Rainforests of the Atsinanana
Factors affecting the property in 2023*
- Fire (widlfires)
- Governance
- Illegal activities
- Land conversion
- Mining
- Society's valuing of heritage
- Subsistence hunting
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
- Encroachment
- Fire
- Hunting and poaching of endangered species, including lemurs
- Artisanal mining
- Illegal logging of precious wood species (ebony and rosewood)
- Weak governance and law enforcement to prevent the illegal logging end export of precious wood species
- Need to strengthen the engagement of and benefit-sharing with local communities
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
Illegal logging of precious wood species (ebony and rosewood) and its secondary impacts; poaching of endangered lemurs were identified as threats for the site’s integrity
Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger
Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4344
Corrective Measures for the property
Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4344
Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures
Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4344
UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2023
Total amount granted: USD 1,890,000 from the United Nations Foundation and the Nordic World Heritage Foundation; USD 1,039,000 from the Government of Norway (2014-2016)
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2023
Total amount approved : 155,000 USD
| 2021 | APPUI A LA SORTIE DU BIEN FORETS HUMIDES DE ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2020 | Projet de sensibilisation pour l’appropriation de la ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2020 | Projet d’amélioration de la qualité des formations ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2016 | Conservation et gestion des forêts humides de ... (Not approved) | 0 USD |
| 2010 | Forêts Humides de l’Atsinanana (Approved) | 100,000 USD |
| 2005 | Elaboration of a a serial nomination for the humid ... (Approved) | 25,000 USD |
| 2000 | Technical Assistance for Building Capacity for World ... (Approved) | 30,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2023**
May 2011, September-October 2015: Joint World Heritage Centre / IUCN Reactive Monitoring missions
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2023
On 11 March 2022, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property, a summary of which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1257/documents/. The full report provides the following information:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to considerable socio-economic challenges and delayed some activities, but efforts were made to mobilize funding and continue the monitoring, patrolling and community support activities;
- The production of Development and Management Plans for each of the six components of the property was delayed by the pandemic but they are planned to be updated by end of June 2022 and will highlight the locations that require rehabilitation. These Plans are expected to inform the updated timetable for the implementation of corrective measures as well as informing management objectives and costed action plans for a 5-year period. The Plans will include an evaluation of the impacts from mining and the ecological restoration activities. The plans will also inform the preparation of an Integrated Management Plan, which will be presented to IUCN for approval;
- A zero-tolerance policy on the logging and export of rosewood and ebony is maintained;
- Progress has been made in implementing the decisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concerning ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), and this has been reported to the 25th meeting of the Plants Committee and 74th meeting of the Standing Committee of CITES. Updates include zero reported export of precious wood from Madagascar since January 2019, continued surveillance and law enforcement. A plan was to verify all stockpiles of rosewood and ebony and propose ways to address them was also submitted;
- Deforestation rate in 2021 exceeded 0.07% according to satellite imagery, mostly occurring in Andohahela National Park due to illegal settlements, followed by Marojejy National Park. 350 ha of new primary forest clearing was reported across the whole property in 2021;
- Several projects are underway or planned in the different components of the property, including Andohahela and Marojejy National Parks to address deforestation and forest degradation through reforestation activities and ecological monitoring;
- Ecological restoration on 894 ha of degraded land achieved in 2021 through active and passive means.
Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2023
Taking into account the significant negative impact of the pandemic on the property due to deteriorating socio-economic situation and reduced management capacity, the State Party’s comprehensive report and efforts to continue the monitoring, patrolling and conservation activities through the challenges are appreciated.
Nevertheless, the environmental consequences are severe with the rate of illegal logging of precious woods and poaching of lemurs remaining high. Moreover, it is deeply concerning that the deforestation rate spiked to a record high of 0.07% in 2021 to a level far exceeding figures reported since 2009 and the indicator threshold of the Desired state of conservation for removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR). The area of primary forest cleared and illegal logging for precious wood raise great concern and counteracts the restoration efforts. While the targeted projects to address these forest losses through reforestation and ecological monitoring are positive, greater emphasis is needed on prevention. In addition to governance, control and enforcement measures, it should include efforts to promote local sustainable development which directly affects management effectiveness as evidenced by the impacts of the pandemic.
At its 74th meeting in March 2022, the CITES Standing Committee adopted recommendations pertaining to Malagasy ebonies (Diospyros spp.) and palisanders and rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.), including a proposal for renewal of Decision 18.96 at the 19th Conference of the Parties (CITES CoP19; November 2022). The reaffirmation of the zero-tolerance policy on the logging and export of rosewood and ebony is noted. It is hoped that the State Party will continue to fully implement the CITES decisions concerning these precious wood species.
