Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro

a) Lack of appropriate conservation work;

b) Deterioration of structures;

c) Suspension of management system.

Total amount provided to the property: USD 23,500,000 (total of contributions for the International Safeguarding Campaign for Moenjodaro).

The site, among the largest Bronze Age cities world-wide, was included in the ICOMOS World Report on Monuments and Sites in Danger in 2000. Despite the recommendations and resolutions adopted by the Executive Committee for the Safeguarding of Moenjodaro at its 13th session, concluding the UNESCO International Safeguarding Campaign in 1997, threats to the site caused by continued deterioration and lack of an appropriate management system have persisted.

A post-campaign strategy (Medium-Term Strategy for the Preservation and Conservation of Moenjodaro) was developed by UNESCO in co-operation with the national authorities in 2003/2004. The post-campaign strategy addressed the need for a sustainable conservation programme, improved general condition of the site and its management, as well as the future development of the site. In 2000 the Pakistani authorities established a management structure which, within the framework of the post-campaign strategy, was revised in 2003. It involved the creation of an Executive Board composed of representatives of the national and regional governments, UNESCO and the Department of Archaeology and Museums, as well as a Technical Consultative Committee. The Board reviewed the annual workplans and budget and had the responsibility of authorising the release of funds (National Fund for Moenjodaro) for conservation works and national staff. An international project manager and national site manager were also appointed to oversee the site activities and liaise between the site and the authorities. This structure has recently been dissolved by the Pakistani authorities, but no new structure has been put in its place.

The site continues to be threatened by lack of an appropriate management system. Specifically, the threats and issues which remain of concern are:

a) Management structure

One of the main priorities of the post-campaign strategy was the creation a new management structure, carried out in close co-operation with the State Party at the time. Despite this priority, the overall management system for Moenjodaro is ineffective.

b) Scientific research and documentation

Only 10% of Moenjodaro has been excavated. Conservation can only be carried out in co-ordination with thorough research and documentation. A research database and documentation centre is of great importance.

c) Conservation and restoration methods

In the past, the national authorities removed around 20% of the original wall parts and inserted damp proof slabs, without appropriate documentation. The conservation interventions of the 1970s and 1980s, involving the drilling of tube wells to control the groundwater, have been largely ineffective. This is due mainly to the high maintenance costs, lack of upkeep of equipment and irregularity of electricity supply. Moreover, the salt action in the bricks, causing deterioration to the exposed structures, is not halted by the groundwater control. Thus, sealing off the wall surfaces with mud slurry has proven successful in halting the process of sodium sulphate. This can be easily carried out and maintained by trained local experts.

d) Capacity building

In the framework of the International Safeguarding Campaign, UNDP contributed greatly to capacity building in Pakistan. The Moenjodaro Conservation and Research Centre was created for this purpose. Due to insufficient support from national authorities in recent years, the lack of national capacity and knowledge of international standards of conservation techniques at local and national levels continues to be of grave concern.

In light of the above, a World Heritage Centre-ICOMOS mission to the site should be carried out as soon as possible to evaluate the current situation in collaboration with the relevant authorities. The mission should examine the boundaries and buffer zone of the site and discuss with the State Party possible changes to these boundaries in order to address the threats of encroachment. Considering that the timetable for the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategy and the Action Plan has been considerably delayed, the national authorities should prepare a revised Action Plan for the site, possibly in co-operation with the World Heritage Centre.