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Banc d'Arguin National Park

Mauritania
Factors affecting the property in 2023*
  • Effects arising from use of transportation infrastructure
  • Fishing/collecting aquatic resources
  • Ground transport infrastructure
  • Housing
  • Illegal activities
  • Impacts of tourism / visitor / recreation
  • Localised utilities
  • Management systems/ management plan
  • Mining
  • Oil and gas
  • Renewable energy facilities
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • Management systems/management plan: Lack of adequate management systems/management plan
  • Human Resources/ Financial Resources: Insufficient management capacity and resources
  • Illegal fishing/collecting aquatic resources: Illegal fishing and Mechanical shellfish harvesting
  • Marine Transport Infrastructure
  • Effects arising from use of transportation infrastructure: Tourism and increased accessibility due to the new Nouadhibou-Nouakchott road
  • Impacts of tourism/visitor/recreation
  • Housing
  • Illegal activities
  • Mining
  • Oil and gas: Oil exploitation
  • Renewable energy facilities
UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2023

Total amount granted: USD 150,000 in the framework of the World Heritage Centre's Marine Programme

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2023
Requests approved: 2 (from 2004-2004)
Total amount approved : 35,000 USD
Missions to the property until 2023**

2002, 2003, 2004, 2013: World Heritage Centre missions; 2014: Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring mission

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2023

On 31 January 2022, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property, available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/506/documents, which provides the following information:

  • The 2020-2024 development and management plan has been finalized and submitted with this report;
  • Faced with the impacts of sea level rise and erosion that threaten several villages, the State Party wishes to reconsider its previous decision not to relocate the villages concerned;
  • The prohibition of selachian fishing, the control of boats and the limitation of transformation wells remain objectives. Selachian catches have not exceeded 1,000 t/year since 2014, but fishing is intensifying in the property;
  • In accordance with the recommendation of the strategic environmental and social assessment on the development of the city of Chami, an Urban Development Master Plan has been established. The State Party undertakes that any development will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and has relocated the artisanal gold mining site of Chami 30 km to the east;
  • A request for support from the International Maritime Organization was renewed to analyze the navigation risks in addition to the feasibility study to list the property as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA);
  • Shell has surrendered its exploration permit for offshore oil Block C-19;
  • The terms of reference of the EIA for prospecting the Mauritanian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) were revised following the comments of the World Heritage Centre and IUCN, and it has been carried out according to international standards;
  • The State Party monitors the level of the water tables of the Tasiast Tasiast mine catchment and will commission a strategic hydrological study;
  • Avian influenza has not been observed in the property and monitoring means were put in place in 2021;
  • The potential addition of a criterion through the submission of a new nomination dossier was discussed on 10 February 2022 during a meeting between the State Party, the World Heritage Centre and IUCN;
  • Given the intensification of its actions to preserve the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and address threats, the State Party would like to exit the reactive monitoring process and report on the state of conservation every 5 years, concomitant with the updating of the Development and Management Plan.

Numerous reports, scientific or impact studies are appended to the State Party report.

Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2023

The State Party has made substantial efforts to address the threats affecting the property. In-depth knowledge from numerous studies and the management effectiveness chart make it possible to identify the issues. It is recommended to continue the efforts of developing knowledge, monitoring and actions against threats.

Noting that climate change is a crucial issue for the distribution of ecosystems (in particular seagrasses) and species and therefore for the OUV of the property, as well as for local populations, it is recommended that the State Party prioritize its prospective analysis on the potential impacts of climate change on the OUV and submit it to the World Heritage Centre for review. Noting that the ecosystems of the property represent an important reservoir of blue carbon, the State Party is encouraged to explore the eligibility for funds to adapt to the effects of climate change, and to share these experiences with other World Heritage properties.

Any consideration for the relocation of threatened villages should be part of this reflection carried out in consultation with the communities concerned, and the World Heritage Centre and IUCN recall the importance of the principle of free, prior and informed consent, in accordance with the Convention and the international standards.

It is worrying that fishing in the property has increased tenfold since 1997 and doubled since 2014, even if selachian catches are stagnating thanks to the actions carried out. It is recommended to intensify these actions to end this practice. A reflection seems necessary on the impact of the intensification of fishing on the OUV, even if the annual contribution of artisanal fishing inside the property represents only 1% of the total of this segment at the level of the Mauritanian EEZ.

