Decision 39 COM 8B.9

Nyero and other hunter gatherer geometric rock art sites in Eastern Uganda, Uganda

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC-15/39.COM/8B and WHC-15/39.COM/INF.8B1,
2. Refers the nomination of Nyero and other hunter gatherer geometric rock art sites in Eastern Uganda, Uganda, back to the State Party in order to allow it, with the advice of ICOMOS and the World Heritage Centre, if requested, to:
   1. Further investigate geometric rock art sites in the region in order to establish whether the nominated sites can be considered unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilisation which is living or which has disappeared, and thereby justify criterion (iii);
   2. Complete formal gazettal of all components of the nominated property as national monuments;
   3. Provide legal protection of the buffer zones and reinforce the Memoranda of Understanding with land owners/users by further consultation with the communities;
   4. Define boundaries clearly on the ground by visible permanent markers at corners and other appropriate locations;
   5. Prepare a conservation strategy which will include a detailed inventory comprising a systematic photographic record and data base of the paintings, rocky outcrops with “cupules”, rock gongs, ritual practices and their related features as a basis for conservation assessment and monitoring, together with a site audit procedure and schedule;
   6. Prioritise specialist conservation works to remove graffiti at Dolwe and Kapir;
   7. Formally prohibit quarrying from encroaching on the buffer zones;
   8. Strengthen and extend management system and plan at all of the individual properties so that local communities are practically empowered to undertake protection and guiding roles;
   9. Extend management plan to include analysis of potential tourism opportunities and community involvement in these; as well as practical duty descriptions and visitor management guidelines;
3. Recommends that the name of the property be changed for “Nyero and Other Geometric Rock Art Sites in Eastern Uganda”;
4. Considers that any revised nomination would need to be considered by an expert mission to the site;
5. Also recommends that the State Party undertake further research as a basis for interpretation and presentation including archaeological investigation of buffer zones;
6. Invites the international community to consider support for the management and conservation of the nominated property.