Coro and its Port

• Flooding (and water damage)
• Management systems/ management plan
• Water (rain/water table)
• Serious deterioration of materials and structures
• Deterioration of the architectural and urban coherence and integrity of the property
• Lack of adequate management, planning and conservation mechanisms
• Absence of detailed and technical information on the state of conservation of the property since 2007

• Considerable decay of materials and structures resulting from lack of comprehensive conservation and maintenance, and torrential rains in 2004, 2005 and 2010
• Deterioration of architectural and urban coherence compromising the integrity and authenticity of the property
• Lack of adequate and efficient management, planning and conservation mechanisms, and institutional arrangements

Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/5965 

Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/5965

Adopted, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/5965
Updated in 2015, see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6263

Total amount provided: USD 20,000 (Spanish Funds-in-Trust for World Heritage) for the planning, implementation and subsequent publications of participatory workshops and meetings with artisans and civil society in Coro and La Vela

On 1 February 2024, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, which is available at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/658/documents/, providing the following information:

A number of conservation measures have been implemented during the last year, following an inclusive approach, in collaboration with craftmanship schools and associations;

In response to the request of Decision 45 COM 7A.21, a Minor Boundary Modification (MBM) proposal is formulated in the framework of the State of conservation report, including background, rational, cartography, and related legal framework and planning instruments;

The following information is provided on the implementation of the corrective measures adopted to reach the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR):

• Concerning the development of a spatial analysis, the implementation of the ordinances of the city of Coro and La Vela is maintained, with a set of architectural restrictions,
• The management plan has been updated together with the definition of regulatory measures for the proposed Buffer Zone, and a Disaster Risk Plan of the Historic Center of Coro and Historic Center of La Vela, as a result of the joint work of Civil Protection in conjunction with the IPC and the Municipal Heritage Institutes of both municipalities. The preparedness plan to deal with the property’s vulnerabilities is reported to be a “daily task” of various competent State Party's institutions, including master clay craftsmen and other artisans and the use of traditional building techniques,
• A conservation strategy and action plan have been developed, including a prioritized and budgeted intervention programme, based on the results of condition surveys and guidelines for conservation, restoration and maintenance interventions, duly integrating traditional know-how. In response to the rains of October and November 2022, in the Cities of Coro and La Vela, traditional buildings and emblematic buildings were damaged. Mitigations measures were carried out addressing damaged roofs, leaks collapsed walls, and detachment of friezes on walls and cornices. The restoration, rehabilitation, and stabilization of 29 emblematic buildings and homes in Santa Ana de Coro and its Puerto La Vela have been planned for a total estimated budget of USD 100,000, with the local master craftsmen specialized in the use of traditional construction techniques. The action plan includes a communication and awareness campaign which includes a new web portal and social networks, as well as comprehensive educational activities for students at primary, secondary and university levels, duly integrating vernacular construction techniques and academic knowledge,
• A strategy has also been developed, together with the private sector, to address building reuse and issues linked to ownership and abandonment of traditional architecture. A strategy for the regulation of the vehicle circulation in historic city centres has been put in place,
• Concerning the harmonization of legals tools for the protection of the property, the role of the Joint Commission is highlighted as it has been responsible for this work since its creation as a joint and collective decision-making body. The Joint Commission’s management structure has also been reinforced though an inclusive approach,
• Finally, important, numerous and largely documented drainage measures within and outside the property have been implemented during the period concerned.

The many conservation measures carried out following an inclusive approach in the last year should be welcomed.

The important work accomplished in view of the submission of a MBM proposal is noted. A final proposal for such MBM should however be submitted in due form, as already requested by Decision 45 COM 7A.21, to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies and approval by the World Heritage Committee, as per Paragraphs 163 and 164 of the Operational Guidelines (format provided in Annex 11), as soon as it is available.

The progress in the implementation of the corrective measures adopted in Decision 38 COM 7A.23 should be noted, in spite of the uneven quality and completeness of the information elements delivered in this respect.

The development of a spatial analysis seems to have little progressed.

The State Party should be commended for the updating and completion of a comprehensive management plan, along with the establishment of regulatory measures for the proposed Buffer Zone and Disaster Risk Plans for the Historic Center of Coro and Historic Center of La Vela, as well as for development of a conservation strategy and an action plan, including a prioritized and budgeted intervention program, based on solid surveys and guidelines duly integrating traditional know-how, which constitutes an important achievement.

As concerns the comprehensive and inclusive restoration, rehabilitation, and stabilization measures carried out in favor of the traditional buildings damaged by the rains of October and November 2022, it is recommended that Committee take note with satisfaction of their implementation and request the State Party to provide detailed information on the activities that will be further implemented.

The role of the Joint Commission and the reinforcement of management structures should be noted, however specific and complete information should be requested on the harmonization of legals tools for the protection of the property.

While the important drainage measures implemented during the period concerned should be noted with satisfaction, the establishment of a durable drainage strategy and plan – underpinned by all necessary financial resources – remains to be completed. In this context, it is recommended that the Committee reiterate its request that a complete, durable drainage system, duly resourced, be put in place.