State of Conservation

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
Proposal for a 32m-high building in the vicinity of the Acropolis
International Assistance granted to the property until 2003

Requests Approved: 0
Total Amount Approved: 0USD
Missions to the property until 2003**

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2003
The Centre has continued in the past months to receive complaints regarding the proposal for a
32m-high building in the vicinity of the Acropolis. The 26th session of the Committee requested
the State Party to give urgent consideration to a redefinition of the buffer zone in order to better
protect the visual setting of the monument; to undertake a visual impact study, notably
concerning the site of the Acropolis; to provide information on any development projects which
have an impact on the visual integrity of the World Heritage site; and finally, to submit, by 1
February 2003, a report on these matters. At the time of the preparation of this working
document, no report had been received from the authorities.
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2003
Adopted
Draft Decision
27COM7B.67
Acropolis, Athens (Greece)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Regrets that the Greek authorities did not provide the report requested by 1 February 2003
until 2 July 2003;
2. Recalls its request (26 COM 21 (b) 49) that the State Party give urgent consideration to a
redefinition of the buffer zone in order to better protect the visual setting of the monument;
3. Further recalls its request (26 COM 21 (b) 49) that the State Party provide information on any
development projects, which may impact on the visual integrity of the World Heritage property
and undertake a visual impact study, notably concerning the property of the Acropolis;
4. Urges the State Party to prevent any activity which would cause irreversible damage to the
outstanding universal value of the property;
5. Requests the State Party to submit a report to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2004
in order that the World Heritage Committee can examine the state of conservation of the
property at its 28th session in 2004.
Amphitheatre of El Jem
(Tunisia)

Despite the efforts of specialists and the Tunisian authorities for conserving this site, the Bureau
was concerned about the modifications which affected its environment, and requested the
competent authorities to take urgent measures necessary to re-establish the' harmony of the
site and its surroundings, halt all new constructions in the immediate environs and demolish the
shopping arcade constructed on one side of the amphitheatre. If it is not possible to demolish
the arcade, then it would be desirable to conceal it with a hedge. Insofar as the organization of
spectacles inside the amphitheatre does not imply irreversible developments, the Bureau
considered that the recreational activities do not constitute a threat to the conservation of the
site.
The Permanent Delegate of Tunisia to UNESCO has informed the World Heritage Centre that
the President of the Republic has instructed the competent authorities in charge of the
protection of the archeological site to take all the necessary measures to implement the
recommendations of the Bureau. Accordingly, all new construction works have been halted and
the shopping arcade built on one side of the amphitheatre is to be concealed by a hedge in
order to avoid any direct interaction between the commercial area and the archeological site;
furthermore, the construction of permanent structures within the amphitheatre has been
prohibited.
Adopted
Draft Decision
16BURVI.43
El Jem (Tunisia)
Despite the fact that it was aware of the efforts of specialists and the Tunisian authorities for
conserving this site, the Bureau was, however, concerned about the modifications which
affected the environment of the site and requested the competent authorities to take urgent
measures necessary to reestablish the harmony of the site and its surroundings, halt all new
constructions in the immediate environs and demolish the shopping arcade constructed on one
side of the amphitheatre. If it is not possible to demolish the arcade, then it would be desirable
to conceal it with a hedge. Insofar as the organization of spectacles inside the amphitheatre
does not imply irreversible developments, the Bureau considered that the recreational activities
do not constitute a threat to the conservation of the site.
16COMVIII
SOC: El Jem (Tunisia)

El Jem (Tunisia)
Regarding the site of El Jem (Tunisia), the Committee was informed of the measures taken at
the highest level of Government, as the President of the Republic of Tunisia had transmitted
through, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the concerns of the Bureau, the decisions
pertaining to a halt in the construction of any extension to the shopping arcade and to the ban
on construction of any permanent structures within the amphitheatre. Concerning this point, the
Delegate from Tunisia took the floor to thank the Committee for its interest in heritage at large
and to the site of El Jem. From now on, new constructions are prohibited by order of the
President within a radius of 100 meters around the amphitheatre. Furthermore, the Committee
requested the Centre to write to the President of the Republic to thank him for his intervention
for the safeguard of the national heritage.
Ancient City of Damascus

a) Poor state of conservation;
b) Inappropriate restoration techniques;
c) Lack of a buffer zone;
d) Lack of a management plan.

Since its inscription on the World Heritage List, the conservation of the Ancient City of
Damascus has not been addressed in a comprehensive study and no global conservation
actions have been taken. It is urgent to point out that the state of conservation of the property is
very poor. Although the main monuments and buildings are more or less well conserved, the
urban fabric has considerably degraded since the inscription of the Ancient City of Damascus on
the World Heritage List.
Several single monuments were and are being restored, however inappropriate restoration
techniques are often used within the property: for example, in the Ayyubid building al-Madrassa
al-Adliyeh (7th century AD), Ayyubid ashlar stones have been partially cut and covered with
mechanically cut stones cladding in large portions of the monument; this technique had been
previously used also in the Roman perimeter of the Great Omeyyade Mosque of Damascus and
was stopped following UNESCO recommendations in 1997. In private dwellings and in all
historical buildings in general, reconstructions in cement are allowed provided that the original
forms are reproduced; the use of the the traditional construction techniques in timber structure
and mud bricks is not compulsory.
In addition, two alarming recent developments within the inscribed property have occurred
without the World Heritage Centre being informed: several housing units have been destroyed
in two locations to allow for new constructions, one adjacent to the Sitt Ruqiyah Mosque and the
other situated along the Medhat Pasha Street (the former Roman cardo).
Moreover, and despite a World Heritage Centre mission in 2001 in which a definition of a buffer
zone was agreed upon in principle with the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, the
State Party did not yet officially submit a plan showing the buffer zone to the World Heritage
Secretariat.
Nevertheless, in 2006, the State Party undertook a major positive step: the Ministry of Local
Administration and Environment produced a Conservation Action Plan for the World Heritage
property and transmitted it, in Arabic, to the World Heritage Centre. This Plan - that is still to be
endorsed by several governmental agencies before its implementation is allowed - provides a
comprehensive analysis of the conservation problems of the property and lists a series of
remedial actions on the urban level. Although the Action Plan needs to be modified in some
areas, mainly by cancelling the idea of a ring road around the city walls, and by up-dating the
urban regulations and technical requirements of restoration works, its implementation can
contribute to considerably improving the propertys physical conditions.
Within the framework of the implementation of the proposed Action Plan, all infrastructure
services within the property will be buried. Therefore, any underground excavations that are
planned should be supervised by competent and vigilant archaeologists, since these
excavations will concern valuable and highly informative archaeological evidence that
constitutes an intrinsic part of the propertys value.
In a recent World Heritage Centre mission to Syria (January 2007), the Governor of Damascus
informed the Centre of a large scale project that involves the Malik Faisal area, tangent to the
northern perimeter of the city walls. The project foresees to demolish the whole area, including
large portions of the historical urban fabric inscribed on the National Register - that form part of
the agreed upon buffer zone -, clear the constructions that hide the city walls, replace them
with gardens, and, build a new 32 meter wide road parallel to the city walls, partly covering the
Barada river that runs in this area.
The World Heritage Centre informed the State Party during the January 2007 mission and by
letter immediately upon return, of the negative impact that this project would have on the World
Heritage property, and on the necessity to inform the World Heritage Committee, as per
the Operational Guidelines, before such a project is implemented. The State Party reacted by
inviting the World Heritage Centre, in March 2007, to advise on the modifications that need to
be done, and to take part as well in a national meeting on the Malik Faisal project, involving all
the stakeholders. To answer this request, the World Heritage Centre dispatched a senior urban
planner and a member of the Secretariat to Damascus from 28 March to 2 April. The members
of the mission concluded that the planned project on the World Heritage property would have
tangible and immediate negative effects on the propertys historical and heritage values, and
harmful impact on the human, social, and economic levels. Moreover, the members of the
mission highlighted the fact that the historical suburbs concerned by the Governorates project
undeniably constitute a natural buffer zone to the property.
Finally, the mission underlined that, as mentioned in the Operational Guidelines (paragraphs
178 and 179), a World Heritage property - as defined in Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention - can
be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger by the Committee in the cases of
ascertained danger due to serious deterioration of materials and/or serious deterioration of
structure and/or ornamental features, or potential danger because of lack of conservation
policy and/or threatening effects of regional planning projects. Concern is indeed raised by
the project foreseen in the northern outskirts of the property because of its negative and
significant impact.
The World Heritage Centre communicated these conclusions by letter to the State Party on 23
April 2007, and proposed to support the Syrian Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in
planning an implementing an alternative pilot project for the urban rehabilitation of the Malik
Faisal area, before the end of the year 2008 in which Damascus has been designated as the
Capital of Culture for the Arab World.
At the time of drafting this document, no answer was officially received by the World Heritage
Centre regarding the possible decision of cancelling the project foreseen in the Malik Faisal
area. Such a decision would be indispensable for the protection of the World Heritage Propertys
integrity and open the way to reinforced cooperation with the Directorate of Antiquities and
Museums in the field of urban rehabilitation.
31COM7B.58
Ancient City of Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic)

1.
Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B.Add,
2.
Notes with satisfaction that the State Party has prepared an Action Plan for the
conservation of the property;

3.
Encourages the State Party to implement the Action Plan provided that:
a)
Any ring road around the property must respect the integrity of the property;
b)
Infrastructure works are planned and implemented under high quality archaeological
supervision;
c)
The legal framework for the protection of the property is improved and detailed;
d)
The use of traditional restoration techniques within the property becomes compulsory to
guarantee the preservation of the property's integrity;

4.
Urges the State Party to refrain from undertaking any demolition work within the property
and its buffer zone, in case such work impacts on the integrity of the property;
5.
Invites the State Party to consider extending the boundaries of the property in order to
include its valuable historical neighbourhoods and requests the State Party to define the
boundaries of the proposed buffer zone and to officially provide a map of this zone to the World
Heritage Centre for approval by the Committee;
6.
Requests the State Party, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational
Guidelines, to inform the World Heritage Centre in advance of any planned changes and any
foreseen project within and around the property;
7.
Further requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS mission
in order to assess the situation and to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February
2008, a progress report on the above recommendations and on the state of conservation of the
property for examination by the Committee at its 32nd session in 2008.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis

(Morocco)
Factors affecting the property in 2007*
Housing
Interpretative and visitation facilities
Management systems/ management plan

a) Pressures linked to development and the need to preserve the landscape;
b) Implementation of a large-scale construction project at the entrance to the property;
c) Lack of a management plan.

