The World Heritage Committee,
Taking into consideration Rule 8 (Observers) of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee,
Authorizes the participation in the extended 44th session, as observers, of the representatives of the international governmental organizations (IGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), non- governmental organizations (NGOs), permanent observer missions to UNESCO and non-profit-making institutions in the fields covered by the Convention, listed in Part I of the present document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/3A,
Adopts the Agenda contained in the above-mentioned document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/3B,
Recalling Decision 15 EXT.COM 3, adopted at its 15th extraordinary session (online, 2021),
Adopts the timetable contained in the above-mentioned document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Takes note of the report of the Rapporteur of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019).
44 COM 5A
Report of the World Heritage Centre on its activities and the implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s decisions
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5A, WHC/21/44.COM/INF.5A.1 and WHC/21/44.COM/INF.5A.2,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 5A and 43 COM 5A adopted at its 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Takes note with appreciation of the activities undertaken by the World Heritage Centre over the past year in pursuit of the five Strategic Objectives set by the World Heritage Committee and of the Expected Result 1 of Major Programme IV to ensure that “Tangible heritage [is] identified, protected, monitored and sustainably managed by Member ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5B,
Mindful of the efforts undertaken by the Advisory Bodies (ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN) to respond to the exceptional situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic,
Takes note with appreciation of the reports of the Advisory Bodies on their activities;
Also takes note of the progress made as well as of the challenges and gaps identified by the Advisory Bodies in the framework of the implementation of the Convention.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5C,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 5D adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019) and Resolution 20 GA 13 adopted by the General Assembly at its 20th session (UNESCO, 2015),
Notes with appreciation the continued efforts of the African States Parties, with the support of partners under UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa, for the conservation and management of the unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of Africa that must be transmitted to future generations, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5D,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 5C adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019), as well as Resolution 20 GA 13 adopted by the General Assembly at its 20th session (UNESCO, 2015),
Welcomes the follow-up activities and the progress made so far in mainstreaming the “Policy Document for the integration of a sustainable development perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention” (WH-SDP) into the activities of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies and into the texts and processes of the ...
44 COM 6
Follow-up to the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy and Progress report on the World Heritage-related category 2 centres
Decision: 44 COM 6
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/6,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 6, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Also recalling that capacity-building is one of the Strategic Objectives of the World Heritage Convention and is at the core of the sustainable implementation of the Convention and therefore is a priority for the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention for all stakeholders;
Expresses its concern over the challenges faced by the States Parties in the protection and conservation of World Heritage properties ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7, 41 COM 7, 42 COM 7 and 43 COM 7.1, adopted at its 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Evaluation of the Reactive Monitoring process
Taking note with appreciation of the recommendations of the evaluation of the Reactive Monitoring process, as prioritized in line with Decision 43 COM 7.1, requests all stakeholders of the Convention to implement them at their level as soon as possible;
Welcomes the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7, 41 COM 7, 42 COM 7, 43 COM 7.2 and 43 COM 7.3, adopted at its 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Emergency situations resulting from conflicts
Deplores the loss of human life and the degradation of humanitarian conditions resulting from the prevailing conflict situations in several countries, and continues to express its utmost concern at the devastating damage sustained and the continuing threats ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.53, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Expresses its satisfaction with regard to the important measures undertaken by the State Party to raise awareness in the local community, and more particularly the owners of the houses, on the conservation and management aspects of the site, notably the role of the different actors, including UNESCO, and requests the State Party to:
Pursue this awareness-raising work, notably to strengthen and promote maintenance of the banco houses ...
Sites: Old Towns of Djenné
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.54, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku,2019),
Expresses its appreciation for the efforts deployed in the conservation of the property, notably by reinforcing the mobilisation of the municipal and regional authorities, and the local community through the Management Committees of the mosques and the masons’ corporation;
Thanks the State Party for its intervention through the Management Committee for the Djingareyber mosque to halt the construction work for a building in the courtyard ...
Sites: Timbuktu
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.55, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Expresses its satisfaction with the important actions undertaken by the State Party for the rep/air of the roof of the men’s prayer room, the decrease in water erosion, and the plantation of hasu trees, particularly congratulates the Cultural Mission and the local stakeholders concerned for having decided to renounce replacing the hasu plantation with eucalyptus plants following a fruitful communication between the parties;
Also ...
