The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined the state of conservation of the property for the first time since its inscription on the World Heritage List in 2002,;
2. Recalling the concern at the time of inscription regarding the tourism and pilgrimage pressures facing the property,;
3. While noting that the absence of a functioning comprehensive management plan has persisted in spite of the Committee's recommendation at the time of inscription of the property for the development of such plan (26 COM 23.16), expresses its appreciation to the State Party for commencing the elaboration of such a plan,;
4. Expresses concern over the continuing tensions and occasional conflicts between local stakeholders, in particular the religious groups who wish to use this important religiousWorld Heritage property;
5. Recognizing the associated heritage significance of the surrounding areas of the Mahabodhi Temple which are intrinsically linked to the enlightenment of Buddha, but which are not within the core nor the buffer zone of the existing World Heritage property,;
6. Invites the State Party to enlarge the World Heritage protected area to ensure that the protective core and buffer zones are meaningful and effective for the conservation of the values of the property;
7. Requests the State Party to complete the elaboration of a comprehensive management plan which adequately integrates:
(a) Local community and stakeholders' dialogue and co-operation,
(b) Protection, conservation and preservation of the heritage value and assets of this sacred property,
(c) Control of development activities within and surrounding the property related to tourism and pilgrimage activities;
8. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2004 the completed comprehensive management plan in order that the World Heritage Committee can examine the state of conservation of the property at its 28th session in 2004.