2003: World Heritage Centre mission; April 2005: expert mission; February 2007: joint World
Heritage Centre/ICOMOS mission

Since 2005, large-scale development projects undertaken on the property of Volubilis are cause
for concern. These new, large-scale constructions have a serious visual impact on the
surrounding landscape. The State Party was urgently requested to review the project and
consider its modification. To this end, the Ministry of Culture, contracting authority for the
development work, created an expert committee responsible for the implementation of the
recommendations of the World Heritage Centre experts and the decision taken by the World
Heritage Committee at its 30th session (Vilnius, 2006).
As requested by the Committee in paragraph 7 of its Decision 30 COM 7B.55, the State Party
transmitted a report on the state of conservation of the property to the World Heritage Centre in
January 2007. It gives a detailed description of the Development Plan for Volubilis, containing
the modifications made according to the recommendations of the Committee in paragraph 4 of
its Decision 30 COM 7B.55. Thus, the idea to build a theatre on the property has been
abandonned; there will be no built construction, and the choice of a lightweight, temporary
structure for the duration of the events was adopted. The area reserved for the interpretation
centre has been reduced: 420 square metres instead of 520. In its lower part (covered area,
but open to the outside), the interpretation centre will house the stelae and statues. In its upper
part, there will be an area for the promotion of regional heritage, an area for the presentation of
Volubillis, a large aerial photo of the property and a temporary exhibition area. An important
attention is given to the use of natural materials for the project (wood and stone).
The updated management plan of the property, requested by the Committee in its Decision 30
COM 7B.55, paragraph 5, is under preparation. Its main points are presented in the abovementioned report. A drafting committee, comprsing representatives of all the departments
concerned, supported by multidisciplinary experts, has been created for this purpose. The
management plan will take into consideration the national laws in force and will conform to the
charters and international conventions dealing with the conservation and management of
cultural heritage. However, in view of the evolution of the different specifications, this will require
periodical updating and reevaluation. A request for international assistance could be submitted
by the State Party for the provision of expertise for the preparation of this plan. The reactive
monitoring mission sent to the property in February 2007 noted the property management
ensured by a conservator, an assistant conservator and archaeologists, amongst whom were
teachers from the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage. Staff responsible
for guarding and property surveillance, as well as staff in charge of ticketing and guide services
are present at the property. However, there is still an urgent need for a management plan for the
property.
The Ministry of Culture, in the State Partys report of January 2007, proposed that the buffer
zone, requested by the Committee in its Decisions 29 COM 7B.100 and 30 COM
7B.55, correspond to the extremely vast zone of protection, defined by the Dahir of 19
Novembre 1920.
Adopted
Draft Decision
31COM7B.66
Archaeological site of Volubilis (Morocco)
1.
Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,
2.
Recalling Decisions 29 COM 7B.100 and 30 COM 7B.55, adopted at its 29th session
(Durban,2005) and 30th sessions (Vilnius, 2006) respectively,

3.
Notes with satisfaction that the State Party has taken into account the recommendations
of the Committee in order to maintain the visual integrity of the property, notably by modifying
the development project on the periphery of the property;
4.
Urges the State Party, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Decision 30 COM 7B.55, to
prepare a management plan for the property, including a programme for the management of
new installations, and to transmit it to the World Heritage Centre;
5.
Requests the State Party, in accordance with Decisions 29 COM 7B.100 and 30 COM
7B.55, to define the boundaries of the area of the proposed buffer zone and to officially provide
a map of this zone to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2008 for approval by the
Committee at its 32nd session in 2008.
31COM8B.57
Nomination of natural, mixed and cultural properties to the world heritage
list - Archaeological Site of Volubilis
1. Having examined Documents WHC-07/31.COM/8B.Add and WHC-07/31.COM/INF.8B1.Add,
2. Refers a decision on the proposed buffer zone for the Archaeological Site of
Volubilis, Morocco, back to the State Party to allow it to provide more details on the area of the
zone and the protective policies in place.
Cathedral, Alczar and Archivo de

Indias in Seville
(Spain)
Housing
High-rise development in the vicinity of the property (Torre Pelli-Cajasol);
Inappropriate protection for the wider setting and buffer zone to address development
pressures.


November 2011: ICOMOS Advisory Mission

The State Party submitted a state of conservation report on 31 January 2013, informing on the
progress on some of the requests of the Committee at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg,
2012).
a) Progress with Special Protection Plans, buffer zone and protection of the wider setting
The extended Conjunto Histrico, which was declared by Royal Decree on 2 November 2009,
covers 783.5hectares, including the historic city and the modern city with 19th and 20th
century extensions. As it was considered unfeasible to prepare an encompassing Special
Protection Plan, it has been divided into 27 sectors and an approved plan is required for
each. The 2011 mission noted that it is important for the Special Protection Plans to be
completed and approved for all sectors. Some sectors are so complex that they have been
divided into smaller sub-sectors for which plans are to be approved separately.
The State Party report provides a useful analysis of the progress with the plans for all these
sectors. Four sectors are considered to be sufficiently protected by the Heritage of Cultural
Interest (HCI) legislation, as they fall within an HCI or are adjacent to one; these are Sector 6
Royal Alczar, Sector 11 Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, Sector 15 La Cartuja, and Sector 26
Ibero-American Exhibition enclosure.
Concerning other 16 sectors, some of them are at the approval stage for the Special Protection
Plan, while others are still in an earlier stage (previous steps as organizational standards and/or
cataloguing, etc). Therefore there are 7 sectors which have specific issues and require a more
detailed analysis and a new Special Protection Plan. It is expected that all the Special
Protection Plans will have been developed and definitively approved within the first six months
of 2013.
The State Party reports that the current buffer zone does not have specific protection but its
area will be covered by the Special Protection Plans that should provide adequate control.
The value of these sectors that make up the buffer zone has been identified in terms of their
intrinsic value rather than of their relationship to the property. Nevertheless, as previously
reported to the Committee, an extensive survey has been carried out of the area surrounding
the property to allow a full understanding of how it relates to its immediate setting.
The State Party report sets out details as to how controls of height, voids, archaeology, urban
spaces, visual pollution and other pertinent issues are dealt with. It also stresses the fact that
most of the buildings in the buffer zone are listed, and there are few urban voids which means
that urban developments that could impact on the property are not expected.
The protection for the wider setting is not specifically dealt with in the State Party report but the
information provided on development projects includes control measures.
b) Details of all major building projects that might impact on the Outstanding Universal Value
(OUV)
Three potential high-rise developments are mentioned in the State Party report. These are taller
than the average and are all to the south of the property, at a distance varying from 2.6 to 5km
from the property. Currently none have licences and the projects are not likely to become active
in the short to medium term. In each of the cases the conclusion drawn is that the distance
between the development and the property means that there will be no visual impact.
In general terms, the State Party reports that it is not possible to determine the building heights
in the areas of projected growth based solely on the assessments of the current General Plan.
Therefore, to avoid future urban developments which could visually impact on the property, the
State Party reports that adequate control measures will be implemented through the
Municipality and specifically the Urban Directorate, who will request an Impact Study with
appropriate images and photographs for all buildings over 20 storeys high in order to confirm
that there will be no visual impact.
c) Other matters
The request by the Committee for the State Party to collaborate with ICOMOS on studies
necessary to avoid further high-rise buildings that would impact adversely on the OUV was not
addressed in the State Party report. However, in a letter from the State Party dated 11 April
2013, ICOMOS has been requested to collaborate with the Spanish authorities on this matter.
The Spanish authorities informed the World Heritage Centre that an international expert meeting
in Seville on historic urban landscapes and contemporary architecture (Decision 36 COM 7B.88)
will be held in September 2013.
Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory

Bodies in 2013
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note the progress with finalising and
approving the Special Protection Plans and also note that these are due for completion during
2013. The buffer zone will be entirely covered by Special Protection Plans. Taking also into
account the density of protected structures and the lack of areas for development, all these
elements provide a basis for its protection.
Although the specific measures to control the wider setting of the property are not mentioned, it
appears that controls will be put in place by the authorities to limit the height of buildings that
might impact adversely on the OUV of the property. It should be ensured that Heritage Impact
Assessments (HIA) are undertaken in line with the ICOMOS Guidance on HIAs for new
constructions that could potentially impact the OUV of the property.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies recommend that the Committee remind the
State Party of the importance of collaborating with the Advisory Bodies on studies necessary to
avoid further high-rise buildings that would impact adversely on the OUV.
Adopted
Draft Decision
37COM7B.84
Cathedral, Alczar and Archivo de Indias in Seville (Spain) (C 383 rev)

1. Having examined Document WHC-13/37.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 36 COM 7B.88 , adopted at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg, 2012),
3. Notes the progress with finalising and approving Special Protection Plans for sectors of the
Conjunto Histrico, due for completion in 2013;
4. Also notes that the buffer zone will be completely covered by these Plans which should
provide it with adequate protection;
5. Further notes that for the wider setting, the local authorities will be tasked with establishing
adequate control measures for new constructions;
6. Considers that impact assessments for new constructions which can potentially impact the
Outstanding Universal Value should be carried out in line with the ICOMOS Guidance on
Heritage Impact Assessments;
7. Takes note that no collaboration with ICOMOS has so far been undertaken on studies
necessary to avoid further high-rise buildings that would impact adversely on the Outstanding
Universal Value, but notes furthermorethe request made by the State Party to ICOMOS to start
this process;
8. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2015 , a
progress report on the implementation of the above.
Read more
City of Graz Historic Centre and

Schloss Eggenberg
(Austria)
Housing

Urban development pressure

Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS missions in February 2005 and October 2006.
200
6
Report On The Joint Unesco-Icomos Reactive Monitoring Mission To The City Of Graz Historic Cent
Austria 20 ...

At the request of the Austrian authorities, a UNESCO/ICOMOS expert mission went to the
property on 20 October 2006 to follow up on the first joint mission of February 2005. The
mission evaluated the re-worked design and possible adaptation of the Department Store
project of Kastner & hler, located in the core zone of the property. Major architectural changes
for the project have been proposed (i.e. reduction of height, reduction of number of shed roofs,
integrating staircases and access to the roof). These changes were welcomed by the mission,
but a number of points still need to be discussed within the consultation process, particularly the
impact of the air-conditioning, and other technical elements, relationships between materials,
colours, design and maintenance implications.
Furthermore, the legally binding plan must be implemented by the City of Graz to ensure the
quality of the Kastner & hler project during the subsequent planning stages. A contract
between the City of Graz and the Kastner & hler Company should also be negotiated in order
to integrate the new project into the protected urban landscape. This contract should include the
following elements:
a) At least the two highest roofs should be reduced;
b) Consideration should be given to revising the gables by closing them;
c) All technical equipment should be precisely defined and integrated into the shed roofs;
d) The staircases should be taken into consideration;
e) There should be no large window or glass elements, which are inappropriate in this context.
Any larger windows should be divided or structured so as to give a homogeneous appearance.
In addition, the mission provided the authorities with two specific recommendations designed to
inform local communities:
f) To illustrate the height of the roof elements by means of scaffolding so as to permit a realistic
assessment of their impact on the World Heritage historic centre;
g) To provide an example of the materials to be used in the building so as to make it possible to
evaluate the roofscape as seen from the Schlossberg in its impacts on the famous view of the
city.
The State Partys report sent on 1 February 2007 clearly indicated that the City of Graz will take
into account the recommendations expressed during the expert mission. In addition, a
statement by representatives of the Kastner & hler department store was also included in the
report, accepting the recommendations made by the mission.
On 31 January 2007 the State Party submitted a management plan and a master plan for the
World Heritage property. While the State Party in its report informed about the elaboration of the
two plans, the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS regret that no additional information about
on-going and new large-scale construction projects in the core and the buffer zones of the
property was provided by the State Party.
Adopted
Draft Decision
31COM7B.106
City of Graz Historic Centre (Austria)
1.
2.
Recalling Decision 30 COM 7B.76, adopted at its 30th session (Vilnius, 2006),
3.
Notes with satisfaction that the State Party has submitted a management plan and a
master plan for the World Heritage property;

4.
Encourages the State Party to continue the implementation of the missions
recommendations, in accordance with the Vienna Memorandum World Heritage and

Contemporary Architecture, Managing the Historic Urban Landscape (2005);
5.
Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre an updated report on the
current situation and on any major development projects by 1 February 2009 for examination
by the Committee at its 33rd session in 2009.
Cologne Cathedral
(Germany)
Housing

a) Urban development pressure through high-rise building project impacting on the visual
integrity of the Cathedral as a landmark;
b) Lack of buffer zone.


