project were not clearly known and that the legal and economic considerations which guided the decision to approve the project are being actively ...
Air and Tenere Nature Reserve (Niger)
The Committee expressed concern that the region in which this site is situated has recently been affected by civil disturbance. The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Niger had requested the Director-General of UNESCO to launch an appeal for the protection of this site. The competent authorities in Niger, in accordance with the recommendation of the Bureau made at its last session in Paris in July 1992, have requested the Committee to include this site in the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Niger ...
Danube Delta (Romania)
The Committee recalled that when this site was inscribed on the World Heritage List at its last session in Carthage, Tunisia, it requested IUCN and the Secretariat to submit a progress report at its sixteenth session. The Committee was concerned that despite assurances given at its last session by the Representative of Romania, the final steps in the process to establish a legislative framework for this site have not yet been completed. The Committee instructed the Centre to contact the competent authorities in Romania to remind them of the assurances they gave the ...
Sites: Danube Delta
Djoudj National Park (Senegal)
The Committee recalled that the repair of barrages and gates regulating water flow into this wetland area was financed by the World Heritage Fund in 1988. The Committee noted that the parallel wooden planks, held together by clay, which keep the gates dry and resistant to water leaks and seepage to and from the Djoudj River, have been found to be defective, and that the Senegalese authorities had been provided emergency assistance for the purchase of wood to replace the existing planks at an estimated total cost of about US$10,000. The Delegate of Senegal ...
Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal)
The Bureau at its last session held in Paris in July 1992, requested IUCN to provide an up-to-date report on the measures taken by the Senegalese authorities to mitigate the impacts of a road being constructed through this Park. The Committee noted that IUCN's Office for Western Africa, in co-operation with the Senegal National Park Service and the University of Dakar has undertaken a field mission to examine the mitigative measures taken and that the findings of the mission will be reported to the Bureau when it convenes for its seventeenth ...
Sites: Niokolo-Koba National Park
Everglades National Park (United States of America)
The Delegate for the United States of America informed the Committee members of the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew to this site. The hurricane which affected extensive areas in south Florida on 24 August 1992, damaged virtually all large hammock trees and destroyed 20-25% of the royal palms, 25-40% of the pines, 90% of trees where the red-cockaded woodpeckers nested and 70,000 acres of mangrove forests. Despite the extent of the damage caused, the Committee noted with satisfaction that a post-hurricane survey of the area undertaken ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
Olympic National Park (United States of America)
At its last session the Committee was informed by the Delegate of the United States of America of an oil spill off the coast of this World Heritage site. As requested by the Committee at its last session, the US Delegate submitted to the Committee a description of the plan and organization of the emergency response mechanism used to mitigate the negative impacts of the oil spill and a proposed study to make an inventory and monitor affected coastal areas. The Committee was informed that the long-term impacts of the oil spill were unknown. ...
Sites: Olympic National Park
Durmitor National Park (Montenegro)
The Committee noted that the authorities responsible for the management of this site had submitted to the Secretariat several reports on the potential impacts of the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Tara River and the pollution of that river by a large asphalt plant situated upstream along the river. The Committee was informed that the Montenegro authorities maintained that the two problems mentioned above had minimal impacts on the conservation of Durmitor and that necessary measures to mitigate those impacts were being taken. In ...
Sites: Durmitor National Park
Garamba National Park (Zaire)
The Committee recalled that at its last session, it deferred taking a decision to remove this site from the List of World Heritage in Danger, due to the uncertainties associated with prevailing civil unrest in Zaire at that time.
The Committee was happy to note that the rhinoceros population in the Park has now increased to 32 individuals and that the state of conservation of the site continues to be stable. Hence, the Committee recommended, in accordance with the request made by the State Party by letter of 26 February 1991, to remove this site from the ...
Sites: Garamba National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
The Committee noted that a proposal to construct a dam across the Batoka Gorge could flood some parts of this transfrontier World Heritage site, and that the Bureau had requested the Centre to contact the States Parties concerned and obtain more information on the proposed dam construction project.
The Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management of Zimbabwe has informed the World Heritage Centre that the dam to be built at the Batoka Gorge will flood up to the third gorge which is about 10 km inside the World ...
Mt. Athos (Greece)
The Committee noted that the deforestation in this mixed site could have adverse impacts on the landscape in the area. In response to a request for information from the Centre, the Greek authorities indicated that 25,732 acres of forest in the area were damaged due to a fire in 1990 and this calamity might have been responsible for reports concerning the removal of vegetation. The Greek authorities have, however, pointed out that the natural regeneration of the forest is progressing satisfactorily.
The Committee noted that Mt. Athos is an autonomous region within ...
Sites: Mount Athos
16 COM VIII.1
Monitoring of the State of Conservation of the World Heritage Cultural and Natural Properties: Overview
VIII.1 The World Heritage Centre introduced document WHC92/CONF.002/5 and stressed the fact that ensuring the maintenance of the values for which sites were given World Heritage status and taking measures to remove or minimize threats to those values is a major part of the work of the Committee, the non-governmental advisory bodies and the Centre. The Committee noted that the monitoring of the state of conservation of World Heritage sites will receive greater emphasis than the identification and designation of sites in the future work of the Convention. The Committee took note of the ...
16 COM VIII.12
State of Conservation of 3 Properties and Revised Boundaries of Dinosaur Provincial Park (Canada)
VIII.12 The Committee decided to register the report and the map provided by the Canadian authorities as a description of the revised boundaries of the Dinosaur Provincial Park (Canada). The Committee expressed satisfaction on the progress in the implementation of the rehabilitation project in the Simien National Park (Ethiopia) for which the Committee approved US$50,000 at its last session. In the case of Iguazu National Park (Argentina), Iguazu National Park (Brazil) and Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada), the Committee requested the Centre to submit progress on their state of ...
Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
The Committee took note of the report on the state of conservation of Dubrovnik, which was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, in Carthage in 1991, and was also informed of the request received by the World Heritage Centre for the creation of a buffer zone. This request will be submitted to ICOMOS for review.
