Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá

a) Severe deterioration of historic buildings that threatens the outstanding universal value of the property;

b) Conflicting interests of different stakeholders in regard to the use, management and conservation of the historic centre;

c) Limited capacity for the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic structures;

d) Deficiencies in the implementation of the legislative framework for protection;

e) Lack of implementation of clear conservation and management policies for the property;

f) Demolitions of urban ensembles and buildings;

g) Forced displacement of occupants and squatters. 

This report presents information based on exchanges between the World Heritage Centre and the State Party as well as on a preliminary desk evaluation of current conditions by ICOMOS. Information was received concerning the expropriation at a historic building, which had been a rehabilitation project approved in 1999. Instead of proceeding with the restoration and rehabilitation works, the owners demanded permission for using the building as a parking lot. Even if the temporary use as parking space was permitted by a Resolution of the Direction of Historic Heritage of the National Institute on Culture in 2005, this is cannot be considered as an adequate function.

Instead of fostering synergies between public and private spheres, the State Party promotes expropriations as a means of ensuring heritage conservation. Unfortunately, the expropriation is inadequate in the framework of the current juridical system, which provokes delays in implementation of conservation works. Pictures supplied indicate the neglect caused by the inadequacy of this system. This poses some doubts about the actual capacity of the State Party to ensure proper rehabilitation and maintenance of expropriated buildings.

They also show an alarming state of conservation of historic buildings such as the San Felipe Market, partially demolished, the electricity company, the Compañía de Jesús and buildings owned by the Hipotecario Bank. All demonstrate instability and lack of proper use. Additional information, in the form of newspapers articles and letters from community organizations, reflect concerns regarding the conservation and management of the historic centre, including the following:

a) 105 non restored buildings in the historic centre of which 80 are in an alarming state of conservation;

b) Real estate speculation damaging the image of the property;

c) Owners do not restore buildings, contrarily to the Law;

d) Residents forced to abandon ancient buildings.

This explains the dilapidated state of conservation of some buildings as well as conflicts of interests between the State, private owners and the community itself. The legal framework seems not to meet the conservation needs of the property.

Further communications from the State Party explained that the area is undergoing a process of change. The historic and environmental values of the historic district are an opportunity for investors; as the economic values of buildings increase regardless of their state of conservation. Private investment is in conflict with the social reality of the area: low income families occupy historic buildings, sometimes illegally. The conflict of interests among stakeholders is obvious and leads to misunderstanding between various public and private organisations.