Workshop of November 2003

Current conservation issues
a) Urban renewal of Deutz:
A workshop procedure has been put in place to design a planning framework for the site of
Cologne/Deutz, the ICE railway terminal and its surroundings. The report dated 20 January
2007 by the State Party presented the results of the workshop to define three solutions for the
neighbourhood around the Klnmesse/Deutz train station, which would be compatible with the
World Heritage status. Based on the three proposals, framework requirements have been
formulated for the planning decisions that will be adopted by the city council meeting during
March 2007. The council is also waiting for a real-estate analysis to assess which project, under
economic considerations, would have the greatest chance for implementation.
b) Buffer zone:
On 14 December 2006, the city council of Cologne adopted the decision to establish a buffer
zone with extension to the east bank of the Rhine. A draft map with the new proposed
boundaries for the buffer zone was received by the World Heritage Centre.
The State Party, in its state of conservation report, assured the World Heritage Centre that any
future planning decisions and measures regarding the buffer zone of the World Heritage
property will take into account the ViennaMemorandum on World Heritage and Contemporary
Architecture, Managing the Historic Urban Landscape (2005).
Adopted
Draft Decision
31COM7B.110
Cologne Cathedral (Germany)
1.
2.
Recalling Decisions 29 COM 7A.29 and 30 COM 7A.30, adopted at its 29th (Durban,
2005) and 30th (Vilnius, 2006) sessions respectively,

3.
Notes with satisfaction the urban planning consultation process undertaken for the
development of the Deutz area and recalls the need to take into account the recommendations
of the Vienna Memorandum on World Heritage and Contemporary Architecture, Managing the
Historic Urban Landscape (2005);
4.
Takes notes that a buffer zone, including the right bank of the river, has been proposed,
and urges the State Party to submit it officially in accordance with the Operational
Guidelines by 1 February 2008;
5.
Also urges the State Party to present details of appropriate protective measures for the
buffer zone;
6.
Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre an updated report by 1
February 2008on the final decision concerning the proposals of urban development in the
Deutz area for examination by the Committee at its 32nd session in 2008.
Housing

a) Urban development pressure through high-rise building project impacting on the visual
integrity of the Cathedral as a landmark;
b) Lack of buffer zone.


November 2003: Workshop

Buffer zone:
The State Party of Germany, in its letter dated 30 January 2008 provided the World Heritage
Centre with a map of a buffer zone, as requested by the World Heritage Committee. It covers
the east bank of the Rhine with the size of 258 hectares. This buffer zone was already adopted
by the City Council of Cologne on 14 December 2006, but was not officially submitted to the
World Heritage Centre according to the procedures in place. In order to ensure the effectiveness
of the buffer zone, the State Party stated in its report that any future planning decision and
measures in the Cathedral buffer zone will take into account the outstanding universal value and
the visual integrity of the World Heritage site. The boundaries of the buffer zone were
transmitted to ICOMOS for review, as a minor boundary modification (to be discussed under
Item 8 of the Agenda Document WHC-08/32.COM/8B.Add).
Urban renewal of Deutz:
As part of the consultation process, a workshop was held for the design of a planning framework
for the site of Cologne/Deutz, the ICE railway terminal and its surroundings. Its results were
presented in the State Party report of 2007 defining three World Heritage status compatible
solutions for the area of the Klnmesse/ Deutz train station. Based on the three proposals,
framework requirements have been formulated for the planning decisions. No further decision
regarding the implementation of a proposal has been taken at the time of the preparation of this
document.
Adopted
Draft Decision
32COM7B.92
Cologne Cathedral (Germany) (C 292 rev)
2. Recalling Decisions 30 COM 7A.30 and 31 COM 7B.110, adopted at its 30th (Vilnius, 2006)
and 31st (Christchurch, 2007) sessions respectively,
3. Notes the submission of a buffer zone including the east bank of the river and recalls the
need to take into account the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and its integrity for
any further development in the buffer zone;
4. Takes note that an urban planning consultation process for the development of the Deutz
area took place in 2007, and urgesthe State Party to provide further information prior to taking a
decision concerning the future development of this area;
5. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2009, a
detailed report on the progress concerning the proposals of urban development in the Deutz
area.
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32COM8B.60
Examination of nominations and minor modifications to the boundaries of
naturel, mixed and cultural properties to the World Heritage List - Cologne
Cathedral (GERMANY)
1.Having examined Documents WHC-08/32.COM/8B.Add and WHC-08/32.COM/INF.8B1.Add,
2. Approves the minor modification to the boundaries of Cologne Cathedral, Germany;
3. Requests that the protection measures which apply to the new buffer zone should be
specified in more detail, thereby supplementing the management plan;
4. Recommends that reflection should continue concerning the limits of an extended buffer zone
based on historic criteria.
Complex of Hu Monuments
(Viet Nam)
Ground transport infrastructure
Housing

a) Development of the road infrastructure and modern constructions in and around the Citadel;
b) Urban infrastructure of Hu and its surroundings.

November 2003: Monitoring mission by international expert; October 2006: joint World Heritage
Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission; September 2008: Expert mission within the
framework of France/UNESCO Cooperation Agreement

By Decision 33 COM 7B.85, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009), the World Heritage
Committee requested the State Party to ensure that the management plan is integrated in the
larger regulatory framework being developed for the city of Hue (master plan).
It urged the State Party to complete the works needed to minimize the negative impact of noise
and visual pollution on the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh tombs. Furthermore, it reiterated its
request to the State Party to refrain from carrying out major infrastructure projects within the
areas being considered for the extension of the property, as recommended by the 2006 mission,
until an appropriate regulatory framework is approved, including the management plan for the
property.
As requested by the World Heritage Committee, the State Party submitted to the World Heritage
Centre a draft Statement of Universal Outstanding Value (OUV) on 1 February 2011.
The State Party submitted its state of conservation report on 18 April 2011, outlining progress as
follows in meeting the Committees requests:
a) Illegal buildings and inventory of properties of heritage significance
The State Party reports that a survey of illegal households in Zone 1 was carried out in 2010, in
order to plan the relocation of these households step by step. The survey showed that the
number of illegal households located in the protection Zone 1 has been reduced from 3687 in
2003 to 3147 in 2010.
However, the report does not specify how many illegal households were removed during the
period of 2009-2010 covered by the present report.
In addition, within the programme for Resettlement of Boat People of Hue City, the report notes
that 892 households of boat people have been resettled in new residential district.
The report also notes that work continued with Waseda University in studying the historical
water system in the citadel and related recommendations including the preparation of plans to
protect the historical landscape environment and drafting guidelines on Conservation and
Regeneration of the Traditional environmental management System in the area of the royal
tombs peripheries.
However, the report does not mention the requested work on the inventory of properties of
heritage significance within the citadel, one of the recommendations made by the 2006 mission.
b) Suspension of major infrastructure projects
The State Party report notes that the provincial government has taken into careful consideration
the request to restrict major infrastructure projects, excepting those considered most important,
such as the replacement of old Bach Ho Bridge (railroad, pedestrian and motor-bike), with a
new motor vehicular road bridge for solving the traffic jam problems on Phy Xuan bridge and
Truong and Tien bridge. The project was approved in 2005 and will be built during 2009-2012.
The replaced bridge is located outside the buffer zone of the property, over the Huong River.
Regarding the repairing and upgrading a section of the provincial route (2.5 km long) to Khai
Dinh to prevent degradation and erosion, the work on this section will respect the original route.
In particular the construction of the road running in front of the tomb (450M long), will be mostly
retained and consolidated with a thin layer of asphalt. The repair work is to be implemented
from February to December 2011.
On the other hand, the State Party carried out major preservation and restoration on Hue
traditional garden houses. During 2009-2010 the local government has restored four heritage
houses inside the citadel with funding from the European Union; three traditional garden houses
in Thuy Zuan Ward, as well as eight garden houses.
c) Development of a management plan
The State Party and local authorities have realised that the development of a comprehensive
management plan requires in-depth studies, high professional competencies, the participation of
many government agencies and priority investment on the part of the national government. The
State Party report notes that the Hue Monument Conservation Centre continued to co-operate
with Urban Solutions from Netherlands to implement phases 2-3 of the management plan
framework of Hue heritage. However, it does not stipulate whether the current elaboration of the
management plan is integrated in the larger regulatory framework being developed for the city
of Hue (master plan).
d) Action plan to mitigate impacts of noise pollution on Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs
The State Party reports that trees have been planted in order to mitigate the negative effects of
noise and vision at the Tomb in particular for the South west route (the bypass route around Hue
City passing along Minh Mang tomb). In 2010, a project for the rehabilitation of the green belt
land surrounding the Minh Mang tombs was established for implementation in 2011-2012.
Reducing negative visual impacts from Khai Dinh tomb was carried out by cultivating grass and
climbing plants on the talus well. The State Party reports that this has considerably reduced the
negative visual impact on the tombs.

Bodies in 2011
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note the progress made by the State Party
in addressing the requests made by the World Heritage Committee in Decision 33 COM
7B.85 (Seville, 2009), notably in dealing with illegal buildings, development of a management
plan and carrying out mitigating measures at the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs to reduce the
impact of the new highway, as well as restriction of major infrastructure projects within the
protected area as well as the buffer zone. They would welcome information on how the
management plan under preparation will be integrated in the context of the new Master Plan for
the larger city of Hue.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note, however, that no information has
been provided regarding redefinition of boundaries in order to reflect the significant geomantic
elements associated with the inscribed monuments.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies also note that a series of other
development and conservation activities have been carried out in Hue for which the World
Heritage Centre has not received detailed information concerning approaches planned in
advance of decision-making for assessment of potential impacts on OUV, authenticity and
integrity in line with the requirements of Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines. These
include the replacement of old Bach Ho Bridge and the repair and upgrading of a section of the
provincial route (2.5 km long) to Khai Dinh, the restoration of the Buu Thanh Mon gate and the
royal screen, Truong Sanh Cung Residence, Long Duc Dien Temple, as well as improvements
to landmark setting and panels erecting for introducing the protection zone.
Adopted
Draft Decision
35COM7B.81
Complex of Hu Monuments (Viet nam) (C 678)
1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7B.Add,
2. Recalling Decision 33 COM 7B.85, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009),
3. Notes the progress made by the State Party in dealing with illegal buildings, the on-going
process for the development of a management plan, the carrying out of mitigating measures at
the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs to reduce the impact of the new highway, as well as
restricting some major infrastructure projects within the protected area and the buffer zone;
4. Encourages the State Party to consider an extension of the property to include its
surrounding cultural landscape that is related spatially to the major monuments;
5. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the Advisory
Bodies, any new development or conservation projects which might have an impact on the
Outstanding Universal Value of the property;
6. Also requests the State Party to complete the Management Plan without further delay and to
ensure in the process its integration into the larger regulatory framework being developed for
the city of Hue (Master Plan);
7. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2013,
a detailed report on the progress achieved in the implementation of the above.
Fert / Neusiedlersee Cultural

Landscape
(Austria,Hungary)
Housing
Major visitor accommodation and associated infrastructure

a) High-rise hotel development;
b) Large-scale heart clinic development.


February 2007: Joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS/IUCN mission,
200
7
Report On Icomos Unesco Iucn Reactive Monitoring Mission To Fert / Neusiedlersee Cultural
Landscape, Austria ...

