Decision 42 COM 8B.7

Arasbaran Protected Area (Islamic Republic of Iran)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC/18/42.COM/8B and WHC/18/42.COM/INF.8B2,
2. Defers the examination of the nomination of Arasbaran Protected Area, Islamic Republic of Iran, to the World Heritage List in order to allow the State Party to:
   1. Provide clear technical justification for Outstanding Universal Value and integrity,
   2. Provide sufficient information concerning the process of relocation of farmlands within the boundaries of the nominated property,
   3. Provide information with regards to the occurrence of the Persian leopard population and other threatened plant and animal species,
   4. Develop and adopt a management plan which integrates conservation and sustainable development objectives, with the participation of all stakeholders and in consultation with the Advisory Bodies;
3. Urges the State Party to monitor the transformation of the abandoned and reallocated farmlands back into naturally functioning ecosystems and the foreseen positive impacts on the area’s biodiversity;
4. Commends the State Party for the efforts made to protect and enhance the natural values of Arasbaran Protected Area;
5. Considers that any revised nomination would need to be considered by an expert mission to the site.