Sites: Tomb of Askia
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.56, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Acknowledges the State Party’s continued engagement of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in developing instruments and approaches to safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property;
Thanks the Governments of the Norway and Japan for their financial support to the property;
Welcomes the continued progress that the State Party has made in responding to previous Committee decisions, in the reconstruction ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.17, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Welcomes the ongoing efforts of the State Party to improve the conservation conditions of the property, in particular through the Groundwater Level Reduction Project and the new Sustainable Development Plan, and requests the State Party to submit the Restoration and Conservation Plan to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies;
Expresses concern that the State Party has not reported on recent conditions of the ...
Sites: Abu Mena
Decision: 44 COM 7A.6
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.18 and 43 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Notes the State Party’s efforts to address risks at the property and to keep the World Heritage Centre informed about the situation at the property, but expresses again its concern about its condition and the lack of comprehensive information on its state of conservation;
Acknowledges the information provided ...
Sites: Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
Decision: 44 COM 7A.7
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.19 and 43 COM 7A.21 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Notes the State Party’s efforts to keep the World Heritage Centre informed about the situation on the ground, welcomes the submitted ‘Damage Assessment Report Status Study’, takes note of the documentation carried out, and urges the State Party to compile comprehensive information on the state of conservation of ...
Sites: Hatra
Decision: 44 COM 7A.8
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.20 and 44 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Expresses again its concern about the condition of the property and the lack comprehensive information on its state of conservation, and reiterates its request to the State Party to submit documentation of the damage done to the property as a whole and its affected monuments, for review by the World Heritage ...
Sites: Samarra Archaeological City
Decision: 44 COM 7A.9
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Takes note of the reports provided by the State Party regarding the state of conservation of the properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and continues to express its concern about the lack of comprehensive and detailed assessment of the properties affected by the conflict and about the limited resources available for the safeguarding of affected cultural heritage;
Expresses its appreciation to the ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.10
The World Heritage Committee,
Having considered document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2 and the Annex attached to this decision,
Recalling its previous decisions concerning the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls,
Decides that the status of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decisions 43 COM 7A.22 and 43 COM 8C.2 of its last session.
ANNEX
The World Heritage Committee
44th session of the Committee (44 COM)
Item 10: Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.11
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.23, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the State Party to address conservation threats at the property and in fundraising activities that have led to projects aimed at the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property; and requests it to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Also requests the State Party to provide further detailed information and ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.12
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.24, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, due to the effects of the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, and urges it to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Requests the State Party to keep ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.13
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.25, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the State Party to address conservation threats at the property and in fundraising activities that have led to projects aimed at the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property;
Requests the State Party to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible and to discuss with ICOMOS the restoration techniques and materials ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.14
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.26, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, and urgesit to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Also commends the State Party for the submission of the Retrospective Statement of OUV for the ...
Sites: Old Town of Ghadamès
Decision: 44 COM 7A.15
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.27, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the State Party for the important efforts made for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), in close coordination with local communities and civil society, despite the difficult situation and difficult working conditions on the ground, and urges it to continue its efforts in this regard, if possible;
Welcomes the efforts made for the development of a Management Plan for ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.16
The World Heritage Committee,
Having considered Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2 and the annex attached to this decision,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 7A.28, and 43 COM 7A 29, adopted at its 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Decides that the status of Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decision 41 COM 8B.1 of the World Heritage Committee.
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ANNEX
The World Heritage Committee44th session of the Committee (44 COM)
Having considered Document ...
Sites: Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
44 COM 7A.17
Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Palestine) (C 1492)
Decision: 44 COM 7A.17
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.30 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the State Party for its efforts to improve the state of conservation of the property and to implement the corrective measures to achieve the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), and in particular concerning the restoration of the irrigation system;
Requests the State Party to allocate the necessary resources to ensure the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.31 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24, on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Notes the efforts mobilized by the State Party for the recovery of the Ancient City of Aleppo since December 2016, commending the commitment of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), its partners and the local community, encourages DGAM to continue its efforts in implementing actions outlined ...
Sites: Ancient City of Aleppo
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.32 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24, on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Welcomes the high quality works undertaken by the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums in the framework of the Emergency International Assistance request approved in December 2018,
Expresses is concern that extensive illegal excavations were carried out at the site and calls upon the international ...
