Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
viii
ix
x

Old Towns of Djenné

Mali
Factors affecting the property in 2017*
  • Civil unrest
  • Housing
  • Land conversion
  • Management systems/ management plan
  • Solid waste
  • Other Threats:

    Deterioration of dwellings

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • No management and conservation plan
  • Pressure from urban development
  • Deterioration of dwellings
  • Waste disposal problems
  • Encroachment of the archaeological sites
  • Instable security situation
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
  • Serious deterioration of materials in the historic town and continued decay at the archaeological sites
  • Inappropriate interventions
  • Erosion of the architectural coherence of the town
  • Lack of enforcement and implementation of regulatory and planning tools
Corrective Measures for the property

In progress

Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures

In progress

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2017

Total amount granted: USD 110,000 (Italian Funds-in-Trust); USD 23,100 (Croisi Europe); USD 86,900 (European Commission); USD 53,000 (Netherlands Funds-in-Trust)

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2017
Requests approved: 4 (from 1981-2015)
Total amount approved : 84,577 USD
Missions to the property until 2017**

2002, 2005: World Heritage Centre missions; 2006: Joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission; 2014, 2016: Joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2017

On 25 January 2017, in response to Decision 40 COM 7B.13, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property, available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/116/documents/, and supplemented by a more detailed evaluation report submitted on 3 May 2017, available at the same web address. These reports provide the following information:

  • Of the 20 corrective measures adopted by the Committee (Decision 40 COM 7B.13), five have begun to be implemented:
    • Measures have been taken to provide land titles (properties of the State) to the four archaeological sites of the property, to protect them from land pressure,
    • The surveillance system for the property has been strengthened, particularly at the archaeological sites of Djenné-Djeno, Hambarkétolo and Kaniana, but these sites remain subject to risks of degradation and looting,
    • Physical protection and site enhancement continue with the improvement of the stone barrier system and the installation of markers and additional signage,
    • Sustainable conservation measures for riverbanks are undertaken as part of a project with the Agan Khan Trust for Culture Foundation (AKTC) funded up to the amount of 300,000 euros. These measures will contribute to a lasting solution to the problem of illegal riverbank occupations while solving the thorny sanitation issue,
    • Information and awareness-raising programmes continue through workshops, radio broadcasting of messages relating to sanitation, protection of archaeological sites and the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property;
  • The flood caused by torrential rains in August 2016 caused the collapse or degradation of some monumental houses in the old urban fabric, including the old Moroccan Palace dating back to the 16th century;
  • Cracks appear on some pillars of the great mosque of Djenne but do not presently pose a threat to the integrity of the monument;
  • The Conservation and Management Plan for the site has not yet been updated, but funding has been mobilized to achieve this before the end of 2017. This funding is part of the implementation of the second phase of the cultural heritage rehabilitation programme of Mali (2017-2020). The first phase of this programme launched in 2013, concentrated on Timbuktu;
  • The urban planning regulation document, although validated at the regional level, has not yet been adopted by the Council of Ministers or implemented;
  • The Cultural Mission of Djenné does not yet have sufficient financial resources and adequate logistical means to effectively implement its activities.
Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2017

The efforts made by the State Party to initiate the implementation of corrective measures to ensure the best conditions for the integrity and authenticity of the property are well noted. The fragility of the security situation in Mali is slowing down the State Party's response capacity, resulting in a low level of implementation of the corrective measures (5 out of 20 measures being implemented). This situation is also explained by a low level of financing mobilized for Djenné, the financial partners having mainly expressed interest in Timbuktu and concentrated their support on that site. It is therefore recommended that the Committee take note of the progress made by the State Party and encourage it to continue, and to increase awareness amongst its partners for supporting Djenné in the framework of the Action Plan for the second phase of rehabilitation of the cultural heritage of Mali.

It is also noted with concern that new problems emerged after the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2016. This includes the collapse or degradation of some monumental houses, of which the old Moroccan Palace dating from the 16th century. Added to this is the appearance of cracks, following flooding caused by the torrential rains in August 2016, on the pillars of the emblematic Djenné Mosque, the first edifice of which was built in the 13th century. Despite the efforts deployed, there are also difficulties as regards the archaeological sites, which remain subject to risks of degradation and looting owing to an upsurge of insecurity and attacks by terrorist groups. To this end, it is recommended that the Committee express its concern and encourage the State Party to seek a request for international assistance from the World Heritage Fund.

