Decision 41 COM 8B.51

Site of Palmyra (Syrian Arab Republic)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC/17/41.COM/8B.Add.2, WHC/17/41.COM/INF.8B1.Add.2
2. Approves the proposed minor modification to the boundaries of the Site of Palmyra, Syrian Arab Republic, with the exception of the archaeological sites of Al Bazouriya palace, Al-Bakhra, Al-Sukkari Palace and Khan Hallabat (mentioned in Annex 2 of the minor boundary modification proposal);
3. Also approves the proposed buffer zone for the Site of Palmyra, Syrian Arab Republic;
4. To support the protection and management, recommends that the State Party take the following further actions pending the improvement in the situation of conflict that has affected this property:
   1. Further developing clear and workable objectives (including permitted and prohibited uses) for the various zones that comprise the buffer zone,
   2. Ensuring that the permitted and prohibited uses in the buffer zone clearly addresse the wide range of potential land uses that could impact on the archaeological materials, such as quarrying, energy infrastructure, water supply and drainage networks, and so on,
   3. Further developing planning and policy measures for the Ayn Fayad areas (south west of the property) and the Aamiryat urban area (north of the White Zone) to ensure that future developments do not pose intrusive pressures on the inscribed property,
   4. Developing the Management Plan for the entire property and its buffer zone,
   5. Finalising and implementing the Ministerial Decree that sets out the strategic policy for protecting World Heritage and the revised Antiquities Law as soon as possible,
   6. Continuing to improve the understanding and protection of the attributes associated with the World Heritage property located within the buffer zone and in the wider setting.