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC-07/16.GA/10,
Recalling Decisions 30 COM 7.1 and 31 COM 7.1, adopted respectively at the 30th (Vilnius, 2006) and 31st (Christchurch, 2007) sessions of the World Heritage Committee,
Taking into account the relevant issues identified in the recent Thematic Debate of the Executive Board on UNESCO’s role in addressing climate change within its mandated areas of competence and also noting the upcoming meetings on climate change in Bali in December 2007 (Thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 13) and the ...
16 GA 11
Report on the development of a revised recommendation on the conservation of Historic Urban Landscapes
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC-07/16.GA/11,
Welcomes the information provided on the development of a revised recommendation of the conservation of historic urban landscapes;
Invites the Director-General of UNESCO to inform the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, at its 17th session in 2009, on the further activities undertaken and progress made with regard to this initiative.
16 GA 12
Other business: protection and management plans, conservation tools and promotion of World Heritage properties
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC-07/16.GA/12,
Takes note of the information provided in the above-mentioned document;
Welcomes the launching of a new Series of World Heritage Resource Manuals;
Invites the Director-General of UNESCO to inform the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, at its 17th session in 2009, on the further activities undertaken and progress made with regard to the Series of World Heritage Resource Manuals;
Calls upon States Parties to cooperate with other States Parties which so request on the formulation of ...
The Bureau recalled that the Committee at its last session included this site in the List of World Heritage in Danger. Prevention of seasonal flooding has led to a decrease in the size and productivity of Srebarna and agricultural and residential use of surrounding areas have led to decline or disappearance of migratory and passerine bird populations. The Bureau recalled that IUCN, on the basis of two missions to the site in 1992, had concluded that Srebarna's World Heritage status may no longer be justified because it has deteriorated to a state where it may have irretrievably lost the ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
The Bureau recalled that the integrity of this site, which has been inaccessible since the onset of armed conflict in the region in 1991, still remained intact. However, recognizing that the potential for a resurgence of hostilities continued to threaten the integrity of this site, the Committee, at its last session included the Plitvice Lakes National Park in the List of World Heritage in Danger and called upon the Government of Croatia, UNPROFOR and the authorities in the Krajina Region to co-operate to implement the Vance Plan and its successor resolutions to stabilize the political ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
In 1981 the World Heritage Committee inscribed Mt. Nimba on the World Heritage List. In 1992 Mt Nimba was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger by the Committee which requested the Centre to send an expert mission to: (a) ascertain the boundaries of the site at the time of inscription and recommend an appropriate boundary; (b) assess the impact of the iron-ore mine and other threats to the integrity of the site; (c) work towards an integrated rural development project.
The mission was carried out between 15 to 30 May 1993. It included representatives from the Centre, UNDP, UNEP, ...
Noting that the Ecuadorean authorities have not yet provided the information requested by the Committee, the Bureau requested the Centre to contact them once again and obtain information on the status of the road construction project and on-going efforts to assess its impact on the integrity of the site. In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee, the Bureau also invited the Ecuadorean authorities to consider (a) submitting a proposal to extend this World Heritage site to include new areas that have been added to the Park, and (b) inviting a mission comprising regional ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, was informed that the damage caused by the invasion of this site by militants belonging to the Bodo tribe in Assam was estimated to be about US$1.6 million and that although the Park infrastructure had suffered considerable damage, habitats in the inaccessible parts of the Sanctuary appeared to be intact. Concerned by the information reported by the Representative of IUCN that the area is still not completely free from encroachments by militants belonging to the Bodo tribe, and that illegal cultivation was spreading into parts ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, included this site in the List of World Heritage in Danger because it was concerned that the region in which it is situated has been affected by civil disturbance and that six members of the Reserve staff were being held hostage since February 1992. The Bureau deeply regretted that two of the six Reserve staff who had been held hostage died during their captivity and the health of the other four who were released in April 1993 was found to be poor. The Bureau instructed the Centre to transmit the Committee's condolences to the ...
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its fifteenth session held in Carthage, Tunisia, in December 1991, noted that eight helicopters regularly overflew the waterfall area and that local conservation groups opposed the use of the area by helicopters since it contravened legal regulations for air traffic control over protected areas. The Bureau was satisfied to note that the efforts of the Argentine National Park Administration and the Air Force, to establish an agreement to regulate the use of air space over the Iguazu National Park by helicopters is proceeding. The Bureau urged the ...
Sites: Iguazu National Park
The Bureau was satisfied to note that the Brazilian authorities were in contact with their counterparts in Argentina to study the possibilities for establishing common regulations for helicopter traffic over the waterfalls area.
Sites: Iguaçu National Park
17 BUR VIII.2
Wrangell-St. Elias-Kluane-Glacier Bay National Parks (Canada/United States of America)
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, while approving the extension of this transfrontier site to include the Glacier Bay National Park (USA), at its last session, urged the American and the Canadian authorities to incorporate additional areas to the World Heritage property.
In this regard, the Bureau was pleased to be informed ty the Observer for Canada that the Provincial Government of British Columbia has decided to propose to the World Heritage Centre to establish a new provincial park in the Alsek Tatshenshint region and nominate this park as part of the transfrontier world ...
In response to the December 1992 request of the World Heritage Committee, two meetings were held with representatives of the Central African Republic (CAR) to discuss: (a) the protection of the site; (b) participation of local people, and (c) the social-economic ramifications of a "privatized management regime". The first meeting in April determined that the issues were of an administrative and legal nature rather than ecological and thus it was decided not to carry out a field mission.
On 10 May 1993 legal representatives of the Central African Republic, UNESCO and IUCN met at the World ...
The Bureau took note of the fact that the proposal to construct a road through of the Talamanca-La Amistad Reserves of Costa Rica is unlikely to be implemented in the immediate future. The Bureau was informed that the Costa Rican authorities were not in agreement with all the boundary modifications recommended by the Committee, at its fifteenth session. The Bureau noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mines, which is responsible for the management of the Talamanca-La Amistad Reserves, and the general public, as well as the indigenous people resident within the site, ...
The Bureau noted with satisfaction that the size of this mixed World Heritage property might be enlarged by about 50% and that the new areas earmarked for inclusion in the Park may contain natural and cultural heritage values of universal significance. The Bureau was informed that an IUCN project in the buffer zone of the Park is working with 26 villages to find alternative livelihood strategies which will minimize the dependence of the indigenous people on resources within the World Heritage site.
