Archaeological Site of Cyrene

• Deliberate destruction of heritage (Inadequate protection leading to threat to rock-hewn monumental tombs, vandalism and the development of agricultural activities in the rural zone)
• Governance
• Housing (Urban encroachment and uncontrolled building construction leading to destruction of archaeological areas)
• Interpretative and visitation facilities (Need for a presentation and interpretation system for visitors and the local population)
• Livestock farming / grazing of domesticated animals
• Crop production
• Management activities (Inappropriate earlier restoration work)
• Management systems/management plan (Need to complete the Conservation and Management Plan in order to co-ordinate actions in the short and medium term; Need to provide a detailed map at the appropriate scale showing the boundaries of the property and buffer zone, as well as regulatory measures foreseen to ensure the protection of the property; Inadequate on-site security and control systems) 
• Surface water pollution (Problem of discharge of sewage from the modern town into the Wadi Bel Ghadir)
• Fire (wildfires)
• Conflict situation prevailing in the country

Conflict situation prevailing in the country

Not yet drafted

Not yet identified

Not yet identified

Total amount granted: June 2020: Netherlands Funds in Trust: USD 49,620 for Strengthening national capacities for the elaboration of corrective measures for Libyan World Heritage properties; October 2023: USD 94,206 by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund for ‘Emergency Assessment Missions to the flood affected region of Libya’

On 17 January 2023, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, an executive summary of which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/190/documents/. Progress in a number of conservation issues addressed by the Committee at its previous sessions is presented in this report, as follows:

• The Cyrene Grand Hotel project was cancelled in compliance with Libyan antiquities law;
• Site maintenance work continued and included the removal of vegetation and vandalism. Restoration of walls of the Temple of Hermes and stabilization measures for the Mithraeum (Mitra Cave) were conducted;
• Cracks were discovered in the inner portico of the Forum and the Greek propylaeum, which resulted from the previous restoration. A joint Libyan/Italian team is undertaking a study for restoration, which would require UNESCO’s support;
• Libyan security authorities retrieved 176 looted artefacts. An inventory and documentation of items in museums and storerooms was completed. Restoration, cleaning, and classification of objects were carried out. Panels were installed to designate archaeological sites, and awareness-raising activities have continued;
• Follow-up is undertaken to address the issue of reviving the South Shahat project (a new city planned to be built away from the property);
• Storm Daniel, which struck the northeastern part of Libya in September 2023, had several impacts on the property. It led to contamination of the Spring of Apollo due to sewage discharge, with silt and stones in Wadi Belghader diverting sewage water towards the subterranean water network. The discharge was halted, and cleaning measures were implemented. The Municipality of Shahat is considering an extension of the sewage pipe away from the site, pending the availability of resources;
• A committee was formed by the Department of Antiquities (DoA) to address the impact of the storm. Silt and debris were removed, the mosaic floor of the Roman Baths was cleaned after being inundated, the pathway between the Greek and Roman Gates was restored, and water canals were cleaned with ongoing efforts aimed to restore the canal system to facilitate drainage. Excavation was conducted in a trench caused by flooding near the Strategium;
• A joint Libyan-Italian mission assessed the situation and provided technical recommendations.

UNESCO visited the property in November 2023 as part of a mission to rapidly assess sites affected by Storm Daniel, supported through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. The mission had the opportunity to assess some of the most affected parts of the site and highlighted the main risks facing the property, outlining a set of recommendations. On the basis of these recommendations, an action plan for the conservation of the property has been developed, comprising the necessary further investigations and assessments, and the preparation of a conservation and management plan, as well as a disaster risk management plan, particularly addressing risks related to extreme rain and flooding. The mission also identified a set of proposed priorities for short and medium-term interventions, the implementation of which will depend on the availability of adequate extra-budgetary funding.

The cancellation of the Cyrene Grand Hotel project is noted with much appreciation.

The property faces significant challenges, particularly in the aftermath of Storm Daniel. The DoA has demonstrated commendable efforts in addressing conservation and protection requirements, including those related to emergency measures following inundation. These comprise cleaning the Spring of Apollo and diverting blackwater, among other actions.

The 2023 UNESCO mission noted that the property is exposed to several risks, some of which already existed before the storm. Owing to the different topographical contexts of its various parts, the impact of the storm affected the site’s features in varying degrees. In particular, the lower northwest area, comprising the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Fountain of Apollo, and the Great Baths, among other features, faces a number of risks related to the geographical situation. Hence, the UNESCO mission noted that geotechnical challenges demand further attention, with soil erosion threatening the stability of exposed structures and a vulnerable rock escarpment with evident vertical cracks. Specific assessment, stabilisation, and water drainage studies have been recommended by the mission, in addition to disaster risk management planning with early warning systems, to mitigate the impact of future climate-related events. In addition, overall conservation and management planning and execution of urgent stabilisation measures, as well as capacity building, have also been recommended.

Immediate interventions – such as at the Mithraeum, cleaning the spring, and diverting blackwater, among others – are acknowledged. Nevertheless, as recommended by the mission, long-term solutions are needed to ensure the site’s conservation while not negatively impacting its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), including integrity and authenticity. It is therefore recommended that the needed assessments, studies and stabilisation measures be continued while developing more permanent compatible solutions in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies.

The efforts to document and restore artefact collections are commendable, especially since the floods threatened museums and storage rooms. Continued efforts are encouraged to ensure their storage under optimal environmental conditions. Noting that the floods have exposed vulnerable buried remains, urgent, specific protection measures may be necessary, including documentation, protection, rescue excavations, and reburial when appropriate.

It is recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to initiate the processes for the elaboration of a retrospective Statement of OUV and a Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) with a set of corrective measures, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS.

It is also recommended that the Committee encourage the State Party to pursue the definition of an appropriate buffer zone and submission of a Minor Boundary Modification proposal in line with Paragraph 164 of the Operational Guidelines.

The invited joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission, as requested by the World Heritage Committee in its previous sessions should occur as soon as conditions permit. Building on the outcomes of the UNESCO mission, the joint Reactive Monitoring mission would allow for a further assessment of the overall state of conservation of the whole property. It would also present an opportunity to provide advice to the State Party with regard to conservation and management planning and the development of the DSOCR, with the related corrective measures.

Given the heavy impact on the site, ensuring sufficient resources remains challenging. The Committee may wish to reiterate its call for increased mobilisation of the international community to provide financial and technical support for urgent conservation actions and for longer-term planning, and to cooperate in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property.

It is recommended that the Committee retain the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.