Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
Factors affecting the property in 1999*
- Erosion and siltation/ deposition
- Storms
- Water (rain/water table)
- Wind
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
International Assistance: requests for the property until 1999
Total amount approved : 27,248 USD
| 1999 | Emergency Assistance for the rehabilitation of the ... (Approved) | 27,248 USD |
Missions to the property until 1999**
Information presented to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee in 1999
Previous deliberations: The Secretariat informed the Committee at its twenty-second session of damage caused by Hurricane Mitch to some World Heritage properties in Central America. The Committee requested the Secretariat, jointly with the advisory bodies, to provide a full report on the conditions of the World Heritage in the region of Central America to the twenty-third session of the Bureau.
New information: The Secretariat requested IUCN and ICOMOS to prepare such a report.
Action Required
The Bureau may wish to examine the report that will be provided at the time of its session and take the appropriate decision thereupon.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 1999
23 BUR IV.B.15
State of conservation
ICOMOS presented a report on the conditions of the cultural World Heritage properties in Central America following the passage of Hurricane Mitch in October/November 1998. The report was prepared by an ICOMOS expert following a recent mission to the sites. ICOMOS provided information on five cultural sites:
Joya de Ceren (El Salvador): The protective roofs proved to be inadequate to protect the excavated areas of this site. Prolonged soaking of the volcanic soil resulted in rapid plant and fungal growth on the excavated structures. The expert recommended preventive action and the full incorporation of risk preparedness in the management plan that is under preparation with support of the Getty Conservation Institute.
Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala): Widespread flooding occurred up to one meter high, particularly in the Alameda del Calvario. Decisive action was taken immediately by the authorities, the city was cleaned and most of the damage has already been repaired.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua (Guatemala): This was the most heavily damaged site visited by the expert. Canals and water management systems of the surrounding banana plantations were destroyed, causing mud and water to flood the site and impregnating the structures and sculptures with agricultural chemicals. Cleaning of the stone requires a long and expensive process. Most of the infrastructure at the site, storage facilities, fences etc. were also destroyed. There is a need for a management plan with risk preparedness provisions.
Maya Site of Copan (Honduras): The Copan River overflowed and retook its original course, destroying archaeological remains (Las Sepulturas) as well as a retention wall. Excavation tunnels in the pyramids that were not stabilised were affected. In ICOMOS’s opinion these should be immediately backfilled once the research and documentation concluded. A thorough review of the excavation policy for Copan should be undertaken.
The Ruins of Leon Viejo (Nicaragua): This site was nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List some years ago and recognised as having World Heritage values. The site was very seriously affected by a hurricane in 1982. As a consequence of Hurricane Mitch, the stream that was canalised at that time, overflowed and returned to its original course. The site was covered with mud and walls were destabilised. Cleaning and repair were immediately undertaken. The construction of protective walls and dredging of the stream will be required.
23 COM XV.6.3
International Assistance for Cultural Heritage submitted to the Chairperson
3. International Assistance for Cultural Heritage
The Committee noted that the following thirteen requests for a total amount of US$ 203,729 had been submitted for examination and approval by the Chairperson for cultural heritage:
3.AFRICA(a).I BOTSWANA Preparatory assistance
Tsolido nomination preparation
US$ 19,094 requested US$ 19,094 recommended for approval
3.AFRICA(a).IV KENYA Preparatory assistance
Preparation of the Lamu nomination dossier
US$ 15,924 requested US$ 15,924 recommended for approval
3.AFRICA(a).VI TOGO Preparatory assistance
Tentative List
US$ 18,085 requested US$ 18,085 recommended for approval
3.AFRICA(d).II TANZANIA Technical Co-operation
Radio calls & solar panels for the Ruins of Kilwa and Songo Mnara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
US$ 19,426 requested approval recommended after further clarification is received
3.ASIA(a).I CHINA Preparatory assistance
Expert Meeting & preparation of group nomination of ancient canal towns of Jiangnan, China
US$ 20,000 requested US$ 20,000 recommended for approval
3.ASIA(a).III INDIA Preparatory assistance
Nomination of Padmanabhapuram Palace, Tamil Nadu
US$ 15,000 requested US$ 16,362 recommended for approval
3.ASIA(c).III NEPAL & NORWAY Training assistance
Tourism training workshop in Kathmandu Valley
US$ 17,000 requested US$ 17,000 recommended for approval
3.ASIA(d).I PAKISTAN Technical Co-operation
Research & documentation for enhancement of Master Plan of Shalamar Gardens
US$ 10,000 requested US$ 10,000 recommended for approval
3.ASIA.(e).I REPUBLIC of KOREA Promotional assistance
Publication of World Heritage Fortress Cities seminar background documentation
US$ 10,000 requested US$ 10,000 recommended for approval
3.LATIN(b).I GUATEMALA Emergency assistance
Rehabilitation of Quirigua
US$ 32,248 requested US$ 27,248 recommended for approval
3.LATIN(b).II GUATEMALA Emergency assistance
Clean up and preventive measures for Antigua Guatemala
US$ 20,216 requested US$ 20,216 recommended for approval
3.LATIN(c).I BRAZIL Training assistance
Evaluation of CECRE regional training programme
US$ 14,800 requested US$ 14,800 recommended for approval
3.LATIN(c).II DOMINICA Training assistance
Preparation of training course on cultural heritage
US$ 15,000 requested US$ 15,000 recommended for approval
GuatemalaExports
* :
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.
