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Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay

France
Factors affecting the property in 2003*
  • Erosion and siltation/ deposition
  • Management systems/ management plan
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
  • Storm in 1999 (issue resolved)
  • Siltation of the Bay 
  • Re-definion of the limits of the inscribed area needed (issue resolved)
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2003
Requests approved: 0
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 2003**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2003

The French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development informed the Secretariat on 18 February 2003, of the protection and enhancement programmes for Mont Saint-Michel and its Bay. The protection and presentation of Mont Saint Michel and its Bay is the subject of two programmes, initiated by the Government in 1995. On the one hand, there is a project for the re-establishment of the maritime character of Mont Saint Michel, including the island itself and its anchorage to the continent and, on the other, the ‘Opération Grand Site’ (OGS) involving all the riparian districts of the Bay concerned by World Heritage.

1) The project for the re-establishment of the maritime character of Mont Saint Michel: this project is placed under the responsibility of the local communities, grouped together as a mixed syndicate, in which the Lower-Normandy region plays a leading role. The complexity of the project has required a preliminary, lengthy study phase and consultation that was completed with the closure of the public enquiries. The broad outlines of the different elements of this programme have not been decided upon: a new dam on the River Couesnon; a footbridge for access to the Mont Saint Michel; a shuttle service; parking lots.  A competition for the work plan was held for these components and the winning projects were selected. These projects are contained in the document in Annex.

2) The ‘Opération Grand’ site: As the Bay of the Mont Saint Michel extends over two administrative regions, the regional directorates for the environment of Brittany and Lower Normandy jointly pilot this programme through a partnership with the local communities concerned. Two technical programmes have been developed for the work, to encourage better management of the protected areas of the listed sites, to improve the quality of the overall landscape and enhance the rich heritage of the Bay. In parallel, the State is pursuing a line of reflection to extend the protection of the inscribed sites, in particular the areas adjacent to the project for the re-establishment of the maritime character of the Mont Saint Michel and especially the area south of La Caserne. Finally, the Prefet of the Manche is establishing an observatory to measure visitor frequentation that will contribute over the long-term to the development and service requirements in accordance with the visitor carrying capacity of the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. 

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2003
27 COM 7B.61
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (France)

The World Heritage Committee [37],

1. Taking note of the development of the project for the re-establishment of the maritime character of the Mont-Saint-Michel prepared by the State Party,;

2. Congratulates the State Partym for their continuing commitment to the protection of the World Heritage property;

3. Recommends to the State Party that it takes into account the needs of the residents of the Mont-Saint-Michel in the implementation of the project,

4. Requests the World Heritage Centre to continue working with the State Party and to keep the Committee informed.

[37] Decision adopted without discussion.

Draft Decision: 27 COM 7 (b) 61

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Taking note of the development of the project for the re-establishment of the maritime character of the Mont-Saint-Michel prepared by the French authorities,

2. Congratulates them for their continuing commitment to the protection of the World Heritage site,

3. Recommends to take into account the needs of the residents of the Mont-Saint-Michel in the implementation of the project,

4. Requests the Centre to continue working with the French authorities and to keep the Committee informed. 

Report year: 2003
France
Date of Inscription: 1979
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (i)(iii)(vi)
Documents examined by the Committee
arrow_circle_right 27COM (2003)
Exports

* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.