Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

a) Proposed development of network of dams;

b) Large copper mine adjacent to property;

c) Boundary modifications;

d) Future tourism development;

e) Encroachment.

The State Party submitted a report to the World Heritage Centre on 25 January 2008 which addresses the threats from dams and mining but does not clearly link this progress to the status of the outstanding universal value of the property. The key points are as follows:

a) Proposed development of network of dams

The State Party report noted that planning for the network of hydro-electric dams is still being discussed. The proposed dams will be adjacent rather than in the property and the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) have not been completed but are being conducted and are under review. No mention was made in the State Party report of the request by the World Heritage Committee in previous State of Conservation reports (31 COM 7B.15) for full public consultation with all stakeholders in the EIA, or how the dams could affect the values for which the property was inscribed, in particular on the lower reaches of the Yangtze (Jinsha), Mekong (Lancang) and Salween (Nu Jiang), and the habitat and biodiversity.

IUCN notes that corridors between the serial components of the property are required to maintain the values of the property and to minimise potential negative impact of the dam development.

The State Party reported on its Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which has veto power over hydro-electric power plants and other infrastructure projects. The World Heritage Centre and IUCN also note the duration of planning, approval and construction for hydro-electric power plants will last several years.

The State Party report also provides information on its efforts in adopting river basin plans as part of its national Water Law to help prevent and control disasters caused by river flow and flooding. IUCN acknowledges the importance of Comprehensive River Basin plans, and emphasises the importance of maintaining functioning ecosystems, and associated biodiversity, in line with the World Heritage Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction.

b) Mining

The State Party described the laws that prohibit mining operation in the property and the enforcement activities underway, including the closure of 146 small-scale mines. The State Party did not describe how mining outside but near to the property was managed or what procedures were in place to ensure that such activities have no negative effect on the values of the property. The aquatic biodiversity values within the property, for example, could be affected by mining outside the property, therefore plans for mines should specifically address such concerns.

c) Boundaries

The State Party presented the procedure for boundary modification and indicated that boundary modification is underway but has yet to be completed due to the need for consultation with stakeholders concerned. However, it was not clear if or how such modifications would address the World Heritage Committee’s request to exclude major cleared encroachments and to add critical habitats for conservation, ensuring the establishment of linkage between different parts of the property via biological corridors or other options for ecological connectivity (Decision 31 COM 7B.15). IUCN notes that any boundary modifications would require a proposal to be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for evaluation by the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Committee.

d) Other threats

In previous reports, tourism, encroachment and settlements of resident populations have been identified as posing threats to the property. The degree to which these threats have been addressed by the State Party is unclear. Information on the size of populations within and adjacent to the property, areas of encroachment in relation to the boundaries of the property, and future tourism management plans would enable the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre and IUCN to better monitor the property.

The World Heritage Centre and IUCN encourage the State Party to provide specific information on the status of the values of the property, particularly under criteria (ix) and (x), and to describe how minor boundary modifications, and mining and dam plans could affect the outstanding universal value and integrity of the property. In recognition of the work required to complete the plans, reports and provide monitoring data on the status of the values of the property, it is suggested that the State Party reports back to the World Heritage Committee in 2010.