Kasbah of Algiers
Factors affecting the property in 2001*
- Human resources
- Management systems/ management plan
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
- Progressive deterioration
- Lack of a safeguarding legislative instrument
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2001
Total amount approved : 42,600 USD
| 2000 | Publication of "Croquis of the Old Algiers" (NOT ... (Approved) | 5,000 USD |
| 1997 | Training of 3 architects in safeguarding techniques for ... (Approved) | 8,700 USD |
| 1995 | Training of architects for the safeguarding plan of ... (Approved) | 18,900 USD |
| 1993 | Preparation of a safeguarding plan for Kasbah of Algiers (Approved) | 10,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2001**
Septembre 2001: UNESCO expert mission
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2001
According to a state of conservation report prepared in the 1980s, of the 1,700 listed buildings within the Kasbah, 200 had collapsed, while 500 had been evacuated for security reasons. 30% of the remaining buildings were in an advanced state of deterioration. This deterioration process has continued over the last few years, and has provoked a state of imminent danger for the built and social fabric within the Kasbah of Algiers. The modification of the socio-economic structure of the population comprises another major factor of degradation.
The absence of legal instruments for the application of the 98.04 Law for the protection of cultural heritage is a serious obstacle for the safeguarding of the Kasbah. To this end, the Wilaya of the Kasbah has entrusted an association of private urban planning firms with the preparation of a Safeguarding Plan. A technical-administrative structure was established, the Kasbah Unit, which, in cooperation with the Habitat, and Urban Heritage Directorates, has as its mission responsibility for the entire safeguarding operation. Whilst awaiting the adoption of the Safeguarding Plan, some initiatives are being carried out under the responsibility of the Unit, for safeguarding the built heritage, as well as the population through improvement of the living conditions.
At the request of the Algerian authorities for expert advice, a UNESCO mission visited Algeria in September 2001 to assist the authorities concerned in the preparation of a Safeguarding Plan for the Kasbah of Algiers and in the elaboration of international assistance requests for training, at different levels, of qualified national staff, responsible for the safeguarding of the Kasbah and in general for Algerian built heritage. Two international assistance requests will shortly be submitted by the Algerian authorities for this purpose.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2001
The Bureau may wish to adopt the following text :
"The Bureau requests the State Party to cooperate with the Centre in the elaboration of the Safeguarding Plan for the Kasbah of Algiers and in the implementation of the international assistance for training in restoration and safeguarding techniques for Algerian built heritage.»
Algeria
* :
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.
