Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir

• Potential construction of a separation fence (wall)
• Abandonment of terraces and afforestation
• Impact of socio-cultural and geo-political transformations
• Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge system
• Identity, social cohesion, changes in local population and community
• Invasive/alien terrestrial species
• New constructions within the property’s boundaries

• Potential construction of a separation fence (wall)
• Abandonment of terraces and afforestation
• Impact of socio-cultural and geo-political transformations

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6245 

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6245

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6989

Total amount granted: USD 2,761,628 from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) for the project “Support sustainable tourism through safeguarding, rehabilitation and promotion of the agro-cultural landscape in Palestine”.

On 26 January 2024, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1492/documents, and which presents the following information:

• The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) has taken a proactive role in the management and conservation of the property and has appointed a site manager who oversees the implementation of projects and activities within the property;
• The Steering and Site Management Committees have been set up, and provide support, guidance and monitoring for the implementation of the Management and Conservation Plan (MCP);
• Progress was made in achieving the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) by implementing the corrective measures as follows:
  • Dismissal of plans to build a “Wall” along the property, or within its setting: Plans to build a “wall” throughout the property remain suspended. However, concerns persist regarding the potential future construction, which is beyond the State Party’s control,
  • Adequate conservation of the agricultural terraces and their associated components, including watchtowers and drystone walls throughout the property: Numerous projects have been implemented. Additionally, a project to “Support sustainable tourism through safeguarding, rehabilitation and promotion of the agro-cultural landscape in Palestine” was initiated in 2023. The project is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), with implementation by UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
  • Adequate restoration in place of the irrigation system and the development of an adequate sewage system to protect water quality in the property: No progress has been achieved due to constrained financial resources. Additional efforts will be made to secure the necessary funding,
  • Protection in place for the property and its buffer zone, and Management Plan and a monitoring system adopted, and sustainable management system in place: The MCP was adopted. The General Directorate for World Heritage has established a framework for Operational Management Systems for all World Heritage properties, relying on site managers and Steering and Site Management Committees, with the involvement of key stakeholders, local communities and the private sector. MCP Monitoring system has been implemented and protection methods have been developed. The land-use plan and related bylaw for specific areas in the buffer zone has been finalized, awaiting endorsement;
• Funding has not yet been secured for the visitor interpretation centre and bus parking project. The State Party will submit the necessary documents to the World Heritage Centre once funding is available. The State Party is committed to carrying Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) and/or Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) prior to implementing significant interventions or proposed developments;
• Several specific threats with a negative impact on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) are reported, including:
  • Construction of a tunnel and bypass road that resulted in destruction of the property’s landscape,
  • Expansion of the illegal Israeli settlement outpost established within the property in 2020,
  • Setting up of “communication and warnings” in Al-Qusayr and Al-Khammar areas, thus removing olive seedlings and preventing future reclamation; acts of arson damaging forest and olive trees; bulldozing of agricultural land; and expulsion of farmers from Al-Gharbi area,
  • Incursion of settlers in “Ain Bardamo” area, impacting 23 dunums of land, with bulldozing, paving roads and erecting a large tent.

The abovementioned concerns were also raised by third parties and brought to the attention of the World Heritage Centre.

In addition, UNESCO received a letter from the State Party dated 9 January 2024 reporting on the setting up of a nucleus for a new Israeli settlement within the property. The Secretariat followed up with Israel, requesting the relevant information. A reply has not been received yet.

The State Party wishes for the property to be retained on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The State Party has made progress in the implementation of corrective measures to achieve the DSOCR and respond to the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee despite challenges encountered. The absence of an adequate sewage system remains a major environmental concern. Therefore, it is recommended that the Committee continue to encourage the State Party to further pursue its efforts in seeking the required funds to undertake the development of a suitable sewage system, as a matter of priority. 

A site management system has been established, and terms of reference of the Steering and Site Management Committees have been defined, involving the relevant ministries, the municipalities of Battir and Beit Jala, the Hussan Village Council, local communities and stakeholders. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) remains the central supervisory authority, and the site manager, under its authority, is responsible for coordinating the implementation and monitoring of the MCP. The site manager’s participation in the fifth edition of the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum in Riyadh in September 2023 is welcomed.

The preparation of a detailed land-use plan and special bylaw provisions for designated areas of the buffer zone, and in particular for Battir Old Town, is an encouraging step to control urban expansion in the property and its buffer zone. The State Party is encouraged to pursue their endorsement and implementation.

The three-year project to "Support sustainable tourism through safeguarding, rehabilitation and promotion of the agro-cultural landscape of Battir", is to be welcomed, as it aims at promoting agro-cultural tourism as a driver for economic and social development, while safeguarding and promoting the property. The implementation of its various activities is to be encouraged.

Entrusting the site manager, in collaboration with the Steering and Site Management Committees, with the mission of ensuring that any project complies with the provisions of the MCP is very positive, as is the commitment of the State Party to carry out HIA and/or EIA for any project likely to affect the OUV of the property. The State Party’s commitment to submit documentation concerning the visitor interpretation centre and bus parking project once funding has been obtained, is noted.

In 2014, the property was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural landscape. The reported violations are concerning, as they may potentially lead to adverse modifications to this cultural landscape. It is recommended that the Committee request that all such development projects are halted at the property and its buffer zone.

It is recommended that the property be retained on the List of World Heritage in Danger.