On 21 January 2009, the States Parties jointly provided an updated report on the state of
conservation of the property informing about progress made on the implementation of zoning
regulations as well as the introduction of supplementary strategies for the development and
protection of vernacular buildings in the management plan.
The States Parties indicated that six expert workshops were held during 2008 that concluded
with the drafting of new Construction Guidelines Criteria for Building within the World Heritage
Site, which were approved by the Austrian authorities. As part of the exercise, an additional
zone was established aiming at protecting important views outside the buffer zone (a so-called
sight protection zone).
The Austrian authorities further established an Advisory Board with representatives from
different administrative levels in Austria as well as observers from the Hungarian authorities.
Based on the new Construction Guidelines, this Advisory Board has the role to review any
project likely to have major impact on the property.
The Austrian State Party further informed that construction works of the hotel project in Parndorf
have started with the agreed-upon height of 47.2m. The controversial construction project of a
heart clinic in Winden was abandoned.
The Hungarian authorities expressed their support to the above-mentioned Construction
Guidelines while also stating that the guidelines will not be applied to the Hungarian part of the
property due to already existing classifications and regulations. They further informed that in
2008 the Hungarian Parliament amended the Act on the National Spatial Plan with the regional
classification of Zone of Cultural Heritage Sites, covering World Heritage properties as well as
sites on the Hungarian Tentative List. It is further planned to prepare a specific World Heritage
act for integration into Hungarian legislation.
The World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS, although welcoming the principle of Construction
Guidelines for the property, are concerned by some of the details. The guidelines dictate the
maximum height and volume for new building according to various designated zones. In some
cases the maximum height would appear to be considerably greater than that of existing
traditional buildings up to 14m in villages. Although the guidelines call for the limits of the
existing settlements to be respected, there are also categories of buildings in isolated areas
outside villages and in meadows. For these the maximum height is 10 m outside the villages
and 7m in the open wetland zone. In the setting of the property, the height limit is 25m.
Furthermore, the zones seem to have been delineated according to the natural aspects of the
landscape (National Park, priority areas for nature) and the view points of tourists, rather than
being based on the attributes of the cultural landscape that carry Outstanding Universal Value. It
is suggested that the heights and zones should be reviewed.
Adopted
Draft Decision
33COM7B.92
Fert / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape (Austria/Hungary) (C 772 rev)
2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 7B.107, adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),
3. Notes with appreciation the States Parties' joint efforts and activities and welcomes the fact
that the controversial heart clinic project has been abandoned;
4. Also notes the development of Construction Guidelines, however expresses its concern that
these appear to be encouraging development that is larger in scale than the existing vernacular
buildings and would allow development in inappropriate locations and may impact on the
Outstanding Universal Value of the property;
5. Requests the State Party of Austria to re-assess the Construction Guidelines to ensure that
they respect the form and scale of traditional buildings, do not encourage development on open
land, and are based on zoning that reflects the attributes of this cultural landscape, and submit
them to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies.
Historic Centre of Macao

(China)
Housing


January 2009: World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission

The World Heritage Committee, in its Decision 32 COM 7B.68, focussed on two principal
conservation issues.
a) Negative Impacts of Urban Development near buffer zones
It noted with concern that that urban development around the propertys buffer zones, especially
around the Guia Hill and Lighthouse and the Monte Fortress (Mount Fort), might impact
negatively on the visual integrity of the property. These concerns had already led to the State
Party issuing a Chief Executive Directive 83/2008 in April 2008 designed to mitigate this threat
in sensitive areas through the use of building height controls. While welcoming these measures
the World Heritage Committee requested the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage
Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission to the property to determine whether the measures
are adequate to ensure the long term protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the
property.
b) Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
In order to make such a determination, as well as to develop a comprehensive long-term
strategy to safeguard the property, there was seen to be an urgent need to clearly define the
propertys Outstanding Universal Value. Decision 32 COM 7B.68 therefore requested the State
Party to develop, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, a draft
Statement of Outstanding Universal Value including the conditions of integrity and authenticity.
The Decision further asked that the mission provide advice on defining the setting of the
property and any possible revision of the boundary of the buffer zone that might be required.
It further requested the State Party to submit an updated report on the progress made in
implementing the measures mentioned above. A joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive
monitoring mission visited Macao from 18 to 24 January 2009. Its report covered the main
concerns raised in 32 COM 7B.68 but also identified another serious issue and made eleven
recommendations for staged action. The mission found that the Chief Executive Directive
83/2008 introducing measures to reduce the height of the buildings constructed or planned near
the Guia Hill and Lighthouse and establish new controls over the area provided adequate
protection to maintain the visual connections between the Guia Lighthouse and the sea, towards
the east, and to the Monte Fortress, to the west. It noted, however, that to the south, the visual
connection had already been compromised by several tall buildings on the more distant
reclaimed land, mostly constructed before the inscription, and it therefore concluded that the
newly proposed buildings near the Guia Hills southern buffer zone would not constitute a
problem once their height had been reduced in line with Chief Executive Directive.
The mission found that a larger issue was that the present management and conservation
system was inadequate indeed a significant risk for the future conservation of the property.
While the system, with its boundaries and legal provisions, is effective for protecting the main
monuments, a Statement of Outstanding Universal Value was needed to ensure that the very
important visual and functional linkages between the monuments and the wider land and
seascape of Macao were also protected. Without such linkages it would be difficult to
understand why Macao had come to be what it is today a trading port along commercial searoutes. The mission therefore recommended more work to identify these linkages through a
Statement of Outstanding Universal Value that included identifying the attributes that carry
Outstanding Universal Value and then to develop the appropriate legal and planning tools to
protect them. This would include, in the medium term, a comprehensive urban plan that seeks
to protect the heritage significance of what is left of the historic urban landscape, related to the
setting and views of the property. The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies will be
able to provide assistance to the State Party in developing these components of the Statement
of Outstanding Universal Value, within the framework of the forthcoming periodic reporting
exercise for Asia and the Pacific.
The State Party responded to Decision 32 COM 7B.68 on 13 February 2009, shortly after
receiving the mission, assuring the World Heritage Committee that the monuments inside the
property are in a very good state of conservation through continuous efforts that are in line with
conservation charters and supported by sound financial resources made possible by Macaos
growing economy. The response confirmed that measures adopted to mitigate against the
negative impacts of development projects on the visual integrity of the property are as outlined
in its response to the World Heritage Committee in March 2008 and subsequently written into
legislation under Chief Executive Directive 83/2008. The response also indicated that the
drafting of the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value, including conditions of authenticity
and integrity is under way and the final Statement will be submitted for consideration by the
World Heritage Committee.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies take note of the State Party report.
Adopted
Draft Decision
33COM7B.67
Historic Centre of Macao (China) (C 1110)
2. Recalling Decision 32 COM 7B.68, adopted at its 32nd session (Quebec City, 2008),
3. Welcomes the measures taken by the State Party of China to mitigate possible negative
impacts of development projects on the visual integrity of the property by reducing height limits
for construction in sensitive areas surrounding the Guia Hill and the Monte Fortress;
4. Notes with concern, however, the apparent inadequacy of the current management system,
with its buffer zone and legal provisions, to protect effectively the very important visual and
functional linkages between the inscribed monuments and the wider urban land and seascape
of Macao;
5. Requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory
Bodies, to develop a draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value including the abovementioned linkages;
6. Also requests the State Party to develop the appropriate legal and planning tools to protect
these linkages, including a comprehensive urban plan that seeks to protect the heritage
significance of what is left of the historic urban landscape that contributes to the setting and
views of the property;
7. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February
2011, an updated report on the progress made in implementing the measures mentioned above,
for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th session in 2011.
Historic Centre of Prague

(Czech Republic)
Housing

a) Development of high rise constructions on the Pankrc plain;
b) Lack of effectiveness of existing planning, management and conservation measures for the
property;

Requests Approved: 0 (from 2003-2003)
Total Amount Approved: 40,000USD
2003
Demande d'assistance d'urgence pour la restauration du Centre ...
40,000 USD

March 2008 and January 2010: World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive monitoring missions
200
8
Report of the UNESCO-ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Historic Center of Prague, 27
February - 2 March 2008

On 31 January 2012, a report on the state of conservation of the Historic Centre of Prague was
submitted by the State Party in response to the World Heritage Committees Decision 35 COM
7B.89. This report addresses all items requested by the Committee and contains additional
information in response to all recommendations of the 2010 reactive monitoring mission, on

current conservation issues identified by the national authorities as well as a description of all
major restoration, conservation or construction works that took place since the last report in
2011, including information on works planned in accordance with Paragraph 172 of
the Operational Guidelines. The State Party also submitted a request for a minor modification to
the buffer zone, which will be examined by the World Heritage Committee under Item 8 of the
Agenda (Document WHC-12/36.COM/8B.Add).
a) Limitations on high-rise developments
The State Party reported that while a new land-use plan is under development, an intermediate
amendment to the existing land-use plan had been finalized and is awaiting approval of the
Prague City Assembly expected in the first quarter of 2012. The amendment defines buildings of
excessive height in three categories: (1) buildings above 40 meters, (2) buildings of significant
mass or volume not complying with the standard city proportions, and (3) buildings, which may
impact panoramic views. Once the Decree is approved, the area in which buildings of excessive
height are banned will have been enlarged and 3D skyline models will determine criteria and
benchmarks for exceptional approval of excessive heights outside the prohibition zone.
The Pankrc Plain will be included in the zone in which excessive height buildings are entirely
banned. The State Party also reports that the construction permissions of the Epoque
skyscrapers, issued before the World Heritage Committee recommendation on height limits in
its Decision 32 COM 7B.86, were successfully revoked in August 2011. The World Heritage
Centre and ICOMOS consider the land-use plan amendment, once passed, an important
achievement in the protection of the historic centre of Prague and welcome the information that
the construction permission of the Epoque towers was finally revoked.
b) Physical downgrading of the Eastern Highway
Following the recommendation of the 2010 reactive monitoring mission the State Party is
committed to physically downgrade the North-South Trunk Road (Eastern Highway) as soon as
the Blanca tunnel provides an alternative route, which is expected for 2014. At present, a new
concept for the transformation of the North-South Trunk Road is under preparation and shall be
based on principles of converting the road to an urban boulevard by reducing its width to two
lanes and introducing pedestrian and bicycle paths.
c) Vyehrad and ikov Stations
The rehabilitation of Vyehrad Station according to the State Party will involve restoration and
repairs to the historic structure and construction of two new buildings in its vicinity, which will not
exceed the standard height and proportions of surrounding buildings. The rehabilitation has not
yet been approved by the respective building permission authority. For ikov Station
visualization studies of the different proposals had been prepared. However, since in the
meantime the Ministry of Culture requested to declare the group of buildings a cultural
monument, all plans will need to be revised, since none of these plans was in accordance with
the regulations and restrictions imposed for cultural monuments. The World Heritage Centre and
ICOMOS welcome the information on a request for declaration of the ikov Station as a
cultural monument and would like to be kept informed about emerging new proposals.
d) Regulations applying to infill, rehabilitation and conservation
In 2009, the City Council adopted the Concept for a more efficient care for the heritage in the
City of Prague prepared by the Culture, Monument Care and Tourism Department. It includes
methodological guidelines for urban interior solutions specifically for the area of the property as
well as a methodology for assessing new structures and annexes. Following a resolution of the
City Council on 30 August 2011, these methods will be further developed and specified on the
basis of a comprehensive four-phase architectural and urban analysis of the property.
e) Management Plan
In 2009 the State Party had submitted a draft Management Plan for the property. The World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS encourage the State Party to finalize this Management Plan,
taking into account the comments provided by ICOMOS in May 2009 and the recommendations
of the World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission in 2010, and submit the
finalized Management Plan for review by the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies.