Sites: Ancient City of Bosra
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.33 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Expresses its concern about the collapse of a portion of the outer ancient city wall of the Ancient City of Damascus, in the area between Bab al-Salam and Bab Touma, and takes note of the documentation and emergency work undertaken in the framework of the Emergency Assistance approved in October 2020, to identify and ...
Sites: Ancient City of Damascus
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.34 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24, on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Expresses its great concern about the situation at the property, in particular the presence of armed groups, illegal excavation and looting activities in and around the property, and the lack of detailed information on damage incurred;
Calls again on all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from any action ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.35 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Welcomes the cancellation of the Cable Car project at Qal’at Salah El-Din by the State Party, and notes the intention to create tourism trails around the site;
Also welcomes the works carried out by the State Party, through its Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums of Syria (DGAM), in the framework of the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.36 and 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.24, on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Expresses its concern that extensive illegal excavation took place at the site and calls upon the international community to collaborate for the sharing of inventories and documentation that could facilitate the return of looted objects;
Also expresses its concern that monuments at the property remain at serious ...
Sites: Site of Palmyra
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.37, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Deplores the continued conflict situation prevailing in some parts of the country, the loss of human life and the degradation of humanitarian conditions;
Taking note of the reports provided by the State Party regarding the state of conservation of the six Syrian World Heritage properties and the sites included on the national Tentative List, commends the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) and all heritage ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.38, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Expresses its continuing concern that the Historic Town of Zabid has incurred irreversible destruction and continues to be vulnerable, owing to the current security situation, ongoing social change and continuing limited support and resources for both heritage management and physical conservation;
Commends the efforts of the local actors, as well as international agencies, on initiatives undertaken to protect the attributes which ...
Sites: Historic Town of Zabid
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.39, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the efforts of local actors and other parties in the initiatives undertaken in capacity building, awareness raising, damage assessment, documentation and emergency interventions at the property, and requests that they continue in consultation with UNESCO and the Advisory Bodies, to prioritise urgent stabilization actions, and to restore damaged buildings, based on surveys and documentation, using traditional construction ...
Sites: Old City of Sana'a
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.40 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the efforts of the local actors and community to protect and conserve the property, despite the very difficult conditions;
Expresses its continuing concern about the damage caused to the property as a result of natural elements and the ongoing armed conflict, and that the property continues to be vulnerable, owing to the residual impact of previous flooding as well as the current security situation, ongoing social change ...
Sites: Old Walled City of Shibam
44 COM 7A.28
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Afghanistan) (C 208 rev)
Decision: 44 COM 7A.28
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 7A.1 and 43 COM 7A.41 adopted at its 42nd (Manama, 2018) and the 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Welcomes the steps taken by the State Party to ensure due consultations with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, and strongly encourages it to continue such outreach activities and inscribe consultation mechanisms as a permanent component of the management system;
Acknowledges the submission of the Strategic Master Plan (SMP) for Bamiyan, ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.29
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.42 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Welcomes the efforts made by the State Party to address the critical situation caused by the floods of May 2019, the deployment of security forces and the planning of future actions;
Notes with serious concern however the continued lack of sustainable financial resources and the alarming security situation, which, combined with natural disasters, brought another layer of difficulties in implementing conservation ...
44 COM 7A.30
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Micronesia, Federated States of) (C 1503)
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.43 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Welcomes the updated information provided by the State Party concerning the efforts to establish an effective management and protection system for the property, and to address the urgent pressures and threats affecting its state of conservation;
Notes with satisfaction that funds for a two-year implementation programme are being sought from the US Department of State through its “Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Large Grants ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7B.48, 41 COM 7A.57, and 42 COM 7A.4, adopted at its 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), and 42nd (Manama, 2018) sessions respectively, and Decision 43 COM 7A.44 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019), in which the Committee decided “to allow the State Party two years to explore possible options for a significant boundary modification or a new nomination, and at the end of this period, to consider once again whether the property should be retained on the World ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.45, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Welcomes the significant progress made by the State Party in implementing previous Committee decisions and progressing towards the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger and, in particular:
The programme for protection of World Heritage announced by the Austrian Government in January 2020, including anchoring of World Heritage properties in the Austrian legal system, sustainable protection and ...
Sites: Historic Centre of Vienna
The World Heritage Committee,
Decides to adjourn the debate on this agenda item until its next ordinary session.
Sites: Medieval Monuments in Kosovo