The Bureau commended the efforts of the Government of Denmark which is supporting this ...
Sites: Tikal National Park
The Bureau recalled that at its last session the Committee was informed that the Government of New Zealand had approved an application from a private company for a licence to export water from this World Heritage site. The exportation of freshwater would require the construction of a dam, a buried pipeline and four large reservoirs at Jackson's Bay. The Committee noted that the visual and ecological impacts of the proposed development project were not clearly known and that the legal and economic considerations which guided the decision to approve the project were being actively debated ...
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, drew the attention of the Romanian authorities to the fact that they were yet to complete the final steps to establish a legislative framework for this site, despite the assurances of the Representative of Romania to the fifteenth session of the Committee in December 1991, when the Delta Danube was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The Bureau was informed that the Ministry.of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection of Romania has prepared the draft of the law concerning the establishment of the Danube Delta Biosphere ...
Sites: Danube Delta
The Bureau recalled that at its last session in July 1992 it had requested IUCN to provide a report on the progress in the implementation of measures to mitigate environmental impacts of a road construction protect in this Park. The Representative of IUCN informed the Bureau that the University of Dakar, Senegal, had undertaken an independent assessment of the implementation of mitigation measures and that the findings of this study had been validated by the Regional Representative of IUCN for West Africa. The Bureau was pleased to note that the study had found the implementation of ...
Sites: Niokolo-Koba National Park
The Bureau recalled that this site was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1988, and was deeply concerned to learn that the Prime Minister of Tanzania had announced that the residents of the area will be allowed to grow crops inside this World Heritage site, in contradiction to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Law. The Representative of IUCN noted that although allowing small areas of maize cultivation may help to ease conflicts between local people and site-staff, the announcement appears to have encouraged people to clear vegetation over extensive areas, including many ...
Sites: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, was informed of the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew which affected extensive areas of this World Heritage site on 24 August 1992. The Bureau noted that the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew has had a wide range of impacts on the ecology of Everglades and that the site has been entered on the "Montreux Record", the equivalent of a 'danger list' under the Ramsar Convention. The Representative of IUCN informed the Bureau that conservation problems of the Everglades have been covered extensively in the literature and that a ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
The Bureau was deeply concerned to learn that due to recent political uncertainties in the country all donors, except WWF, have withdrawn their support to this Park. This has resulted in destruction of vegetation, poaching, agricultural encroachment and over-exploitation of fish populations in Lake Idi Amin. Since November 1992, the Park staff has not received salaries, and funds for operations and maintenance are not available. Several new settlements have appeared in the Park, particularly around Lake Idi Amin, and some gold mining and livestock grazing have also been reported.
The ...
Sites: Virunga National Park
The Bureau recalled that the Committee, at its last session, noted that the authorities responsible for the management of this site are of the view that the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Tara River and the pollution of the River by an asphalt dam situated upstream had minimal impacts on the conservation of Durmitor National Park. The Bureau acknowledged the fact that the Montenegro authorities had invited a UNESCO/IUCN mission to the site and that this mission should be undertaken as early as possible in order to ensure the conservation of this World Heritage site. ...
Sites: Durmitor National Park
The Committee, at its sixteenth session, inscribed the Angkor site, together with its monuments and archaeological zones, as described in the "Perimeter de Protection" accompanying the ICOMOS report, on the World Heritage List. The Committee, however, noted that Cambodia had been placed under the temporary administration of the United Nations, in accordance with the Paris Accords, since July 1991. In order to deal quickly and effectively with the urgent problems of conservation facing this site, the Committee decided to include Angkor in the List of World Heritage in Danger and requested ...
Sites: Angkor
At its fifteenth session held in Carthage in December 1991, the Committee inscribed the Old City of Dubrovnik on the List of World Heritage in Danger. At the sixteenth session of the Bureau in July 1992, it was recommended that the Croatian authorities create a buffer zone in order to ensure the protection of the ancient fortress and the surrounding areas.
Since the last session of the Committee, two brochures on Dubrovnik have been published in order to publicize the plan to safeguard the Fortress and the Old City, damaged by bombardment, and also with the aim of raising funds. Specific ...
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
The Bureau took note of the report on the poor state of conservation of the Kefren Pyramid and endorsed the Centre's recommendation that the Egyptian Antiquities Organization be approached with a view to convening a meeting of specialists in stone conservation in cooperation with ICRROM to examine the state of conservation of this and other pyramids at this World Heritage site.
The Bureau expressed its concern about the deteriorating situation of the monuments of Islamic Cairo and took note of UNDP's disposition to launch a technical assistance project to be executed by UNESCO, and supported the World Heritage Centre's participation in this project.
Sites: Historic Cairo
The Delegate of Germany reported on the situation in the old city of Lubeck, and more particularly on the demolition of certain monuments situated in the protected zone and the discovery of mural paintings which are presently being restored. At the invitation of the Mayor of Lübeck, ICOMOS will visit the city and make an evaluation of the situation and present a detailed report to the next session of the World Heritage Committee at Carthagena.
Sites: Hanseatic City of Lübeck
The Bureau learned of the possible threat to this site through the construction of an olive-packing unit. A formal request for additional information has been forwarded to the Greek authorities who replied that permission would not begranted until all prerequisite conditions had been satisfied. The Greek Observer confirmed that the Greek authorities had already been alerted and assured the Bureau that the Committee will be informed on all further decisions taken by them. ICOMOS expressed concern about the construction of the plant that could have a negative impact.
The Bureau was informed that a road construction project, in the immediate vicinity of the Acropolis of Samos, in front of the Tunnel of Eupalinos, was submitted to the Ministry of Culture. The Greek authorities reported that the project is directly under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, which is of the view that the project will not endanger the site or theTunnel. The Greek Observer pointed out that the road construction is still in the project stage and that the final decision has not yet been taken.
The Rapporteur stressed that, for an archaeological site of such ...
