Decision 45 COM 7B.134

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (United Republic of Tanzania) (C 144)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7B.Add.2,
2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7B.11 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
3. Commends the State Party for the continuing effort to implement conservation works, notably the restoration of the stairs at Husuni Palace, as a continuous response to the challenges of the property following its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger;
4. Takes note with appreciation that the World Heritage Centre, through the World Heritage Fund, and with the Advisory Bodies, supported the State Party in taking concrete actions to counter the impacts of climate change;
5. Reiterates the importance that the State Party integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation actions plans in risk preparedness policies and action plans in order to protect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, and requests the State Party, with the support of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, to continue monitoring the situation of the property and develop activities to consolidate the ongoing initiatives to mitigate the effect of climate change in the property;
6. Further commends the State Party for mobilising funds to review the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) and further requests the State Party to expedite the process to finalise the revision of the IMP, addressing all aspects as previously noted by the Committee, including but not limited to a detailed Land Use Plan and Tourism Development Plan, the establishment of boundaries and a buffer zone, and to submit the revised IMP to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies;
7. Further notes with appreciation the commitment of the State Party to ensure that the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA), including a strong focus on archaeological attributes, be carried out with appropriate and detailed documentation and submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies before any large conservation projects and/or any commitments are made, consistent with the requirements of Paragraphs 172 and 118bis of the Operational Guidelines;
8. 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.