Noting that addressing the issue of stockpiles has been outstanding since the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger more than a decade ago, the reported activities to prepare an inventory and marking of the ‘officially controlled’ stockpiles for domestic use, using the proceeds for restoration activities is welcome. However, it needs to be recalled again that the quantity of ‘officially controlled’ stockpiles are much smaller than the ‘uncontrolled declared wood’ stockpiles and the ‘non-compliant and undeclared’ stockpiles, and that as long as this issue is not addressed, it will be hard to control the illegal trade and the illegal logging of precious woods. It is recommended that the Committee reiterate once again its previous requests to urgently find a lasting solution to eliminate all such stocks.
It is regrettable that no further information is provided on the five-year Action Plan on illegal mining at Ranomafana National Park which the State Party announced in 2017. The on-going effort to renew the Development and Management Plans for each component of the property, while delayed by the impacts of the pandemic, is appreciated as well as the planned development on an integrated management plan for the entire property. It is noted that they will integrate an evaluation of the current situation regarding logging and mining, and to inform future actions including the implementation of corrective measures. As such, the State Party should ensure relevant stakeholders including local communities are consulted and involved in the creation of the plans. It should be reiterated that the draft Development and Management Plans and the draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) are to be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN before they are approved and adopted.
In conclusion, while significant efforts have been undertaken to address the management challenges of the property and start addressing the key issue of the illegal stockpiles, the threats to the property continue and appear to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is thus a need to further intensify efforts to implement the corrective measures and strengthen ways to prevent further forest loss. It is recommended that the Committee retain the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
On 5 and 6 February 2022, Madagascar was hit by the intense tropical cyclone Batsirai, less than two weeks after being impacted by tropical storm Ana. Two of the six components of the property, Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks, suffered significant damages. The State Party through the UNESCO Antenna in Madagascar has received support from the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund.
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2023
45 COM 7A.11
Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) (N 1257)
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7A,
- Recalling Decision 44 COM 7A.48 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
- Welcomes the continued efforts made by the State Party to monitor, patrol and support conservation of the property during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Notes with deep concern that the deforestation rate in the property increased significantly to a record high of 0.07%, exceeding the 0.01% limit according to the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), the further loss of primary forest across all components of the property, and an increase in reports of illegal logging for precious wood species;
- Notes the efforts underway and planned to address forest loss through ecological monitoring activities and reforestation and requests the State Party to further strengthen its efforts in the fight against illegal logging and trade of rosewood, complemented with efforts to promote local sustainable development;
- Welcomes the planned renewal of Development and Management Plans for each of the six components of the property, which will assess the current situation regarding logging and mining and will inform future activities including the implementation of corrective measures and its five-year costed Action Plan, and which will lead to the production of an Integrated Management Plan (IMP), and therefore strongly encourages the State Party to ensure that a fully consultative process with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, is followed in the development of the Plans;
- Also requests the State Party to submit the draft Development and Management Plans for the six components of the property and the draft IMP as soon as practicable to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN before their adoption;
- While noting the reaffirmation of the zero-tolerance policy on the logging and export of rosewood and ebony, reiterates its request to the State Party to find a lasting solution aimed at eliminating all stocks of precious woods and halting all illegal logging and trafficking of precious woods, including through the full implementation of the decisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concerning ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.);
- Also welcomes the reported activities to prepare an inventory and marking of the ‘official controlled stockpiles’ of seized logs and to valorise them on the national market, using the proceeds for restoration activities, but recalls that the official controlled stockpiles are quite small compared to the ‘uncontrolled, but declared stockpiles’ and the undeclared illegal stockpiles;
- Further requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring mission in order to assess the progress made in the implementation of the corrective measures in achieving the Desired state of conservation for removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), and to update the corrective measures and the timeline for their implementation in support of the eventual removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger;
- Final requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2024, 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 46th session;
- Decides to retain the Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
45 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (Retained Properties)
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC/23/45.COM/7A, WHC/23/45.COM/7A.Add, WHC/23/45.COM/7A.Add.2, WHC/23/45.COM/7A.Add.3, WHC/23/45.COM/7A.Add.4),
- Having examined the recommendations of the Advisory Bodies, 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 45 COM 7A.51)
- Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 45 COM 7A.52)
- Austria, Historic Centre of Vienna (Decision 45 COM 7A.55)
- Bolivia (Plurinational State of), City of Potosí (Decision 45 COM 7A.18)
- Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.3)
- Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 45 COM 7A.4)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.5)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.6)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 45 COM 7A.7)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.8)
- Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 45 COM 7A.26)
- Honduras, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Decision 45 COM 7A.1)
- Indonesia, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (Decision 45 COM 7A.15)
- Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 45 COM 7A.27)
- Iraq, Hatra (Decision 45 COM 7A.28)
- Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 45 COM 7A.29)
- Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by Jordan) (Decision 45 COM 7A.31)
- Kenya, Lake Turkana National Parks (Decision 45 COM 7A.10)
- Libya, Archaeological Site of Cyrene (Decision 45 COM 7A.33)
- Libya, Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (Decision 45 COM 7A.34)
- Libya, Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Decision 45 COM 7A.35)
- Libya, Old Town of Ghadamès (Decision 45 COM 7A.36)
- Libya, Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Decision 45 COM 7A.37)
- Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 45 COM 7A.11)
- Mali, Old Towns of Djenné (Decision 45 COM 7A.22)
- Mali, Timbuktu (Decision 45 COM 7A.23)
- Mali, Tomb of Askia (Decision 45 COM 7A.24)
- Mexico, Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California (Decision 45 COM 7A.2)
- Micronesia (Federated States of), Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Decision 45 COM 7A.53)
- Niger, Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 45 COM 7A.12)
- Palestine, Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Decision 45 COM 7A.39)
- Palestine, Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Decision 45 COM 7A.38)
- Panama, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Decision 45 COM 7A.19)
- Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 45 COM 7A.20)
- Romania, Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (Decision 45 COM 7A.56)
- Senegal, Niokolo-Koba National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.13)
- Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 45 COM 7A.57)
- Solomon Islands, East Rennell (Decision 45 COM 7A.16)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Aleppo (Decision 45 COM 7A.40)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Bosra (Decision 45 COM 7A.41)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Damascus (Decision 45 COM 7A.42)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (Decision 45 COM 7A.43)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (Decision 45COM 7A.44)
- Syrian Arab Republic, Site of Palmyra (Decision 45 COM 7A.45)
- United Republic of Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve (Decision 45 COM 7A.14)
- United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 45 COM 7A.17)
- Uzbekistan, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (Decision 45 COM 7A.54)
- Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Coro and its Port (Decision 45 COM 7A.21)
- Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 45 COM 7A.47)
- Yemen, Old City of Sana’a (Decision 45 COM 7A.49)
- Yemen, Old Walled City of Shibam (Decision 45 COM 7A.50)
- Lebanon, Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli (Decision 18 EXT.COM 5.1)
- Ukraine, The Historic Centre of Odesa (Decision 18 EXT.COM 5.2)
- Yemen, Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Decision 18 EXT.COM 5.3)
Draft Decision: 45 COM 7A.11
The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7A,
- Recalling Decision 44 COM 7A.48, adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
- Welcomes the continued efforts made by the State Party to monitor, patrol and support conservation of the property during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Notes with deep concern that the deforestation rate in the property increased significantly to a record high of 0.07%, exceeding the 0.01% limit according to the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), the further loss of primary forest across all components of the property, and an increase in reports of illegal logging for precious wood species;
- Notes the efforts underway and planned to address forest loss through ecological monitoring activities and reforestation and requests the State Party to further strengthen its efforts in the fight against illegal logging and trade of rosewood, complemented with efforts to promote local sustainable development;
- Welcomes the planned renewal of Development and Management Plans for each of the six components of the property, which will assess the current situation regarding logging and mining and will inform future activities including the implementation of corrective measures and its five-year costed Action Plan, and which will lead to the production of an Integrated Management Plan (IMP), and therefore strongly encourages the State Party to ensure that a fully consultative process with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, is followed in the development of the Plans;
- Also requests the State Party to submit the draft Development and Management Plans for the six components of the property and the draft IMP as soon as practicable to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN before their adoption;
- While noting the reaffirmation of the zero-tolerance policy on the logging and export of rosewood and ebony, reiterates its request to the State Party to find a lasting solution aimed at eliminating all stocks of precious woods and halting all illegal logging and trafficking of precious woods, including through the full implementation of the decisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) concerning ebony (Diospyros spp.), palisander and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.);
- Also welcomes the reported activities to prepare an inventory and marking of the ‘official controlled stockpiles’ of seized logs and to valorise them on the national market, using the proceeds for restoration activities, but recalls that the official controlled stockpiles are quite small compared to the ‘uncontrolled, but declared stockpiles’ and the undeclared illegal stockpiles;
- Further requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring mission in order to assess the progress made in the implementation of the corrective measures in achieving the Desired state of conservation for removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), and to update the corrective measures and the timeline for their implementation in support of the eventual removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger;
- Final requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2024, 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 46th session;
- Decides to retain the Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Madagascar
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.