The Director of the World Heritage Centre informed the Bureau on a joint mission with ICCROM to the site damaged in the historic centre of Florence by a terrorist bomb which exploded on 27 May 1993.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the "Galleria degli Uffizi" and the "Accademia dei Georgofili". Due to the blast, the building "Torre delle Pulci" collapsed, four people were killed and a fifth victim died in the fire that subsequently broke out The Accademia dei Georgofili, housed in the 16th century Torre delle Pulci, is the oldest Agricultural Society in the world and has the ...
Sites: Historic Centre of Florence
The World Heritage Committee, it its sixteenth session, was informed of the alarming state of conservation of historic buildings and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley. UNESCO and ICOMOS were requested to undertake a global review of the Kathmandu Valley and of the activities undertaken over the past 20 years from the standpoint of safeguarding the cultural heritage of Kathmandu. The objectives of the review were: to draw up broad guidelines for the preservation of the whole valley and to re-examine the boundaries of the protected zone under the Convention.
The UNESCO Division of Physical ...
Sites: Kathmandu Valley
ICOMOS reported on the state of conservation of the site which, despite one million visitors every year, is maintaining an excellent general appearance. However, urgent attention to the oldest trees is envisaged and a systematic management and development plan should be set up to protect the vegetation.
The buildings within the boundary walls of the "Gardens" were reported to be in a good state of repair and well maintained. However, the perimeter brick walls are in poor condition due, in many cases, to improper use of the binder in the repair work, and in others to the substitution of ...
ICOMOS reported on its continuous involvement in the conservation efforts for this site. As a follow-up to the decision of the World Heritage Committee at its sixteenth session, to support the coordination effort undertaken by ICOMOS, a technical study programme has been set up for 1993, including a 5-6 week mission of 5 or 6 experts. These experts will be supported by their respective governments so tilt no professional fees will be paid from the Fund. The results of the mission will be presented by ICOMOS to the World Heritage Committee at its seventeenth session in December 1993.
The ...
Sites: Kizhi Pogost
ICOMOS reported on various factors of a financial and socio-economic nature that threaten the site and hinder its proper conservation. : COMOS reported however, that there is little need to send individual experts or groups of experts on urban heritage, given the comprehensive and carefully reasoned analysis and diagnosis on the conservation problems prepared by the local authorities and group of professionals.
ICOMOS suggested, given the analysis and diagnosis that is already available in Saint Petersburg and other cities in the world, to organize a symposium on heritage conservation in ...
ICOMOS reported on the extremely negative visual impact of a new sports hall built on the western slope of the hill that is crowned by the Cathedral and that affects in particular the view of the Cathedral from the Alameda.
The Representative of ICOMOS informed the Bureau that only a few days ago, agreement had been reached between the local and the regional authorities to lower the already constructed building by 1.5 meters and to apply materials more suitable to the surroundings. Several delegates emphasized that Operational Guideline 47 invites the States Parties to inform the ...
The Bureau recalled the Committee's request at its sixteenth session that the Centre undertake a mission to review the state of conservation of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus following the information received on reconstruction works being undertaken at the main entrance of the Mosque. It expressed its regret that certain factors had precluded this mission from taking place and requested that ICOMOS undertake a general monitoring mission to Syria to review not only progress made in the works at the Mosque, but also the state of conservation of the Old City of Damascus.
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
The Office of the Director-General for Historic Monuments of Turkey will collect all the technical documentation on Saint Sophie on the basis of a synthesis elaborated by the Director-General of this service. A group of Turkish and international experts will meet in Istanbul in September 1993 to prepare a global action plan for the safeguard of Saint Sophie.
A preliminary report will be presented to the Committee in December 1993. Financial support from UNESCO's Regular Programme will be allocated for this action which will be implemented in the framework of the International Safeguard ...
Sites: Historic Areas of Istanbul
ICOMOS informed of a letter recently received from the Pueblo Governing Council. ICOMOS reviewed the concerns of the Tribal authorities over proposals to extend the runway of the Taos, New Mexico, Airport and confirmed that such action could pose serious problems for the protection of the site and its environment, as well as traditional lifestyles of the Taos people. The Bureau agreed with this assessment and requested the Secretariat to convey its concerns to the U.S. authorities together with a request for additional information.
Sites: Taos Pueblo
ICOMOS informed the Bureau of the conservation efforts at this site that are linked to training activities for property owners. One problem that still awaits solution is that of traffic through the historic centre, which is a potential source of damage to ancient buildings due to vibration and exhaust pollution. The Bureau requested the Secretariat to draw the attention of the competent authorities in Finland to the desirability of reducing the pressure of through traffic within the designated area
Sites: Old Rauma
IUCN
The Bureau approved a sum of US$ 18,000 to IUCN for the following purposes:
(a) reimbursement of costs for implementing the Bureau's request, made at its last session in July 1992, for assessing measures taken to mitigate impacts of road construction in Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal) US$ 12,000
Preparation of a state of conservation report on sangay National Park by IUCN's Regional Office for Latin America US$ 2,000
Contribution for the preparation, by the IUCN Office in Nepal, of state of conservation reports on Sagarmatha and Royal Chitwan National Parks of Nepal US$ ...
IX.1 The Secretariat introduced the working document WHC-93/CONF.002/4 and recalled that the World Heritage Committee at its sixteenth session in Santa Fe requested the Centre to convene an expert meeting on the methodology of monitoring. The working document outlines the main conclusions of the expert meeting that was held at the World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge, U.K., from 1 to 4 November 1993. The report of this meeting was made available to the Committee as information document WHC-93/CONF.2/INF.5.
IX.2 The Secretariat emphasized that this document is a progress ...
Sangay National Park (Ecuador)
The Representative of IUCN recalled that the site was inscribed in 1983 and added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 due to threats from poachers, boundary encroachment and unplanned road construction. A field mission was conducted by IUCN's Office in Ecuador and the Committee discussed the proposed six-point action plan including the recommendation that an environmental impact assessment of the road construction be undertaken. The technical assistance request for Sangay National Park (US$ 28,500) will be reviewed in the light of the ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
Tikal National Park (Guatemala)
The Committee noted the prospects to expand the size of the site from 57,400 ha to 85,000 ha to include a substantial area of undisturbed natural forest and that a buffer zone project on agroforestry is being carried out with funding from Danish Government sources (DANIDA). The Centre is requested to send a letter to the authorities in Guatemala informing them of the opportunity which exists to apply for assistance for the preparation of a new nomination incorporating all the new elements of the site, both cultural and ...