Significant efforts are being made to oversee the development of Chami and limit the associated threats. The waste produced must be managed sustainably, in line with the recommendations of Chami's sustainable waste management strategy. The relocation of the gold processing centre 30 km to the east seems positive, but clarification is needed concerning the management of mining waste and other environmental aspects of this site. Although the analyses currently show the absence of significant heavy metal contamination in the property, it is important to continue these analyses and install monitoring equipment.

It is recommended to finalize exploration of the technical feasibility of a possible designation of the property as a PSSA (potentially taking into account the planned wind farm), in addition to national efforts to limit the risks. The current abandonment of oil exploration in Block C-19 is welcomed. No information is provided on the status of oil exploration projects in block C-7 located near the property.

Given the concerns of the management authority of the property on the potential impacts of the offshore seismic campaign and the lack of significant consideration of its impacts on the OUV in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), it is recommended not to authorize this campaign before revising the ESIA to assess the potential impacts on the OUV of the property, in accordance with the new Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessment in a World Heritage Context, developed in collaboration between the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre, and taking into account the recommendations of the property’s management authority.

Considering the wind farm development project at the borders of the property (Nour – Hydrogène Vert), it is important that an ESIA is carried out in accordance with the new Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessment in a World Heritage Context, to assess any potential impact on the OUV of the property, and be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN, before any decision is taken.

It is also necessary to continue the monitoring of the groundwater harnessed for the Tasiast mine and to complete the strategic regional assessment of the hydrological system.

It is noted that avian influenza has not had an impact on the property, and it is recommended that the State Party be commended for its efforts in dealing with this threat and that it continues monitoring it.

Regarding the potential addition of new criterion(a), as discussed during the meeting of 10 February 2022 between the State Party, the World Heritage Centre and IUCN, it is recommended that the State Party consider whether it wishes to submit a new nomination for inscription of the property, in order to include new criteria or not.

The State Party's request to provide reports on the state of conservation of the property every five years is well noted, however, given the many projects concerning the property, it is preferable that a monitoring report be submitted to the World Heritage Centre in December 2024.

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2023
45 COM 7B.11
Banc d'Arguin National Park (Mauritania) (N 506)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7B,
  2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7B.87 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
  3. Commends the State Party for the significant efforts made and requests it to pursue them, in particular by implementing the 2020-2024 Development and Management Plan, and by continuing to develop knowledge, monitoring and the fight against threats affecting the property;
  4. Considers that climate change is a crucial issue for the distribution of species and ecosystems, particularly seagrasses, and therefore for the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property and for the local populations, and requests the State Party:
    1. To prioritize its prospective analysis on the potential impacts of climate change on the OUV and submit it to the World Heritage Centre,
    2. That any consideration of the relocation of threatened villages be part of this reflection, in consultation with the communities concerned and not be carried out without their free, prior and informed consent and in accordance with the Convention and international standards;
  5. Noting that the ecosystems of the property represent an important reservoir of blue carbon, encourages the State Party to explore the eligibility of the property for funds to adapt to the effects of climate change, and to share these experiences with other World Heritage properties;
  6. Considering on the one hand the stagnation of selachian catches, and on the other hand the tenfold increase in fishing in the property since 1997, also requests the State Party to intensify the efforts undertaken to limit the catches of selachians in order to end this practice, and to carry out an analysis of the impact of increased fishing on the OUV of the property;
  7. Also commends the State Party for the actions taken to oversee the development of Chami and limit its impact on the property, and in particular the relocation of the gold processing centre, and also requests it to continue the analyses on the heavy metal contaminations in the property, to sustainably manage waste at Chami and to provide information on the management of mining waste and other environmental aspects in the new gold processing centre;
  8. Welcomes the efforts of the State Party to limit maritime risks and, in addition, reiterates its request to finalize the exploration of the technical feasibility of a possible designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, before submitting a final application to the International Maritime Organization;
  9. Also welcomes the current abandonment of oil exploration in Oil Block C-19 and further requests information regarding the status of exploration activities in Block C-7;
  10. Considering the concerns about the potential impacts of the offshore seismic campaign and the lack of significant consideration of the property in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), further requests the State Party not to carry out any activity before revising the ESIA to assess potential impacts on the OUV of the property, in accordance with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context, and to submit it to the World Heritage Centre for evaluation by IUCN, and to take into account the recommendations of the management authority for the property;
  11. Noting with concern the wind farm development project at the borders of the property (Nour – Hydrogène Vert), urges the State Party to carry out an ESIA to assess the potential impacts on the OUV of the property, in accordance with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context, and to submit it to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN, before any decision is taken;
  12. Further requests the State Party to continue monitoring the groundwater harnessed for the Tasiast mine and to finalize the strategic regional assessment of the hydrological system;
  13. Notes with satisfaction that avian influenza has not had an impact on the property, commends the State Party for its efforts in the face of this threat and further requests it to continue the monitoring;
  14. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above.
Draft Decision: 45 COM 7B.11

