Decision 38 COM 10B.3

Progress Report on Periodic Reporting in the Arab States region

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined document WHC-14/38.COM/10B,
2. Recalling Decision 35 COM 10C.3, adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011),
3. Takes note of the progress accomplished in the follow-up of the Second Cycle of Periodic Reporting in the Arab States and encourages them to continue their efforts in the implementation of its recommendations;
4. Commends the States Parties of the Arab Region for their commitment and thanks all focal points for their effective participation and involvement;
5. Notes with satisfaction the increased number of focal points designated for issues related to natural heritage and reiterates its request to those States Parties that have not yet done so yet to designate a focal point for nature;
6. Also encourages the States Parties to follow the recommendation of the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee (June 2011), in her letter to the Arab States regarding the establishment of national entities for World Heritage;
7. Further encourages the States Parties to continue in the implementation of the Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, in order to enhance the conservation of urban ensembles inscribed on the World Heritage List;
8. Also notes with appreciation the commitment and important financial contribution of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH), based in Bahrain, to projects aiming at developing the implementation of the Convention in the Arab States and invites the Arab States to reinforce their cooperation with the ARC-WH;
9. Reminds States Parties which have not already done so to submit their Retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value by 1 February 2015 at the latest, as well as clarifications of boundaries by 1 December 2014 at the latest.