Sites: Tikal National Park
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger at its sixteenth session in 1992 due to threats caused by the encroachment of the Bodo tribe. No response had been received from the Government of India to several letters transmitting the Committee's previous requests for information since 1990. The Director of the World Heritage Centre informed the Committee furthermore that a mission to India was undertaken by a staff member of the Centre to contact the authorities directly. The Committee had an extensive ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Royal Chitwan National Park (Nepal)
On the basis of a detailed report provided by the IUCN Office in Nepal, a state of conservation report on this site was presented. A number of threats were noted including poaching of the rhinoceros and tiger populations in the Park. It was further noted that the 1976 Management Plan does not address many of the current management issues and thus urgently requires updating. The new legislation providing for a buffer zone around the Park is, however, a commendable step and should be implemented as soon as possible. The Committee requested the Centre to ...
Sites: Chitwan National Park
Air et Tenere National Nature Reserve (Niger)
The Committee recalled that the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger at its session in 1992. The Committee noted that very little could be done until political negotiations are concluded. It was further noted that the Centre had sent condolences to the families of the reserve staff who were killed during the civil disturbances at the site.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve (Sri Lanka)
The Committee recalled that this site is protected as a National Wilderness Area and had been listed on the World Heritage List since 1988. There are many incremental threats to the site, but the Committee noted that a Management Plan to address these had been completed. It was further noted that continued monitoring of the site should be implemented as a priority activity of the Plan.
The Committee noted the contribution of the Government of Norway of US$ 600,000 over a four-year period for the implementation of the Plan. The Committee asked the ...
Sites: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
The Committee recalled that the site was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1990 and noted the recommendations and discussion of the seventeenth session of the Bureau concerning uncontrolled cultivation in the conservation area. Technically, this cultivation is not permissible under the legislation for the area and much damage to natural values had been caused.
The Director of the World Heritage Centre and the Director of the UNESCO Division of Physical Heritage provided information regarding the situation of the site's cultural ...
Sites: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Virunga National Park (Zaire)
IUCN reported on the difficult social and economic situation which is creating serious negative impacts on Virunga National Park. However, the emergency assistance project funded by the World Heritage Fund and carried out by WWF since its approval by the Bureau in June 1993, had positive effects for the protection of the site. The Committee discussed in detail the impact of listing the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger and IUCN confirmed that Virunga National Park would definitely be a candidate for this procedure. After considerable discussion ...
Sites: Virunga National Park
Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe/Zambia)
IUCN reported about the proposed construction of a dam (Batoka Gorge Hydro Power Scheme), which would not affect the Falls but would have a serious impact on the lower gorges, changing the character of the site from a turbulent river to a hydroelectric reservoir. The Committee was informed about an environmental impact assessment to which the IUCN Office in Harare was contributing technical assistance. The Committee requested the Centre to invite the authorities of both Zimbabwe and Zambia to activate the joint Victoria Falls World Heritage ...
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
The Centre informed the Committee that a mission was carried out in September 1993 in cooperation with IUCN to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The report noted the continuing cooperation of the authorities in the region as well as that of the United Nations Protection Forces (UNPROFOR). The report underlined the current situation whereby the natural values of the Park are intact and essentially recovering. There was no evidence of new damage to the Park as a result of the ongoing war in the region. However, social tension had increased and the ...
Sites: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Mount Nimba Nature Reserve (Guinea/Côte d'Ivoire)
The Committee recalled that this site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger at its sixteenth session in 1992. In its presentation, IUCN continued to stress its concern over the long-term risks associated with potential mining operations adjacent to the World Heritage site. It further noted the growing population pressure in the region.
Recalling that a comprehensive report had been submitted to the Bureau in June 1993, the Secretariat highlighted several developments which occurred since the mission in May 1993. A ...
Everglades National Park (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that the damage caused to the site by Hurricane Andrew on 24 August 1992 was discussed at the sixteenth session of the Committee. Further discussion on the ecological impacts took place at the seventeenth session of the Bureau. IUCN reported that it had not been able to carry out a site mission.
The United States Delegation informed the Committee that the Superintendent of the Everglades National Park was present and that he would be pleased to present a report. The Superintendent indicated that a significant ...
Sites: Everglades National Park
Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal)
The Representative of IUCN informed the Committee that the road project was almost completed and that the University of Dakar had finished an environmental assessment study on the impacts of the road construction. A donors' round table was held in June and has led to a project supported by the French Government for the future management of the Park. The Centre was requested to transmit the Committee's views to the appropriate authorities in Senegal and to be kept informed about the long-term effects of the improved road access on the Park. In the ...
Sites: Niokolo-Koba National Park
Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala)
A comprehensive plan for the integral conservation and rehabilitation of the city should be prepared, particularly in relation to traffic flow, tourism and housing. Such a plan should lead to projects for urban rehabilitation and tourism development. A further concern is the state of conservation of the numerous ruins in the city that are in danger of collapse in the event of an earthquake.
Sites: Antigua Guatemala
Historic Town of Ouro Preto (Brazil)
Important measures were taken by the municipal authorities to improve the traffic flow in the city and extensive work has been done to shore-up the hill slopes around the city. National and international tourism creates certain problems and an integral rehabilitation plan would have to be developed so as to improve the effects of tourism.
Sites: Historic Town of Ouro Preto
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena (Colombia)
World Heritage assistance has led to the preparation of a municipal legislation for the historical centre. Further assistance was approved by the Bureau for the preparation of a Master Plan for the centre in relation to an overall urban development plan. The Committee was informed of the plans to construct a new bridge, the Heredia Bridge, between the town and Fort San Felipe, just outside the ramparts of the city. This bridge would seriously affect the visual aspect of the site and would disrupt the visual and functional ...