Bodies in 2012
The World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS welcome the information received and acknowledge
the progress made. They recommend that the World Heritage Committee request the State
Party to notify the World Heritage Centre once the amendment to the land-use plan has been
officially adopted by the City Assembly, and to pursue the development of proposals for the
physical downgrading of the North-South Trunk Road and the finalization of the Management
Plan. They further recommend encouraging the State Party to continue informing the World
Heritage Centre, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, about any
envisaged developments before making decisions that may be difficult
Adopted
Draft Decision
36COM 7B.73
Historic Centre of Prague (Czech Republic) (C 616)
2. Recalling Decision 35 COM 7B.89, adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011),
3. Welcomes the information that the building permissions for the Epoque Towers on the
Pankrc Plain have been revoked and acknowledges the progress towards a land-use plan
amendment extending the height restriction zone on the basis of a ban on buildings of
excessive height and detailed regulations for the authorisation of high buildings outside the
prohibition zone;
4. Requests the State Party to notify the World Heritage Centre when the amendment to the
land-use plan has been passed by the Prague City Assembly;
5. Also requests the State Party to provide the finalized Management Plan to the World
Heritage Centre by 1 February 2013;
6. Encourages the State Party to continue informing the World Heritage Centre, in accordance
with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, about any envisaged developments, major
restorations or rehabilitations;
7. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February
2014, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property, including the progress
towards a design for downgrading the North-South Trunk Road and the rehabilitation plans for
Vyehrad and ikov Stations.
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36COM8B.59
Cultural Properties - Examination of minor boundary modifications - Historic
Centre of Prague (Czech Republic)
1. Having examined Documents WHC-12/36.COM/8B.Add and WHC12/36.COM/INF.8B1.Add,
2. Approves the proposed buffer zones for the Historic Centre of Prague, Czech Republic.
Historic Centre of Riga

(Latvia)
Housing
Legal framework

a) High-rise building projects located in the buffer zone threating the visual integrity of the
property
b) Regulations for building permissions and guidelines for new construction projects within Riga
and its buffer zone

At its 32nd session (Quebec City, 2008), the World Heritage Committee expressed its
appreciation to the State Party for the general success of its efforts to halt high-rise
developments in the buffer zone of the World Heritage property with the exception of the
development plan of the Southern Kipsala zone.
While acknowledging the State Partys contention that the development plans at Kipsala were in
place at the time of inscription in 1997, and were then not challenged, the World Heritage
Committee regretted their implementation including construction of a 20 storey tower and also
regretted that the new Conception project proposal for the left bank of the Daugava River (as
presented to the joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission of March
2008) did not deviate greatly from previous submissions, and would result in significant negative
impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage property. The World Heritage
Committee also endorsed the recommendations of the 2008 joint World Heritage Centre /
ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission, and requested the State Party to implement them.
The State Party provided the report requested by the World HeritageCommittee on 30
January.2009. The report addresses in turn the principal recommendations of the joint mission:
a) Revised, Conception Project, taking into consideration the visual integrity of the World
Heritage property
The State Party report notes that the Daugava Left-bank Development Concept was
completely reviewed once again in 2008, and that the initial project has been significantly
changed, reducing the density and height of several high-rise buildings to 121m (maximum
authorised), moving away the new buildings from the River Daugava and the buffer zone of the
property and refusing building permission to several high-rise building projects. However, the
report indicates that it is not possible to refuse completely the high-rise buildings in the
Conception as some projects were approved before the inscription of the property in the World
Heritage List. This concerns three high-rise buildings in the southern part of Kipsala (buffer
zone), for which no reduction if height seems to be proposed by the State Party, although
requested by the World Heritage Committee.
The State Party further notes that the economic recession has limited planned construction
activity, and that the public may be favouring low-rise construction for future housing. In
addition, an analysis by international consultants has pointed out the inadequacy of many of the
planned investment projects, particularly from an infrastructure and traffic management
perspective. The consultants report suggests limiting construction on the left bank of the river
Daugava. The report notes that several construction projects are already suspended, such as
the competition winning project for high-rise buildings on the island Klversala.
The State Party analysis of the visual impact of the River Daugava Left bank silhouette
suggests that from some view points, the Historic Centre of Riga panorama is already disturbed
by existing buildings especially by the Swedbank (former Hansabanka) building. While it is not
possible to correct this mistake, the State Partys analysis of the visual impact of current
projects as seen from view points in the territory of the Historic Centre of Riga), suggests that
the revised River Daugava Left bank silhouette composition does not impact significantly the
view corridors of the city.
b) Implementation of the legal framework for the preservation and development of Old Riga and
review of projects
The State Party report notes that Latvia is the only country in the world to adopt the highest
level World Heritage protection rules (national legislation, Cabinet of Ministers regulations,
municipal regulations, etc.). The report informs about provisions, laws and regulations to
ensure that tall buildings are kept at distances from the historic core, to protect views to the
Historic Centre.
However, the State Party report does not comment directly on the degree to which these
important laws are being implemented, or on the efforts of the Council on the Preservation and
Development of the Historic Centre of Riga on the review of projects for impacts on Outstanding
Universal Value and integrity. Furthermore, its necessary to specify how the Daugava Leftbank Silhouette Development Concept project revision is implemented in terms of the existing
legal framework for the preservation and development of Old Riga and in the amended territorial
planning regulations.
c) Historic setting and urban fabric

The State Party report notes several recent initiatives and seminars which have focused on this
design challenge and that in recent years the quality of projects has improved. The firm position
of the State Inspection against copies and replicas is noted, as well as its efforts to defend
established public open space from being built up. Finally the report notes that new projects
within the property and its buffer zone are now the subject of international competitions, and a
multi-level project evaluation system, assuring significant public discussion.
d) Programme for Preserving the Wooden Architecture of Riga

The State Party notes amendments to the legislation in January 2008 which preserve and
protect characteristic wooden architecture in the Historic Centre of Riga by requiring that
replacements of lost buildings maintain original size and materials. As well, the State Party
notes that in spring 2008, the Ministry of Culture adopted The Strategy of Wooden Architecture
preservation 2008-2011 to facilitate awareness raising in this area and to support particular
projects.
e) Co-operation between the Municipality, the State Inspection and other stakeholders
The State Party report notes recent initiatives to provide greater exchange between
stakeholders in project review, including initiation of a multilevel project evaluation system. The
report also notes the public dimension of the meetings of the Council for the Preservation and
Development of the Historic Centre of Riga, whose members include representatives of all
sectors and levels: national and municipal authorities, the UNESCO National Commission, the
Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government, as well as
professional associations. The report also informs about the important work of the Riga City
Architect Office in evaluation and control of contemporary architecture projects.
f) Awareness-raising, presentation, signage and promotion of the World Heritage area
The State Party report notes the success of recent efforts to improve local heritage awareness,
citing the example of initiatives in the Latgale district, the involvement of the mass media in
developing television programmes which promote cultural heritage exploration and
understanding, the development of the State Inspection web page, and the value of the use of
the panorama and silhouette of the Historic Centre of Riga as European Heritage Label site in
July 2007.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the State Party has made a
strong effort to respond fully to the decisions by the World Heritage Committee and the
recommendations of the 2008 reactive monitoring mission in modifying the Daugava-Left-bank
Development Silhouette Concept by reducing the density and height of several high-rise
buildings and moving several new buildings further away from the buffer zone. The World
Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies agree with the State Partys analysis that the revised
Daugava-Left-bank Development Silhouette Concept does not significantly impact on view
corridors from the City. There are still concerns however that such high-density development in
this area could have a major socio-economic impact on the property.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note that the issue of high-rise buildings
adjacent to World Heritage properties or in their buffer zone is being discussed for many cases
and that policy advice is being developed, including with a proposed UNESCO
Recommendation relating to Historic Urban Landscapes (see Document WHC-09/33.COM/7.1).
Adopted
Draft Decision
33COM7B.111
Historic Centre of Riga (Latvia) (C 852)

2. Recalling Decision 32 COM 7B.97, adopted at its 32nd session (Quebec City, 2008),
3. Notes with appreciation the comprehensive efforts made by the State Party in the last year to
respond to the decisions of the World Heritage Committee and the recommendations by the
2008 reactive monitoring mission;
4. Acknowledges the efforts of the State Party to modify the "Daugava Left-bank Silhouette
Development Concept" in reducing the height and density of planned buildings, and re-locating
these buildings farther from the water's edge, in ways which reduce the visual impact of the
planned projects on the Outstanding Universal Value and integrity of the property;
5. Requests the State Party to provide a report on:
a) How the revised "Daugava Left-bank Silhouette Development Concept" project is
implemented in terms of the existing legal framework for the preservation and development of
Old Riga and in the amended territorial planning regulations and how control mechanisms are
guaranteed,
b) The progress on the five recommendations of the Council for the Preservation and
Development of the Historic Centre of Riga on the Daugava river left-bank Silhouette
Development conception as specified in the State Party's report,
c) The progress on the additional view points of the visual analysis as suggested by the Council
for the Preservation and Development of the Historic Centre of Riga as specified in the State
Party's report;
6. Encourages the State Party to apply a holistic planning approach for the city, at both a large
and a small scale, fully taking into account the impact of projects on the Outstanding Universal
Value of the property;
7. Also requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed on the state of
conservation of the property and on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2008
mission report.
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg

and Related Groups of Monuments
(Russian Federation)
Housing

a) Quality of new design projects in the inscribed zone;
b) High-rise development ;
c) Confusion over definition and extent of inscribed property and its buffer zones.

On 28 February 2012, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report requested by the
World Heritage Committee at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011).
a) Boundary issues
The State Party informs that since 2005 systematic work on the retrospective inventory of the
property has been carried out by the authorities. A national working group has been formed in
2010 by the Committee on State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural
Landmarks of St. Petersburg (KGIOP), with the objective of clarifying the components of the
serial property and its boundaries. The State Party also transmitted within the report the
conclusions and outcomes of the International Expert Forum on boundary issues held in Saint
Petersburg in May 2011 during which an international open-ended group of experts has been
established. This group will inventory and clarify the boundaries of the property on the basis of
the report prepared by the national working group and the Atlas of the World Heritage
propertys components prepared by the KGIOP.
b) Legal framework
The Federal Law "On Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russian Federation" is applicable to
certain individual structures within the property.
The Master Plan of St. Petersburg, approved in 2005, adopted areas of protection of cultural
heritage sites in accordance with the established zone mode. These include historic buildings,
skyline, panoramas and views. Parameters for construction and reconstruction are regulated
throughout the whole property and in the proposed buffer zone. In 2009, on the basis of the
Master Plan, Land Use and Development Rules were adopted, including territorial zoning and
city planning regulations which prohibit new construction in the protected areas except for the
regeneration of the historical landscape.
The State Party underlined that the recognition of the property as a landmark would not be
possible without amendments to the federal legislation. In this regard, since 2011, the City
Government is exploring, with the State Duma, ways to enhance the legal protection for the
World Heritage property.
c) Revised Okhta Centre project
The St. Petersburg Government by its Decree of 8 December 2010 invalidated its previously
issued decision of 22 September 2009 which provided authorization for deviation from the
boundary parameters of construction of "Okhta-Center". The project of the Okhta Centre tower
construction was cancelled. The revised architectural project has not been officially submitted to
any authority yet. In September 2011, the investor Joint Stock Company Gazprom requested
the authorities to submit to the World Heritage Centre within the framework of Paragraph 172 of
theOperational Guidelines a formal request of information regarding the international rules of
law and procedures of the approval of a new project of the Lakhta Public and Business Center.
Following a letter of the World Heritage Centre of 25 October 2011, the State Party submitted
within the report an explanatory note prepared by the investor clarifying the exact situation of a
new location and providing information about the new project of the Lakhta Center.
The new construction is planned in Primorskiy District of St. Petersburg, on the outskirts of the
city, 6 miles away from the historic center of St. Petersburg. According to the State Party, the
plot of land for the project was not classified as an area of historical and cultural significance
and is located outside the zones of protection of cultural heritage and does not fall within the
boundaries of the protected areas of World Heritage or their buffer zones. The Russian State
Hydrometeorological University carried out a special assessment of climatic characteristics in
the Primorskiy District which concluded that the cloudy weather prevailing in St. Petersburg (237
to 256 days a year) makes it difficult to observe the tall building up to its top and retains only the
lower 100 - 200 meters visible.
The concept of the project includes construction of a skyscraper with a major office (the same
design developed for the Okhta Center tower is used for the Lakhta Center), research and
sports center, yacht club, career oriented park for children, hotel, exhibition halls, as well as
shopping and entertainment facilities. The Kalinin District federal court of St. Petersburg, and
later at the Municipal Court of St. Petersburg, has recognized the legitimacy of the investors
permission because it will not affect the visual perception of the protected panoramas. In June
2011 public hearings were held in the Primorskiy District regarding the Lakhta business Center.
d) Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
A revised draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value was submitted to the World Heritage
Centre, as requested by the World Heritage Committee.
e) Management of the property
The supervision over the status of the property is carried out by KGIOP and the Department for
State Protection, Preservation and Use of the Cultural Heritage Properties of the Committee for
Culture of the Government of Leningrad Region, within the limits of their authority. The
possibility to coordinate actions of the entities of the Russian Federation is very complicated due
to the fact that each of these constituent entities, in accordance with the current Russian law
carries out economic activities on its territory based on its own financial plans and independent
master plans for development of their territory.
f) State of conservation
The Government of St. Petersburg has established preservation of the historic centre as a
priority which prevails over the concept of compromise and so-called rational balance between
preservation and development. The development of a long-term programme for the
conservation and restoration of the Historic Center of St. Petersburg (2012-2018) has been
started in order to provide comprehensive rehabilitation of the historic environment, taking into
account social interests and interests of private investors.
g) Communities involvement
The report informs that the Governor of St. Petersburg has engaged in a dialogue with the
public city-protection movement, through the Committee on Protection of
Landmarks. Representatives of social organizations and movements are members of the

