This document is a partial export of the World Heritage Policy Compendium

Index


3    Policies Regarding CONSERVATION of World Heritage Properties

Conservation of cultural and natural heritage is at the core of the Convention. Conservation includes effective and active measures that can be taken by States Parties to ensure the identification, protection, presentation and transmission of heritage.

There is no single definition of conservation in relation to both cultural and natural heritage. However, with regards to cultural heritage ‘all operations designed to understand a property, know its history and meaning, ensure its material safeguard, and, if required, its restoration and enhancement’ could be part of its conservation (Nara Document on Authenticity). Conservation of natural heritage refers to the protection, care, management and maintenance of ecosystems, habitats, wildlife species and populations, within or outside of their natural environments, in order to safeguard the natural conditions for their long-term permanence (IUCN).

The Conservation theme includes policies related to protection, management, monitoring, impact assessments, factors affecting the properties, tourism and sustainable development.


3.5    Factors affecting properties

3.5.3    Utilities or service infrastructure

Developments in relation to infrastructure for energy utilities (i.e. gas, electricity and water) and other service requirements.
Water infrastructure (For example: Dams, Locks, Water tanks, Pumping stations, Introduction of new systems/infrastructure). Renewable energy facilities (For example: Thermal, Wave, Solar, Wind). Non-renewable energy facilities (For example: Nuclear power plants, Coal power plants, Oil/gas facilities). Localised utilities (For example:  Incinerators, Cell phone towers, Sewerage works, Microwave/TV/radio towers). Major linear utilities (For example:  Power lines/easements, Pipelines etc). Channels.

Case Law

Synthesis based on relevant Committee decisions

The World Heritage Committee requests to conduct an adequate environmental impact study for the power transmission lines, before any decision is taken (based on Case law on decisions on the State of Conservation). [1]


ANNEX I. List of documents and texts

Decision 37 COM 7B.79

Decision 21 BUR IVB.33

Decision 25 BUR V.126-127

Decision 38 COM 7B.59

19/03/2024

 

 

 



[1] See for example Decisions 21 BUR IVB.33 , 25 BUR V.126-127 , 37 COM 7B.79 , 38 COM 7B.59 .