Paphos
Factors affecting the property in 2004*
- Ground transport infrastructure
- Housing
- Interpretative and visitation facilities
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2004
Total amount approved : 95,913 USD
| 1997 |
Visitor Centre at Paphos (NOT IMPLEMENTED)
(Approved)
Reapproval: 03 Mar, 1998 (n°892 - 12,187 USD)
|
12,187 USD |
| 1989 | Equipment for the restoration of Paphos monuments (Approved) | 20,000 USD |
| 1983 | Purchase of equipment to clean mosaics and murals in ... (Approved) | 7,000 USD |
| 1981 | Expert service (7 months) and scholarship (11 months) ... (Approved) | 54,000 USD |
| 1981 | Provision of one expert to assist in preparing a master ... (Approved) | 2,726 USD |
Missions to the property until 2004**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2004
On 11 March 2003, the World Heritage Centre received a development plan by the State Party related to the lighthouse at Paphos and the refurbishment of the area surrounding it, located within the core zone of the World Heritage property.
ICOMOS stressed that this area has been almost entirely expropriated for archaeological research, and that the Lighthouse is built on the summit of what is generally believed to be the Acropolis of an ancient city. Although this has never been investigated, outcrops of ancient walls and considerable cuttings on the rock can be observed all around the more recent structures. The proposed development plan foresees the refurbishment of the lighthouse, the construction of restaurants and exhibition space as well as an access road to the lighthouse and parking space.
ICOMOS expressed its serious concerns regarding this project, as it will impede future archaeological investigation and seriously affect the already known archaeological remains. Furthermore, ICOMOS considered that it would alter the original character of the site and have significant negative impact on the integrity of the property, as the lighthouse is the highest landmark within the perimeter of the site.
The Department of Antiquities, as part of the Ministry of Communication and Works, informed the World Heritage Centre by a letter of 22 March 2004, that the permission for the proposed refurbishment and construction development had been declined. The authorities also mentioned, however, that the Municipality of Paphos still wishes to implement the proposal.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2004
28 COM 15B.86
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Takes note of the information provided by the State Party concerning the development project of the lighthouse;
2. Congratulates the State Party for having declined the permission for the proposed development project, considered to have an adverse effect on the outstanding universal value of the property;
3. Recalls the importance of the area of the lighthouse for its possible archaeological remains and encourages the State Party to undertake comprehensive archaeological investigations;
4. Urges the State Party to inform the World Heritage Centre should there be any construction developments, including a new proposal for the refurbishment of the lighthouse and its surroundings.
Draft Decision:28 COM 15B.86
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Takes note of the information provided by the State Party concerning the development project of the lighthouse;
2. Congratulates the State Party for having declined the permission for the proposed development project, considered to have an adverse effect on the outstanding universal value of the property;
3. Recalls the importance of the area of the lighthouse for its possible archaeological remains and encourages the State Party to undertake comprehensive archaeological investigations;
4. Urges the State Party to inform the World Heritage Centre should there be any construction developments, including a new proposal for the refurbishment of the lighthouse and its surroundings.
Cyprus
* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).
** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.