Council for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage of the Government of St. Petersburg.

Bodies in 2012
The World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies note the cancelation of the Okhta Centre
Tower project and the planning of the new construction Lakhta Center in the Primorskiy District
of St. Petersburg. The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the new
project accompanied by a detailed heritage impact assessment, in conformity with the ICOMOS
Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for World Heritage cultural properties, should be
submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies before any final
decisions are made. The assessment should take into account any potential impact of the
project not only to the Historic City of St. Petersburg but also the numerous components of the
property, such as the Peterhof Palace, Kronshtadt, etc.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies note that certain key issues related to the
propertys preservation addressed by the 2010 reactive monitoring mission still remain
unresolved. These include the lack of a joint Master Plan of the propertys entire territory and its
buffer zone in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region proposing the legal protection modes in
accordance with principles of integrated conservation. Also, the management of the property is
still shared between two Federal entities. There is no Management Plan for the property, which
might cover stakeholders, activities and resources. The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory
Bodies would like to recall the recommendations of two previous monitoring missions
concerning the designation of a principal management authority with sufficient authority to
control the authenticity and integrity of the property, as well as the need to develop an overall
Management Plan for the property.
They also note that the City Government is exploring, with the State Duma, ways to enhance
the legal protection for the World Heritage property and would appreciate to receive detailed
documents regarding these initiatives. They recommend to the Committee to invite the State
Party to study, in coordination with the World Heritage Centre, feasibility to develop a legal
mechanism for protection and management of the World Heritage properties in the Russian
Federation.
Finally, they also note the submission of the revised draft Statement of Outstanding Universal
Value.
Adopted
Draft Decision
36COM7B.85
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
(Russian Federation) (C 540)
2. Recalling Decision 35 COM 7B.104, adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011),
3. Notes the conclusions of the International expert forum on boundary issues held in Saint
Petersburg regarding the establishment of an international open-ended group of experts on
boundary issue;
4. Welcomes the efforts of the State Party deployed for cancelation of the Okhta-Center
tower project, also notes the development of a new skyscraper project of the Lakhta business
Center in the Primorskiy District of St. Petersburg and requests the State Party to submit to the
World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies, a detailed heritage impact
assessment for this new project prepared in conformity with the ICOMOS Guidance on Heritage
Impact Assessments for World Heritage cultural properties, before any final decisions are made;
5. Invites the State Party to designate a principal management authority with sufficient
authority to control the property, as well as to develop an overall Management Plan for the
property, including a Plan for Environmental Design and Urbanism for the entire territory, as well
as a Safeguarding Plan defining appropriate degrees of intervention for each element of the
property;
6. Also invites the State Party to study, in coordination with the World Heritage Centre, the
feasibility to develop a legal mechanism for the protection and management of the World
Heritage properties in the Russian Federation;
7. Takes note that the State Party submitted a draft retrospective Statement of Outstanding
Universal Value for the property, as requested in Decision 35 COM 7B.104;
8. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2014,
an updated report on the state of conservation of the property, and the implementation of the
above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

On 31 January 2014, the State Party submitted a detailed state of conservation report that
addressed the progress made in the implementation of the World Heritage Committee Decision
adopted at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg, 2012), including the results of an international
open-ended group of experts on boundary issue, as well as information regarding development
of a legal mechanism for the protection and management of the World Heritage properties in the
Russian Federation.
The State Party also submitted, within the framework of the Retrospective Inventory a revised
Serial Property Table in order to correct mistakes and inaccuracies concerning the component
parts of this serial property as identified in the original submission. The Table is presented in
Annex III of Document WHC-14/38.COM/8D and will be reviewed by the Committee under item
8D.

Bodies in 2014
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies are of the view that the state of
conservation of the property is being adequately addressed by the State Party. The State Party
is encouraged to continue with the implementation of all relevant measures and plans, defining
appropriate degrees of intervention for each element of the property, in order to prevent any
threats to its Outstanding Universal Value.
Historic Centre of Vienna

(Austria)
Housing
Legal framework
High-rise construction projects in Central Vienna
High-rise construction project of Vienna Main Train Station

On 9 January 2015, the State Party submitted a report on both the properties Historic Centre of
Vienna and Palace and Gardens of Schnbrunn, which addresses the requests made by the
Committee at its 37th session (Phnom Penh, 2013) and is available
at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1033/documents. In Decision 37 COM 7B.71regarding the
Historic Centre of Vienna, the Committee requested that the State Party submit a report to the
World Heritage Centre by 1 February 2014.
Development proposals for the area of the Vienna Ice-Skating Club / InterContinental Hotel /
Konzerthaus
The report provides details of proposals to re-develop this area at the edge of the property and
to replace three buildings from the early and mid-20th century that are not seen to contribute
positively to the townscape. The design submitted is for a linear block and a square tower, the
latter 73 metres in height. The report justifies the choice of this design by accepting the views of
a jury composed of top-level international specialists that a high-rise block, instead of a slab,
would avoid negative impacts on the cityscape. No substantial evidence has been provided, and
no visual impact assessment was carried out to justify this assertion. It is however
acknowledged that if implemented, the project would have numerous technical and urbanistic
effects on the surrounding area of the city.
The report states that there is a need to clarify whether the project is compatible with the
applicable building laws of Vienna and with the currently valid Land Use and Development Plan
for the area. But mention is also made of the need for modification of the legally applicable Land
Use and Development Plan for this part of Vienna, if the project is to go ahead. At the time of
writing this report, no decision on the project has been made.
Vienna High Rise Concept & Glacis Master Plan
Since the Vienna High-Rise Concept, approved as a basic planning tool by the Vienna City
Council in April 2002, did not refer to the World Heritage and no longer correspond to current
requirements, the report notes that a new High-Rise Concept has been developed under the
aegis of the Vienna University of Technology and was approved by Vienna City Council on 19
December 2014. This concept document proposes new methodologies and no longer incudes
exclusion zones for high-rise buildings, but rather suggests that every potential high-rise project
must be analysed with regard to its impact, including on both World Heritage properties in
general, and on visual axes in particular, and must demonstrate added value to its immediate
surroundings.
A Master Plan was also developed in 2014 for the Glacis area that covers the immediate
periphery of the property. It originally encircled the city walls and was developed when the walls
were torn down in the late 19th century. This Plan follows similar methodologies to the HighRise Concept.
The State Party indicates that both documents are to be translated into English and submitted to
the World Heritage Centre.

Bodies in 2015
The English version of the Vienna High Rise Concept is not yet available but, on the basis of
explanation given in the report, it does not appear to be strong enough as a planning
framework, which would imply the definition of a clear framework with requirements for the
assessment of impact on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) through Heritage Impact
Assessments (HIAs), as well as clear guiding principles. Theoretically, the existing High-Rise
Concept could be efficient if each and every case was to be individually evaluated on the basis
of guiding principles, but the current situation of the development proposals for the Vienna IceSkating Club / InterContinental Hotel / Konzerthaus demonstrates how the Concept currently
allows for subjective evaluation. No formal HIAs have been carried out and decisions appear to
have been based on the review of an informal experts panel.
It is not clear how this Concept or the Glacis Master Plan relate to the Management Plan, nor
how they relate to Viennas Urban Development Guidelines 46 (on high-rise development),
which the 2012 mission recommended should be strengthened to allow for more detailed impact
assessments, over and above those on visual axes, and to ensure that greater consideration is
given to the attributes of OUV. Overall, these new and revised planning documents do not
appear to have the potential to strengthen the preservation and conservation of the World
Heritage property through embedding impact on OUV at the heart of planning policies.
The 2012 mission noted that, since the inscription of the property, urban development had
reached a critical level and that its cumulative impacts were beginning to have an adverse
impact on OUV.
In the particular case of the development proposals for the Vienna Ice-Skating Club /
InterContinental Hotel / Konzerthaus area, and although redevelopment offered the opportunity
to re-contextualize the area with regard to the Beethoven-Platz and the fine Grnderzeit
buildings across the street, the plans have not respected the missions recommendation to
reject any request to increase the height of buildings or to take the opportunity to reduce the
height of the buildings and their negative visual impact. Instead a building is now proposed that
is far higher than the existing one and which would appear to have a major negative impact on
key views. This building is proposed without detailed drawings being provided, without any 3D
modelling and without a formal HIA being undertaken. Finally, it is not clear that any of the new
planning tools have acted to constrain this development in terms of its adverse impact on OUV,
but rather seem to be promoting high-rise development across various parts of the property.
Adopted
Draft Decision
Draft Decision: 39 COM 7B.94

1.
Having examined Document WHC-15/39.COM/7B.Add,
2.
Recalling Decision 37 COM 7B.71, adopted at its 37th session (Phnom Penh, 2013),
3.
Takes note of the information provided by the State Party on the revised High-Rise
Concept and the new Glacis Master Plan, and that copies of English translations of these
planning documents will be provided to the World Heritage Centre shortly;
4.
Notes that the details provided for the proposed development of the Vienna Ice-Skating
Club / InterContinental Hotel / Konzerthaus area, as requested by the Committee, do not
include detailed architectural drawings, 3D modelling, or a formal Heritage Impact
Assessment (HIA);
5.
Recalls the concerns expressed by the 2012 mission regarding the critical level reached
by urban development since inscription and its cumulative impacts on the Outstanding
Universal Value (OUV) of the property, and the need for new tools to orient the development
process towards sustainable development that protects the attributes of OUV;
6.
Expresses its concern that this proposed development appears to be in contravention of

the recommendations of the 2012 mission in terms of the height of the buildings and their
contribution to the surroundings, and that the designs appear not to have been constrained
by the new planning tools;
7.
Considers that the new tools developed since the 2012 mission do not appear to ensure
that OUV is adequately protected, and that details of proposed developments need to be
provided to the World Heritage Centre as a matter of urgency, as well as information on the
new and revised planning tools and how they relate to the Management Plan and other
planning mechanisms;
8.
Requests the State Party to halt any further approvals for high-rise projects until they
can be fully appraised by the Advisory Bodies on the basis of HIAs;
9.
Also requests the State Party to invite an ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to the
property, to consider current high-rise proposals, changes to planning tools, as well as the
effectiveness of the overall governance of the property against the background of the
concerns expressed by the 2012 mission and its call for stronger emphasis on the
protection of the attributes of OUV;
10.
Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February
2016, an updated report, including a 1-page executive summary, on the state of
conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the
World Heritage Committee at its 40th session in 2016.
Historical Centre of the City of

Yaroslavl
(Russian Federation)
Ground transport infrastructure
Housing
Legal framework
Management activities
Gradual changes to the urban fabric: construction and restoration projects;
Inappropriate urban development;
Major changes to the propertys skyline through the construction of the new Cathedral of
the Assumption;
High rise projects;
Lack of appropriate management system.