Moreover, the review of the Conservation and Management Plan for the property, as well as the implementation of the urban planning reglementation, and the reinforcement of the operational capacities of the Cultural Mission of Djenné, appear to be of high priority. It is therefore necessary to update and supplement the provisional corrective measures adopted by the Committee (Decision 40 COM 7B.13). It is also essential to prepare as soon as possible a proposal for a Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) as requested by the same decision.

Finally, it is recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to invite a joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the overall state of conservation of the property and the progress made in the implementation of the corrective measures. The security situation made it impossible to organize the mission requested by the Committee in 2016.

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2017
41 COM 7A.28
Old Towns of Djenné (Mali) (C 116rev)
The World Heritage Committee,
  1. Having examined Document WHC/17/41.COM/7A,
  2. Recalling Decision 40 COM 7B.13, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016),
  3. Takes note of the efforts made by the State Party in the implementation of some of the corrective measures adopted at its 40th session, in a difficult security context in Mali, and with the lack of adequate resources at the local level, which slowed down their implementation;
  4. Notes that despite the inadequate financial and logistical resources available to the Cultural Mission of Djenné, resources have been allocated to the finalization of the Conservation and Management Plan by the end of 2017, and that measures are ongoing for awareness raising with the fight against illicit traffic;
  5. Also expresses its concern with the appearance of further deterioration in the old urban fabric of the property after the flooding caused by the torrential rains in August 2016, which led to the collapse of certain monumental houses, including the old Moroccan Palace dating back to the 16th century; and about the risks of degradation and looting of the archaeological sites;
  6. Encourages the State Party to seek a request for International Assistance from the World Heritage Fund in order to implement priority actions for the rehabilitation of these damaged monumental houses;
  7. Notes with appreciation the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's support for the sustainable riverbank conservation measures;
  8. Expresses its concern with the fragility of the security situation in Djenné, which prevented the organization of the requested joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission and reiterates its request to the State Party to invite, when the security situation will be stabilized in Mali, this joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the overall state of conservation of the property and the progress made in the implementation of the corrective measures;
  9. Also notes that international support for the buildings has focused mainly on Timbuktu, and calls upon the international community to support the State Party, in cooperation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, by all possible means, for the conservation and protection of the property, in particular in the implementation of the Action Plan for the second phase of the rehabilitation of the cultural heritage of Mali;
  10. Requests the State Party to update and finalize the list of corrective measures, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and ICCROM, with an updated implementation calendar, and a proposal for the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) and to submit them to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2018 for adoption by the World Heritage Committee at its 42nd session in 2018;
  11. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2018, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 42nd session in 2018;
  12. Decides to retain Old Towns of Djenné (Mali) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
41 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (Retained Properties)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC/17/41.COM/7A, WHC/17/41.COM/7A.Add and WHC/17/41.COM/7A.Add.2),
  2. Decides to retain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
    • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 41 COM 7A.54)
    • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 41 COM 7A.55)
    • Belize, Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Decision 41 COM 7A.2)
    • Bolivia (Plurinational State of), City of Potosí (Decision 41 COM 7A.23)
    • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.4)
    • Chile, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Decision 41 COM 7A.24)
    • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 41 COM 7A.6)
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.7)
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.8)
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 41 COM 7A.9)
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Salonga National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.10)
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.11)
    • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 41 COM 7A.32)
    • Honduras, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Decision 41 COM 7A.3)
    • Indonesia, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (Decision 41 COM 7A.18)
    • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 41 COM 7A.33)
    • Iraq, Hatra (Decision 41 COM 7A.34)
    • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 41 COM 7A.35)
    • Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by Jordan) (Decision 41 COM 7A.36)
    • Libya, Archaeological Site of Cyrene (Decision 41 COM 7A.37)
    • Libya, Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (Decision 41 COM 7A.38)