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7B,
  2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7B.87, adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/on line, 2021),
  3. Commends the State Party for the significant efforts made and requests it to pursue them, in particular by implementing the 2020-2024 Development and Management Plan, and by continuing to develop knowledge, monitoring and the fight against threats affecting the property;
  4. Considers that climate change is a crucial issue for the distribution of species and ecosystems, particularly seagrasses, and therefore for the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property and for the local populations, and requests the State Party:
    1. to prioritize its prospective analysis on the potential impacts of climate change on the OUV and submit it to the World Heritage Centre,
    2. that any consideration of the relocation of threatened villages be part of this reflection, in consultation with the communities concerned and not be carried out without their free, prior and informed consent and in accordance with the Convention and international standards;
  5. Noting that the ecosystems of the property represent an important reservoir of blue carbon, encourages the State Party to explore the eligibility of the property for funds to adapt to the effects of climate change, and to share these experiences with other World Heritage properties;
  6. Considering on the one hand the stagnation of selachian catches, and on the other hand the tenfold increase in fishing in the property since 1997, also requests the State Party to intensify the efforts undertaken to limit the catches of selachians in order to end this practice, and to carry out an analysis of the impact of increased fishing on the OUV of the property;
  7. Also commends the State Party for the actions taken to oversee the development of Chami and limit its impact on the property, and in particular the relocation of the gold processing centre, and also requests it to continue the analyses on the heavy metal contaminations in the property, to sustainably manage waste at Chami and to provide information on the management of mining waste and other environmental aspects in the new gold processing centre;
  8. Welcomes the efforts of the State Party to limit maritime risks and, in addition, reiterates its request to finalize the exploration of the technical feasibility of a possible designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, before submitting a final application to the International Maritime Organization;
  9. Also welcomes the current abandonment of oil exploration in Oil Block C-19 and further requests information regarding the status of exploration activities in Block C-7;
  10. Considering the concerns about the potential impacts of the offshore seismic campaign and the lack of significant consideration of the property in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), further requests the State Party not to carry out any activity before revising the ESIA to assess potential impacts on the OUV of the property, in accordance with the new Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessment in a World Heritage Context, and to submit it to the World Heritage Centre for evaluation by IUCN, and to take into account the recommendations of the management authority for the property;
  11. Noting with concern the wind farm development project at the borders of the property (Nour – Hydrogène Vert), urges the State Party to carry out an ESIA to assess the potential impacts on the OUV of the property, in accordance with the new Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessment in a World Heritage Context, and to submit it to the World Heritage Centre for review by IUCN, before any decision is taken;
  12. Further requests the State Party to continue monitoring the groundwater harnessed for the Tasiast mine and to finalize the strategic regional assessment of the hydrological system;
  13. Notes with satisfaction that avian influenza has not had an impact on the property, commends the State Party for its efforts in the face of this threat and further requests it to continue the monitoring;
  14. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above.
Report year: 2023
Mauritania
Date of Inscription: 1989
Category: Natural
Criteria: (ix)(x)
Documents examined by the Committee
SOC Report by the State Party
Report (2022) .pdf
Initialy proposed for examination in 2022
arrow_circle_right 45COM (2023)
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.


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