On 20 January 2014, The State Party submitted a state of conservation report. An executive
summary of this report is available at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1170/documents/. It responds
to the concerns expressed in Decisions 36 COM 7B.84 and 37 COM 7B.81 and the report of the
2012 reactive monitoring mission.
The State Party provided updated information regarding legislative and regulatory protection for
the property and its buffer zone at national and regional level, such as approval of the 2012
Federal Government order designating the property as a remarkable site of federal importance,
preparation of new legislation which will restrict land use and developments within the property,
approval of the boundaries of the property and buffer zone and definition of the City of
Yaroslavls World Heritage property Protection Zone regulations.
The State Party highlighted that the management and planning systems for the property, divided
between three separate federal and regional Ministries, should be improved. It recognized that
this system has led to weaknesses in control over large-scale development projects, and that a
management plan and conservation strategy, as well as a management structure need to be
established. In preparation for this, the State Party organized seminars on World Heritage
Management systems and requested the assistance of the World Heritage Centre and the
Advisory Bodies for the compilation of the management plan.
The State Party indicated that the planned bell tower of the newly reconstructed Cathedral of
the Assumption has not been constructed yet, and that its archaeological remains have been
conserved. The State Party confirmed that a proposed hotel development on the Volga
embankment, which was judged as inappropriate in height and design, is the subject of a
current appeal.
The State Party provided information that, in addition to two new bridges constructed in 2010
over the Volga and the Kotorosl, further infrastructure developments are planned for completion
by 2026 as outlined in the Urban Master Plan. These developments include a by-pass, two
bridges and a traffic interchange.
The State Party confirmed that all relevant information on any new construction within the
property and its buffer zone will be transmitted to the World Heritage Centre for review.The
State Party reported on status of recently undertaken conservation projects within the property
and its buffer zone.

Bodies in 2014
The State Party has made some progress in strengthening the legislative control over the
property and preparation of a new legislation. However, both legislative and management
control still require urgent improvement. It is recommended that the World Heritage Committee
urge the State Party to adopt, as a matter of urgency, a legal document which should take into
consideration the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property inscribed for its
importance in architecture, town planning and spatial relationships between buildings, its
specific landscape setting, as well as important views and lines of inter-visibility. This document
should restrict land use and developments within the property, with particular emphasis on the
establishment of no-construction zones and strict limits to development rights. This legal
instrument should be operational including for projects which were already approved within the
existing Urban Master Plan and without any consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the
Advisory Bodies.
While the plans for further major infrastructure interventions in the landscape of the property
could represent a potential threat to the OUV of the property, no proposals with accompanying
heritage impact assessments have been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for any of the
developments listed in the report as still awaiting implementation.
It is also recommended that the Committee strongly reiterate its request to the State Party to
submit, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, details of any proposed
developments, including those listed in the report but not yet implemented, that may have an
adverse impact on the OUV of the property, accompanied by Heritage Impact Assessments.
Conservation projects are still undertaken without an appropriate Conservation Strategy for the
property, but that the development of this is planned to be undertaken during the preparation of
the propertys management plan.
It is further recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to improve
the management structure of the property and its buffer zone and produce a management plan.
Adopted
Draft Decision
38COM7B.31
Historic Centre of the City of Yaroslavl (Russian Federation) (C 1170)
1.
2.
Recalling Decisions 36 COM 7B.84 and 37 COM 7B.81 adopted at its 36th (SaintPetersburg, 2012) and 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013) sessions respectively,
3.
Notes the progress made by the State Party in strengthening legislative and regulatory
control to improve the protection of the property;
4.
Reiterates its concerns that inappropriate construction and/or infrastructure

developments with inappropriate scale, height and mass, or incorporating non-traditional
materials, impose a threat to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property inscribed for
its importance in architecture, town planning and spatial relationships between buildings
and urges the State Party to:
1.
to finalize and adopt an appropriate legal instrument which should take into
consideration the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) to restrict land use and
developments within the property, with particular emphasis on the establishment of noconstruction zones, and strict limits to development rights,
2.
to ensure that this legal instrument be applicable even for the projects which
were already approved within the existing Urban Master Plan,
3.
to ensure that heritage impact assessments become a mandatory prior to any

development;
5.
Also urges the State Party to improve the management structure of the property and to
submit to the World Heritage Centre, a Management Plan along with a Conservation
strategy for the property, for review by the Advisory Bodies;
6.
Strongly reiterates its request to the State Party to submit, in conformity with Paragraph
172 of theOperational Guidelines , details of any proposed developments, including those
reported as still awaiting implementation, such as the new bypass road, bridges and traffic
interchange around the property, that may have an adverse impact on the OUV of the
property, accompanied by heritage impact assessments;
7.
Also notes that the excavated remains of the original bell tower of the Cathedral of the
Assumption are being conserved and requests the State Party to confirm that the proposed
reconstruction of the bell tower has been cancelled;
8.
Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December
2015, a report, including a 1-page executive summary, on the state of conservation of the
property and on the implementation of the above points, for examination by the World
Heritage Committee at its 40th session in 2016.
Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and

Related Monastic Buildings, KievPechersk Lavra
(Ukraine)
Housing
Legal framework
Management activities
Urban development pressure
High-rise buildings that could compromise the panorama of the historical monastic
Dnieper river landscape (built)

Lack of legal protection and planning mechanisms
Lack of management system and mechanisms of coordination between all stakeholders
including the City Municipality

On 31 January 2015, the State Party submitted a detailed state of conservation report, which is
available athttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/527/documents/, providing a summary of conservation
and restoration works, and reports on progress made with the implementation of the
Committees decisions.
The State Party reported on draft documents, including the Management Plan of the property,
regulations and measures submitted for review and adoption by the relevant national authorities
to prevent any inappropriate development and potential threats to the property's Outstanding
Universal Value (OUV). In the Historical and Architectural Structure Plan, which is still under
consideration, long-term measures are planned to ensure the protection of the property and its
buffer zone, by setting stringent requirements for protection and for high-rise buildings. The
zoning plan proposal includes a detailed zoning scheme for the buffer zone, including the
protective no-construction zone of Sophia and Lavra into one buffer zone.
In 2014, a Memorandum of cooperation for the preservation of cultural heritage and future city
development was signed between different departments of the city administration and the
National Union of Architects. A temporary Control Committee of Kyiv City Council was
established, the main task of which is verifying the legitimacy of decisions concerning land
allocation in the central part of the city. A Working Group was also created composed by the
representatives of relevant ministries, the City Council and the civil society.
The State Party reiterated its previous statement that a lighting effect will be used to mitigate the
impact of the high-raise building on Klovsky descent 7-A on the historical environment.
The State Party provided information on a number of issues regarding conservation activities at
the property, as well as on the reconstructive work of lost buildings, such as a brethren's
building, as well as on engineering protection of the territory and landslide events as part of
planned activities of the Plan of the Organization of the Territory of the National Kyiv-Pechersk
Historical and Cultural Preserve approved by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Bodies in 2015
The authorities have taken measures to respond to the recommendation of the Committee, in
particular concerning regular monitoring, conservation and repair works. Progress should be
noted within the management system, in particular the establishment of coordination between
main stakeholders, as well as creation of a temporary Control Committee of Kyiv City Council.
It is however significant and regrettable that the State Party has not taken any steps to respond
to the previous decisions of the Committee concerning the reduction of height of the building on
Klovsky descent 7-A, classified as disharmonious in the Historical and Architectural Structure
plan, to an appropriate scale.
ICOMOS has reviewed the project for restoration of the Far and Varangian caves labyrinths, the
construction project proposal for the Malopidvalna N3 and Dessyatynnyi provulok 3 and 5
situated within the buffer zone, the research of the monastery and river landscape of the right
bank of the Dnieper surrounding the World Heritage property. The ICOMOS comments have
been provided to the State Party on 19 March 2015.
It should be noted that the considerable work carried out for the reconstruction of lost buildings
may have a negative impact on the OUV of the property. It is recommended that the Committee
request the State Party to provide to the World Heritage Centre detailed information regarding
these interventions.
Of concern, remain the persisting irregular practices within the buffer zone and the lack of
information concerning progress made with the new cultural heritage legislation and adequate
regulations for protection of the buffer zone. Currently, regulations and legal instruments
seemingly fail to provide the adequate protection to the buffer zone. Definitions of building
heights are too general and do not differentiate between the diverse characteristics of the urban
areas in the buffer zone, leaving ample liberty for interpretation. All relevant documents,
provisions, strict zoning regulations with particular emphasis on the establishment of noconstruction zones and measures to limit construction permits require urgent validation and
implementation in order to prevent further inappropriate development and potential threats to
the OUV of the property.
It is recommended that the Committee request the State Party to revise the draft of the
Management Plan in conformity with the recommendations provided by ICOMOS to the State
Party in 2014, and to proceed with its adoption and implementation as a matter of priority.
It is considered that although a number of measures have been taken, there are important
weaknesses and deficient procedures that need to be urgently addressed in relation to
interventions at heritage buildings and the adoption of a legislative framework. It is also
recommended that the Committee request the State Party to implement all relevant measures
specified in previous mission recommendations, Committee decisions and recommendations
provided by ICOMOS to the State Party in 2015, in order to prevent further potential threats to
the propertys OUV.
Adopted
Draft Decision

1.
2.
Recalling Decision 38 COM 7B.33, adopted at its 38th session (Doha, 2014),
3.
Takes note of the measures taken by the State Party to implement the previous
decisions of the World Heritage Committee;
4.
Acknowledges the steps taken by the State Party to develop legal measures for the
protection of the property and urges the State Party to adopt all relevant legal documents,
regulations and measures specified in its previous decisions to support the implementation
of the World Heritage Convention and prevent any potential threat to the propertys
Outstanding Universal Value (OUV);
5.
Expresses its concern about the reconstruction of the lost buildings undertaken at the
property that can potentially erode its conditions of authenticity and requests the State Party
to submit to the World Heritage Centre, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational
Guidelines, technical details, including Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs), for all
proposed projects that may threaten the OUV of the property;
6.
Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre,
by 1 December 2015, an electronic and printed copy of the draft management plan of the
property revised, in conformity with the ICOMOS recommendations, for review by the
Advisory Bodies;
7.
Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre,
by 1 December 2016, an updated report, including a 1-page executive summary, on the
state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination
by the World Heritage Committee at its 41st session in 2017.
Housing
Legal framework
Urban development pressure;
High-rise buildings that could compromise the panorama of the historical monastic
Dnieper river landscape;

Lack of legal protection and planning mechanisms;
Lack of management system and mechanisms of coordination between all stakeholders

including the City Municipality.

