Tipasa

• Natural degradation caused by littoral erosion, marine salt and vegetation covering part of the inscribed sectors
• Deterioration of the remains due to vandalism, theft and uncontrolled visitation causing accumulation of rubbish
• Urbanisation on the outskirts of the property where, in the absence of a defined buffer zone, illegal construction provokes land disputes
• Lack of capacities for site conservation, unsuitable restoration techniques, and poor conservation conditions for the archaeological remains
• Proposed port development

Total amount granted: USD 9,564 from the Italian Funds-in-Trust

On 22 January 2015, a report on the state of conservation of the property was submitted by the State Party, a summary of which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/193/documents. The State Party reports the following:

• A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) of the proposed enhancement of Tipasa’s port, as requested by the World Heritage Committee in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013, is now in progress; a preliminary report was submitted to the State Party in February 2015, with the final report expected in mid-May 2015. A corresponding Advisory mission proposed by the State Party in 2013 was not formally requested due to the delay created by contractual problems. In its report, the State Party has proposed convening the Advisory mission in late February or early March 2015 to discuss the project with the parties concerned and to make an assessment of the situation; this mission could not be organised in the proposed dates since no formal request has been made by the end of March 2015. The State Party advises that a study for the protection of the harbour cliff is currently being developed by the Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Tipasa for the implementation of emergency measures for the protection of the cliff.
• Regarding further details on the protection and enhancement works foreseen at the property, the State Party reports that the office in charge of the Tipasa archaeological site contracted a conservation programme in compliance with the protection and enhancement plan for the archaeological sites of Tipasa (approved by Executive Decree of 25 March 2012) and its Management Plan (which is in the process of being updated). This programme concerns scientific, promotional and public education activities. In terms of training, a mosaic conservation technician training school was set up through a cooperative agreement with the Getty Foundation and the Mozaikon programme. Activities also include training of the site’s staff in risk management, and restoration and development initiatives at the archaeological parks, site museum and Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania.

A limited consultation project of studies and follow-up protection and enhancement works referred to in the State Party’s February 2013 state of conservation report was delayed due to inconclusive tender procedures. However, restoration and enhancement works were undertaken at the Royal Mausoleum and at the archaeological parks, involving a mosaic protection initiative as well as repairs to the site’s fencing and to the paving of the ancient theatre. The State Party advises that all the protection and enhancement works will be initiated as soon as tender procedures are finalized. In the meantime, new limited consultation procedures have continued.

The continuing progress being made on implementing the protection and enhancement plan for the archaeological sites of Tipasa and its protection zone is well noted, and it is recommended that the Committee request the State Party to continue to keep the World Heritage Centre informed of the progress in its implementation, and to submit to the World Heritage Centre a Heritage Impact Assessment study for the proposed enhancement of Tipasa’s port, before work commences. It would be important for the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies to have the opportunity to discuss the plan’s progress and the proposed port enhancement with the State Party and the parties concerned on the ground, as proposed by the State Party, in order to allow a proper assessment before detailed pre-project designs are prepared. It is therefore recommended that the Committee encourage the State Party to organize the Advisory mission as soon as possible.