    • Libya, Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Decision 41 COM 7A.39)
    • Libya, Old Town of Ghadamès (Decision 41 COM 7A.40)
    • Libya, Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Decision 41 COM 7A.41)
    • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 41 COM 7A.14)
    • Mali, Old Towns of Djenné (Decision 41 COM 7A.28)
    • Mali, Timbuktu (Decision 41 COM 7A.29)
    • Mali, Tomb of Askia (Decision 41 COM 7A.30)
    • Micronesia (Federated States of), Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Decision 41 COM 7A.56)
    • Niger, Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 41 COM 7A.15)
    • Palestine, Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem (Decision 41 COM 7A.42)
    • Palestine, Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Decision 41 COM 7A.43)
    • Panama, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Decision 41 COM 7A.25)
    • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 41 COM 7A.26)
    • Senegal, Niokolo-Koba National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.16)
    • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 41 COM 7A.21)
    • Solomon Islands, East Rennell (Decision 41 COM 7A.19)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Aleppo (Decision 41 COM 7A.44)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Bosra (Decision 41 COM 7A.45)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Damascus (Decision 41 COM 7A.46)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (Decision 41 COM 7A.47)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (Decision 41 COM 7A.48)
    • Syrian Arab Republic, Site of Palmyra (Decision 41 COM 7A.49)
    • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 41 COM 7A.31)
    • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City (Decision 41 COM 7A.22)
    • United Republic of Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve (Decision 41 COM 7A.17)
    • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 41 COM 7A.1)
    • Uzbekistan, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (Decision 41 COM 7A.57)
    • Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Coro and its Port (Decision 41 COM 7A.27)
    • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 41 COM 7A.51)
    • Yemen, Old City of Sana’a (Decision 41 COM 7A.52)
    • Yemen, Old Walled City of Shibam (Decision 41 COM 7A.53)
      Draft Decision: 41 COM 7A.28
      • The World Heritage Committee,
        1. Having examined Document WHC/17/41.COM/7A,
        2. Recalling Decision 40 COM 7B.13, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016),
        3. Takes note of the efforts made by the State Party in the implementation of some of the corrective measures adopted at its 40th session, in a difficult security context in Mali, and with the lack of adequate resources at the local level, which slowed down their Implementation;
        4. Notes that despite the inadequate financial and logistical resources available to the Cultural Mission of Djenné, resources have been allocated to the finalization of the Conservation and Management Plan by the end of 2017, and that measures are ongoing for awareness raising for the fight against illicit traffic;
        5. Also expresses its concern at the appearance of further deterioration in the old urban fabric of the property after the flooding caused by the torrential rains in August 2016, which led to the collapse of certain monumental houses, including the old Moroccan Palace dating back to the 16th century; and at the risks of degradation and looting of the archaeological sites;
        6. Encourages the State Party to seek a request for International Assistance from the World Heritage Fund in order to implement priority actions for the rehabilitation of these damaged monumental houses;
        7. Notes with appreciation the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's support for the sustainable riverbank conservation measures;
        8. Expresses its concern at the fragility of the security situation in Djenné, which prevented the organization of the joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission and reiterates its request to the State Party to invite, when the security situation will be stabilized in Mali, this joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the overall state of conservation of the property and the progress made in the implementation of the corrective measures;
        9. Also notes that international support for the buildings has focused mainly on Timbuktu, and calls upon the international community to support the State Party, in cooperation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, by all possible means, for the conservation and protection of the property, in particular in the implementation of the Action Plan for the second phase of the rehabilitation of the cultural heritage of Mali;
        10. Requests the State Party to update and finalize the list of corrective measures, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and ICCROM, with an updated implementation calendar, and a proposal for the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) and to submit them to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2018 for adoption by the World Heritage Committee at its 42nd session in 2018;
        11. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2018, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 42nd session in 2018;
        12. Decides to retain Old Towns of Djenné (Mali) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
      Report year: 2017
      Mali
      Date of Inscription: 1988
      Category: Cultural
      Criteria: (iii)(iv)
      Danger List (dates): 2016-present
      Documents examined by the Committee
      SOC Report by the State Party
      Report (2017) .pdf
      arrow_circle_right 41COM (2017)
      Exports

      * : 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.


      top