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Peru)
As part of the assistance provided by the World Heritage Fund, an international archaeological seminar was held in September 1993 with the participation of national and international experts and bilateral cooperating agencies. The seminar concluded that coordination should be improved among institutions dealing with the Park's management, that an inventory of the cultural and natural resources should be pursued and that archaeological research and conservation actions should be redefined. The preparation of an operational plan for the Park should ...
San Francisco de Lima (Peru)
Restoration of this convent, now forming part of the site of the Historical Centre of Lima, continues with the support of national agencies and bilateral cooperation. Improvement of the environment of the convent will be undertaken in the context of a major rehabilitation plan for the Historical Centre of Lima.
Sites: Historic Centre of Lima
City of Quito (Ecuador)
A master plan for the historical centre is in preparation and numerous restoration works have been undertaken over the past years. Advice on the structural reinforcement of some of the churches will be provided in 1994 with the financial support of the World Heritage Fund. Restricted financial resources, however, have slowed down the restoration programme.
Sites: City of Quito
Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)
Major works are in progress for the restoration and renewal of the historic city, particularly the Pelourinho area. The new functions of this area and the relocation of its inhabitants is of great concern. Involvement of the cultural heritage and planning institutions is required. With World Heritage support, an international team of experts, together with local and regional authorities, will look into this matter in early 1994.
Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Panama)
The state of conservation of the site had beens studied by an expert mission in 1993. The mission concluded that the Fortress of San Lorenzo was in an acceptable state of conservation, although stone conservation requires some special attention. The city of Portobelo is under pressure from increased population and deficient infrastructure. An action plan was drawn up for the execution of the necessary archaeological survey before construction works are undertaken in the town. Underwater excavations should not be considered as a ...
La Fortaleza and San Juan Historic Site, Puerto Rico (United States of America)
Conservation operations in San Juan are of high quality and well carried out in collaboration with the Park Service. No specific problem areas were identified.
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda (Brazil)
Olinda has been included in a major IDB-funded tourism development project for the north-east of Brazil. Management and conservation of the cultural heritage resources in the context of the urban cultural and tourism development in Olinda should therefore require special attention.
Tikal National Park (Guatemala)
A well structured management plan for the Park as a whole was required. Stone and stucco conservation was of concern and the creation of an in-situ stone conservation laboratory should be considered. Sub-regional cooperation with other archaeological sites (e.g. Copan) should be promoted.
City of Potosi (Bolivia)
Sanitation of the river La Ribera was considered a priority as this affects both the historic fabric and the health of the population. Furthermore, special attention is required for the restoration and upgrading of the housing stock and the archaeological industrial heritage. The capacity of the municipality to enforce protective legislation should be increased. World Heritage assistance for the conservation of recently discovered mural paintings in La Merced should be considered. Implementation of such assistance could be facilitated through already existing ...
Sites: City of Potosí
Historic City of Sucre (Bolivia)
The City of Sucre was judged as relatively well preserved and the awareness of the city's values well developed. The development plan for Sucre would, however, need to reinforce aspects of cultural heritage preservation.
Sites: Historic City of Sucre
City of Cusco (Peru)
Major urban rehabilitation projects were underway. The designs for the Plaza de Armas and the archaeological area around Qoricancha has to be carried out by specialists of the highest level and discussed thoroughly with the local and the scientific and professional communities. Institutional cooperation between the municipality and the Institute for Culture would have to be improved, particularly in relation to the Qoricancha project.
Sites: City of Cuzco
Colonial City of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
A Master Plan for the Colonial City had been prepared reflecting an integral view on conservation including social and urban issues. This plan has to be adopted and implemented, and special attention has to be given to housing rehabilitation. The tourism development programme 'Cuna de America' is intended to stimulate cultural tourism whilst controlling its negative side effects.
Old Havana and its Fortifications (Cuba)
In spite of a very well developed institutional structure, conservation efforts are seriously hindered under the present conditions in Cuba. A severe hurricaine struck Cuba in March 1993 causing serious damage to the site. Emergency assistance was underway for the restoration of the buildings surrounding the La Plaza Vieja. The monitoring mission recommended that World Heritage assistance be given to housing rehabilitation. The Committee commended the efforts of the State Party to safeguard the city and the important role on the national and ...
Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios (Cuba)
It was reported that the town of Trinidad is generally well conserved, although shortage of specific building materials caused some problems. It is advisable to plan restoration of archaeological and architectural sites within a global plan, which would also take into account tourism development as well as proposed hydraulic projects.
Brasilia (Brazil)
The protected zone of Brasilia named "El Poligono" was deemed well preserved in spite of considerable population growth. Conservation interests and urban development have to be fully integrated. The Committee was informed that Brazil intends to organize and host an international forum on the conservation of this 35-year old city. The Committee welcomed this important and appropriate initiative.
Sites: Brasilia
Island of Mozambique (Mozambique)
A detailed programme for the recuperation of the island of Mozambique had been prepared by the national authorities, including aspects such as infrastructure, social, economic and cultural development, tourism, housing, education and archaeology. International and bilateral cooperation was being sought for the implementation of the recuperation plan and it was recommended to organize a donor conference.
Sites: Island of Mozambique
Maya Site of Copan (Honduras)
Studies and works in Copan are generally conducted according to high scientific standards. Special attention should be paid to the conservation of stone and stuccos. The original sculptures will be placed in a site museum and the replicas on the original sites. It is recommended to redefine the boundaries of the "Copan Archaeological Park" and to prepare an extension of the site. Furthermore, the management plan for the site should be updated.
Sites: Maya Site of Copan
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone (Peru)
Conservation and maintainance of this very extensive archaeological site requires continuous efforts. Continued research on conservation techniques for adobe structures is necessary. An interregional training course on adobe conservation was in preparation between ICCROM, CRAterre, and the Regional Project. The issue of invasions and land occupation by farmers needs to be addressed immediately in order to rapidly and permanently reclaim and secure the site's intangible zone.
Chavin (Archaeological Site) (Peru)
Due to the remoteness of this site and the lack of sufficient human and financial resources, it required major technical cooperation. The site is subject to ongoing deterioration that could only be reversed by integral site management. Emergency assistance is required for cleaning and maintaining the site and treatment of the stone reliefs.
