Decision 45 COM 7B.198

Kizhi Pogost (Russian Federation) (C 544)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7B.Add.2,
2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7B.160 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
3. Welcomes the completion of the the ‘Plan for conservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site “Kizhi Pogost” and development of the Kizhi Island territory’ and ‘The Sustainable Development Plan for the Buffer Zone of the WHS “Kizhi Pogost” (2022-2032)’;
4. Notes the continuous monitoring of the structural stability of the built structures of the Kizhi Pogost and the continuous research undertaken at the property and its buffer zone;
5. Also notes the selection of a preferred design project for the restoration of the Church of the Intercession, the Heritage Impact Assessment of this project and the State Party’s commitment to submit these to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies before its implementation;
6. Requests that the State Party provide details on the project for fire extinguishing and safety systems for the Church of the Transfiguration and on the project to reconstruct the ‘Worship Cross’ at the eastern side of the property to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies before implementation;
7. Further notes the commitment of the State Party to submit details of any proposals for development of the entrance of Zone A to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies before its implementation, as outlined in the ‘Plan for conservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site “Kizhi Pogost” and development of the Kizhi Island territory’;
8. Recommends that the State Party give consideration to defining spatial limits for new construction and land uses within the buffer zone;
9. Also recommends that the State Party reconsider globally the proposed removal of twentieth century structures in the buffer zone so as to avoid erasing historical layers in the development of the property’s setting;
10. Acknowledges again the invitation from the State Party for an ICOMOS Advisory mission to the property and welcomes the preparations that are underway to finalise the planning for the mission;
11. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 47th session.