Sites: Chavin (Archaeological Site)
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas (Brazil)
In general, the ensemble of Bom Jesus do Congonhas had been well preserved. However, architecture of mediocre quality has a negative affect on the surroundings of the site. Furthermore, regarding the physical state of conservation, specific problems were identified in parts of the woodwork in the main ship of the church and the mural paintings inside the chapel. Measures have to be taken to improve this situation.
Jesuit Missions of Guaranis (Argentina/Brazil)
The Missions of Guaranis are nowadays used for tourist purposes and research. They are located in an aggressive natural environment. The successful restoration of the Missions on Brazilian territory was almost completed. Regarding the Argentina missions, restoration activities have focused on one mission, San Ignacio Mini. A more global approach was recommended as well as increased subregional cooperation. The Brazilian Delegation informed -the Committee that steps towards such cooperation were already being taken by the countries of ...
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos (Bolivia)
While in the beginning of the twentieth century emphazis was laid on reconstruction, in later years attention gradually shifted to the restoration of authentic elements. Because the missions are located within villages, modernization constitutes a permanent threat to the site. Legal protection had therefore to be strengthened.
National Historic Park - Citadelle, Sans Souci, Ramiers (Haiti)
A major ISPAN/UNDP/UNESCO project considerably contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the site and training of local personnel. The present economic and social situation has caused a serious decline in funding. But minimum and regular maintenance is being ensured by the national institute, ISPAN. Legal protection and management should be improved. Consolidation of the Sans Souci Palace and the rehabilitation of the Royal Gardens is required.
The Committee commended the Regional Project for the pioneer role in ...
Delphi (Greece)
In response to recommendations made by the Bureau in June 1993, the Greek authorities informed that no permission had been granted for the construction of an olive packing unit within the protection Zone A.
Samos (Greece)
The Greek authorities informed the Bureau at its seventeenth session that a road project would be undertaken under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and that this project would not endanger the site nor the Eupalinos Tunnel. The Central Archaeological Council recently informed the Centre that the proposed road project has been rejected. The municipality was therefore studying alternative solutions that would not affect the protected area.
Historic Centre of Puebla (Mexico)
The Secretariat informed the Committee that several letters had been received on a tourism development project that would imply the demolition of historic buildings. The Delegate of Mexico informed the Committee that a decree had been published in the Official Journal of Puebla on 13 August 1993 for the elaboration of an Urban Development Plan, and not a Tourist Development Plan, for a specific sector of the town, and that this was an urban instrument defined by the General Law for Human Settlements, according to standards set by the Ministry of ...
Sites: Historic Centre of Puebla
Old Town of Avila (Spain)
In October 1993 the Centre was informed of a project to construct a new bridge over the river Rio Adajo just outside the historic walls of the city and close to the Roman bridge. ICOMOS reported that the bridge would directly affect the view on the city. The Spanish Delegation informed the Committee that complementary information from the municipal authorities was expected and that as soon as this was available, the Centre would receive a report in this respect. The Committee expressed its concern on this matter and requested the Centre to inform the municipal ...
Burgos Cathedral (Spain)
The Committee took note of the information received from the national and local authorities, that confirm the creation of an Advisory Council for the Cathedral with the participation of the Ministry of Culture, regional and local authorities, the university and others. This Council established a Master Plan for the Cathedral in which priorities were defined for all restoration works and other interventions.
Sites: Burgos Cathedral
Hadrian's Wall (United Kingdom)
The Committee expressed its concern regarding the project for a trail on top of Hadrian's Wall which would affect the archaeological values of the site and requested the Centre to inform the United Kingdom authorities accordingly.
Hanseatic City of Lubeck (Germany)
The Delegate of Germany informed the Committee that the invitation to ICOMOS to visit the Hanseatic City of Lubeck had been postponed until after the upcoming municipal elections.
Sites: Hanseatic City of Lübeck
Bahla Fort (Oman)
The Delegate of Oman informed the Committee that the authorities were studying the necessary restoration works of the Bahla Fort and that a report would be presented to the Centre as soon as possible.
Sites: Bahla Fort
Santa Maria Maggiore/San Giovanni Laterano (Holy See)
The Observer of the Holy See informed the Committee that over the last years extensive conservation work has been carried out in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Observer also gave details of a terrorist attack which damaged the Basilique of San Giovanni Laterano. The Committee expressed its concern about the cultural heritage being the object of terrorist actions and transmitted its sympathy to the Vatican authorities.
Pueblo de Taos (United States of America)
The Committee recalled that ICOMOS reported to the Bureau at its seventeenth session on the state of conservation of Pueblo de Taos. The Committee took note of the information received from the Governor of Pueblo de Taos and expressed its concern about threats to the site and local traditions, particularly the proposed extension of Taos Airport. The Committee requested the Centre to communicate these concerns to the Government of the United States, asking for detailed information on the conservation and management of the ...
Sites: Taos Pueblo
Kasbah of Algiers (Algeria)
The outgoing Rapporteur presented to the Committee the main content of the report prepared by the Algerian authorities, and informed that legislative measures and urban enhancement were already underway or in preparation for the safeguard and rehabilitation of the Kasbah of Algiers.
This report was transmitted to ICOMOS for evaluation and monitoring.
Sites: Kasbah of Algiers
Auschwitz Concentration Camp (Poland)
Following remarks made by the Observer of Tunisia, the Committee recommended that the Centre examines the integrity of this property inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979 and informs the next session of the Bureau.
Angkor (Cambodia)
A new Government had been constituted and was actively pursuing cooperation with their partners of the international community towards national reconstruction and development. The UNESCO Secretariat has made every effort to assist the new government in meeting the commitments which the Head of State, His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, had made at the time of inscription of Angkor on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
On the first recommendation set out by the Committee at the time of inscription: enactment of adequate protective legislation, the following had been ...
Sites: Angkor
The Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
The Secretariat recalled action undertaken by UNESCO in cooperation with Croatian specialists, and indicated that the brochures prepared jointly with national authorities proved to be an excellent promotional support. A number of safeguarding measures were taken:
a restoration methodology was defined;
training courses were organized in France and Italy for Croatian architects;
equipment and materials were purchased for the restoration of roofs.
These UNESCO activities, undertaken in liaison with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural ...
Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik
Saint Sophia (Turkey)
During the official visit of the Director-General of UNESCO to Turkey in April 1993, the Turkish authorities drew his attention to the deteriorating state of conservation of Saint Sophia. Subsequently, a mission financed by UNESCO took place to assess the state of conservation of Saint Sophia and concluded that the building was not seriously at risk. However, it was proposed to set up a system of control, especially with regard to all movement which could affect the structure of the building. The evaluation report of the mission would be made available to the ...
Sites: Historic Areas of Istanbul
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)
At the request of the authorities of the Russian Federation, the Director-General decided to launch a large scale project for the rehabilitation of the Hermitage Museum. Two missions were organized in 1993 in which experts of the Kimbell Art Museum of Houston, and the Metropolitan Museum, New York, (USA) participated. Furthermore, UNESCO requested a consultant engineering firm in Edinburgh, (UK), to identify different components for a rehabilitation programme for the Hermitage Museum. This group of architects/engineers visited the site ...
Old Walled City of Shibam (Yemen)
Referring to the torrential rains in spring 1993 which affected a number of houses of the Old City of Shibam, the Director of the Division of Cultural and Physical Heritage and the Delegate of Germany presented the slides made by a German film producer who had visited the site. Emphasizing the different threats being faced by Shibam, they both drew the attention of Committee members to the importance of emergency assistance to repair the sewerage network, the modernisation of traditional irrigation systems and maintenance work to make the terraces of the ...
Sites: Old Walled City of Shibam
Kizhi Pogost (Russian Federation)
At the seventeenth session of the Bureau, ICOMOS informed about its involvement in the conservation efforts for Kizhi Pogost and that an expert mission would be undertaken to the site. The Bureau approved a technical assistance request to support this mission with funds provided under the Canadian Green Plan. The mission took place in summer 1993 and a full report was available. In collaboration with the Russian counterparts, the mission addressed issues such as legal protection, conservation management, fire protection, iconostasis conservation, ...
Sites: Kizhi Pogost
St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)
ICOMOS reported to the Bureau at its seventeenth session on its review of factors related to the steady deterioration of the physical environment of the city. The Bureau supported the ICOMOS recommendation to explore ways and means to encourage exchange between the city's specialists and outside experts. An ICOMOS mission undertaken in June 1993 identified the following key problems: insufficient public resources, changing function of the city, housing and ecological problems, unplanned urban development, lack of appropriate management and heritage ...
Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
At its seventeenth session, the Bureau discussed the problems posed by the construction of a sports hall in the World Heritage site. Severe concerns were transmitted to the Spanish authorities. Recently, an agreement has been reached between the municipal, regional and national authorities. ICOMOS evaluated the revised project and found it to be in harmony with its historic environment.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction to the Spanish authorities for the action taken to maintain the integrity of the ...
Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)
A joint UNESCO/ICOMOS mission was undertaken in November 1993 to evaluate current and past conservation activities to examine boundaries and to study the possibility of setting-up buffer zones, to verify the state of the listed the monuments, to assess the support capacities of the national and municipal authorities and to evaluate proposed amendments to the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The mission's conclusions stressed the continuing urgency of the situation and defined sixteen areas in which significant improvements should be made in order to maintain ...
Sites: Kathmandu Valley
The Bureau recalled that the site was inscribed in 1983 and placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992. Furthermore, it noted that considerable discussion had taken place both at the Committee and it's Bureau sessions regarding the possible delisting of the site, and that IUCN reports on the status of the site indicating the degradation of its natural values have been reviewed continuously since December 1991. Furthermore, a report by wetland experts from the United States National Park Service indicate that major effort is required to restore the site. The Secretariat ...
Sites: Srebarna Nature Reserve
The Bureau recalled that the site was inscribed in 1983 and added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992 due to threats from poaching and a road construction. A field mission was carried out in 1993 and a report was submitted to the seventeenth session of the World Heritage Committee in December 1993. A short up-date report has been provided by the IUCN Office in Ecuador, indicating major restructuring of the park administration and a reduction of personnel. Furthermore, the Macas-Guamote road construction is progressing with no attention being paid to the conditions of the ...
Sites: Sangay National Park
The Bureau took note that the Government of India finally responded to the concerns of the World Heritage Committee and its Bureau by letter dated 24 January 1994. However, the Bureau showed continued concern with regard to the management of the site, the increase in poaching and the continuous decline of this World Heritage site in Danger. It therefore, endorsed international assistance, if officially requested by the Indian Government, and requested the Centre and IUCN to work closely together with two non-governmental organizations, WWF-India and the Swaminathan Foundation, to obtain a ...
Sites: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bureau was informed of a recent IUCN mission to the site giving an account on (a) the implementation of the Commonwealth and State Management Agreement which has been signed, but no further action has been taken so far and (b) on the efforts to achieve more effective conservation of the site, for which improvements have been made.
The Bureau requested the Centre to write to the Australian authorities informing them of its concerns and requesting that an up-date on progress in implementing the Agreement be presented to the next session of the Committee.
Sites: Shark Bay, Western Australia
The Bureau took note that several reports have been sent to the Centre and Bureau members by the Wilderness Society concerning Tasmania World Heritage site and the impact of logging operations in areas adjacent to the current World Heritage area. By letter of 22 March 1994, the Centre informed the Permanent Delegate of Australia and requested a response from the Australian authorities regarding this matter. The Observer from Australia indicated that discussions between the Government and the State of Tasmania are taking place at the moment. The Bureau requested the Centre to follow-up and ...
Sites: Tasmanian Wilderness
The Bureau was informed by IUCN of the first World Heritage mission to this mixed site. The report indicated problems at the site with landowner residents, aboriginal concerns as well as the fact that no management plan has yet been prepared. However, the Commonwealth is taking up these issues and furthermore, a socioeconomic impact study is underway. IUCN suggested that all authorities consider renominating the area under cultural criteria and with a reduced boundary. The Observer of Australia informed the Bureau that through the agreed management arrangements for the site, a review ...
Sites: Willandra Lakes Region