Requests Approved: 0 (from 1998-2009)
Total Amount Approved: 44,720USD
2009
Organization at the St. Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv of the National ...
5,000 USD
2000
The Church of the Savoir at Berestove (Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra) - ...
19,970 USD
1998
Equipment to preserve ancient wall paintings, Saint-Sophia ...
19,750 USD

May 1999: ICOMOS expert mission; April 2006: expert mission (Italian Funds-in-Trust);
November 2007: World Heritage Centre information meeting for site managers; March 2009 and
November 2010: joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring missions; April 2013:
joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission.
201
3
Rapport relatif la mission de suivi ractif conjointe Centre du Patrimoine mondial / ICOMOS pour Kie
cathdrale ...

On 30 January 2014, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, available
athttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/527/documents/. The State Party submitted a draft Management
Plan for review by ICOMOS.
The State Party acknowledged that some inappropriate high rise developments have had an
adverse impact on the propertys setting and reported that draft legislation imposing a
moratorium on high rise development within the property and buffer zone has been introduced.
The State Party reported that a recently completed independent expert assessment of the
Dneiper river landscape had been used in developing the Management Plan and creating
appropriate zoning regulations within the property and confirmed that the Urban Master Plan
has been completed. The State Party provided a summary report on a research project into
significant views, panoramas and visual features of buildings, which included an assessment of
the adverse impact of some recent high rise development, and recommendations for
development control to protect significant views to and from the property including proposed
height restrictions for new buildings in different zones of the property. A plan for a creative
lighting effect to reduce the impact of the tall bulding on Klovsky descent is being studied.
The State Party also reported that in 2013 the Plan for Kyiv-Perchersk Lavra area was compiled
with special reference to preparedness against landslide risk. The report lists the conservation
projects undertaken recently, with an inventory of buildings in the property itemising their
conservation status, and incorporates a progress report on the conservation of Varangian
caves. In 2012 the plan for the Saint Sophia complex was compiled with an inventory of assets,
incorporating monument protection zones and guiding conservation proposals. The State Party
reported that plans are being developed to protect the buffer zone by the introduction of zoning,
permitting only development appropriate for specific areas.

Bodies in 2014
The progress made by the authorities and in particular those concerning conservation projects
is noted. However, all documents, regulations and measures still require urgent validation and
implementation to prevent any inappropriate development.
ICOMOS will provide a separate technical review of the draft Management Plan for the State
Party. The methods for the implementation of the Management Plan and for the involvement of
stakeholders and specialists are unspecified.
The importance of enhancing effective protection and management of the property, its buffer
zone and setting, as well as of reinforcing its regular monitoring should be highlighted.
It is recommended that the Committee reiterate its regret that the building on Klovsky descent
has been completed despite the requests made at its previous sessions, and its concern that,
rather than by modifying its height, mitigation through lighting effects are now being considered.
The Committee may also wish to reiterate its request to the State Party to reduce its adverse
effect by demolishing constructed levels to an appropriate scale.
Finally, it is recommended that the Committee request the State Party to implement all relevant
measures specified in its previous mission recommendations and Committees decisions in
order to prevent any potential threats to the propertys OUV.
Adopted
Draft Decision
38COM7B.33
Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, KievPechersk Lavra (Ukraine) (C 527 bis)
1.
2.
Recalling Decisions 35 COM 7B.112, 36 COM 7B.90 and 37 COM 7B.88, adopted at its
35th (UNESCO, 2011), 36th (Saint-Petersburg, 2012) and 37th session (Phnom Penh,
2013) sessions respectively,
3.
Acknowledges the detailed information provided by the State Party on the progress
made in the implementation of its previous decisions;
4.
Reiterates its regret that the building on Klovsky descent has been completed despite
the requests made at its previous sessions, and that, instead of modifying its height,
mitigation through a lighting effect is envisaged, and also reiterates its request to the State
Party to reduce its adverse effect by demolishing constructed levels to an appropriate scale;
5.
Urges the State Party to finalize and adopt documents, regulations and measures
specified in all its previous decisions to prevent any inappropriate development and
potential threats to the propertys Outstanding Universal Value (OUV);
6.
Also urges the State Party to complete development and ratification of the new cultural
heritage legislation and the plans for the protection of the buffer zone, to complete and issue
the Urban Master Plan, including zoning regulations with particular emphasis on the
establishment of no-construction zones, strict limits to development rights, which should
take into consideration the OUV of the property, its specific landscape setting, as well as
important views and inter-visibility lines, and to implement the moratorium on high rise and
inappropriate constructions;
7.
Encourages the State Party to continue its efforts with the finalization of the
Management Plan taking into account the recommendations made by the ICOMOS
technical review and to clarify methods of implementation, and requests the World Heritage
Centre and the Advisory Bodies to advise the State Party on completing the Management
Plan;
8.
Also requests the State Party to ensure the implementation of the Management Plan by
a qualified management team underpinned by effective consultation with local stakeholders,
specialists and conservation experts;
9.
Also encourages the State Party to continue monitoring, conservation and repair works
within the property, and, in particular, the stabilisation work on the Varangian caves;
10.
Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre by 1 February
2015, a progress report, including a 1-page executive summary, on the state of conservation
of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage
Committee at its 39th session in 2015.
Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland)
Commercial development
Housing
Lack of overall management of new developments
Lack of analysis and description of the townscape characteristics relevant to the

Outstanding Universal Value of the property and important views related to the property and
its buffer zone

Lack of clearly established maximum heights for new developments, for the backdrops
of the World Heritage areas as well as along the waterfront

Lack of awareness of developers, building professionals and the wider public about the
World Heritage property, its Outstanding Universal Value and requirements under the World
Heritage Convention
Commercial development
Housing
Management systems / management plan
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage
in Danger
The proposed development of "Liverpool Waters"
Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List
of World Heritage in Danger
In progress
Corrective Measures for the property

In progress
Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures

In progress


October 2006: joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission; November
2011: joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission; February 2015: joint
World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Advisory mission
201
5
Report of the joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS mission Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City (UK)
24-25 February 2015
2011
Mission report, Liverpool (C1150), 14-16 November 2011
200
6
Report Of The Joint Unesco-Icomos Reactive Monitoring Mission To LiverpoolMaritime Mercantile

City, United ...

On 26 January 2015, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, which is available
athttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1150/documents/. The report addressed issues raised by the
World Heritage Committee in relation to the Liverpool Waters development project and informed
that all the authorities involved and the developer of the project have put in place measures to
address the concerns raised by the Committee.
The revision of the Management Plan, which is currently underway, is seen by the State Party
as an opportunity to refresh the vision for the property as a whole.
The report summarized the progress made in improving the state of conservation of the property
through the repair and re-use of a number of outstanding historic buildings, previously at risk.
The ongoing revision of the Local Plan to update the necessary policies for the protection of the
Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and the effort in promoting wider understanding of the
World Heritage property are also mentioned.
In addition, at the invitation of the State Party, a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Advisory
mission took place on 24-25 February 2015. The purpose of the mission was to undertake
consultations with the State Party to see whether a final Desired state of conservation for the
removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) and corrective
measures could be agreed. The mission background was the first draft of the DSOCR prepared
by the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS and transmitted to the State Party on 29 April 2013,
and a second draft prepared by the State Party on 15 April 2014 in coordination with and agreed
by the propertys key stakeholders. ICOMOS considered this second DSOCR to be a statement
of process, inconclusive as to the removal of threats to the property. The Advisory mission
report is also available athttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1150/documents.

Bodies in 2015
The Advisory mission confirmed that the serious concern of the World Heritage Committee over
the potential threat of the Liverpool Waters development scheme on the OUV is recognized by
all the authorities and stakeholders. The mission considered that, while there had been a
number of significant achievements in protecting the OUV of the property through adaptive
reuse, cthe City Council is yet to complete the comprehensive measures to eliminate the threats
to the OUV; in particular, the issue of the mid- and high-rise buildings of the Liverpool Waters
development project has yet to be resolved. At the current stage of the planning process, this
can only be resolved with the pro-active negotiations of the three principal stakeholders
(Liverpool City Council, the developer and English Heritage).
As Liverpool Waters is a 30-year long-term development project, it is likely to become an
evolving concept in response to changing contexts. Nonetheless, the mission noted that the
design drawings are currently being understood as plans for implementation. Concerning the
Liverpool Waters development area (located partly within the property and partly in the buffer
zone), the authorities reported that to date, no construction has started on site. No detailed
planning consent will be submitted in 2015 for the Central Docks and no building activity should
be initiated before 2016.
After noting that there is a gap between the obligations of the State Party in safeguarding the
OUV and the Liverpool City Council in addressing appropriate planning mechanisms, the
mission recommended that, based on the fact that no detailed planning proposal will be
submitted in 2015 for the Central Docks, the State Party should provide the World Heritage
Centre with an amended DSOCR by 1 December 2015.
The amended DSOCR should be based on the World Heritage Centres and Advisory Bodies
note from April 2013 and on the State Partys reply of April 2014, and should clearly indicate:
Effective legal measures or public/private commitments to address the threats to the

authenticity and integrity of the property and to ensure the conservation and protection of its
OUV;
Design drawings for the Liverpool Waters planning project redrawn as a threedimensional programmatic envelope indicating minimum and maximum heights, and
measures to reduce the urban density and the height of the buildings from the maximums
granted for the Liverpool Waters project;

In the context of the Neighbourhood Master plans, a review of the mid-rise
developments as well as the high rise in Central Docks to reduce heights and densities;
The timeframe to implement those measures and other conservation actions, identifying
key indicators to control the progress in the proper actions;

Proper initiatives to increase awareness.
The DSOCR should, moreover, provide comprehensive documentation concerning the

management system to be put in place to integrate the public-private investment into a realistic
planning process.
It is recommended that the Committee retain the property on the List of World Heritage in
Danger.
Adopted
Draft Decision
Draft Decision: 39 COM 7A.43

1.
Having examined Document WHC-15/39.COM/7A,
2.
Recalling Decision 38 COM 7A.19, adopted at its 38th session (Doha, 2014),
3.
Notes that a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Advisory mission to the property took
place in February 2015 at the invitation of the State Party, and that it confirmed that all
stakeholders recognize the serious concerns of the World Heritage Committee over the
potential threat of the Liverpool Waters development scheme to the Outstanding Universal
Value of the property;
4.
Endorses the conclusions of this 2015 Advisory mission, in particular the need to reduce
the urban density and height of the proposed development from the maximums granted for
the Liverpool Waters project;
5.
Urges the State Party to implement the missions recommendations for the revision of
the draft Desired State of Conservation for the Removal of the property from the List of
World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) as a matter of priority;
6.
Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December
2015, an amendedDSOCR, for review by the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory
Bodies;
7.
Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February
World Heritage Committee at its 40th session in 2016;
8.
Decides to retain Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay

(France)
Earthquake
Housing
Impacts of tourism / visitor / recreation
Renewable energy facilities
Storms

a) Development pressures
b) Environmental constraints
c) Natural disasters (earthquakes, wind storms (1987 and 1999), earth slides)
d) Tourism/ visitor pressure (including the intensification of fish/shell industries and pasture in
the bay)
e) Problems related to the presentation of the site: Car parking at the foot of the Mount, sign
posts
f) potential impact of wind turbines on the landscape setting of the property


2011
Rapport de Mission de suivi ractif, Mont-Saint-Michel et sa baie, 22-24 novembre 2011
On 1 February 2011, the State Party submitted a detailed report on issues relating to the
potential impact of wind turbines on the landscape setting of the World Heritage property, as
well as on its state of conservation and management.
a) Potential impact of wind turbines on the landscape setting of the World Heritage property
The State Party informs that no wind turbine or any area of wind power development has been
authorized or is planned within the perimeter of the property or in the buffer zone. It further
informs that the French authorities launched a forward-looking reflection on the modalities of
heritage protection which notably took into account the construction of wind turbines. This led, in
2007, to the creation of an additional perimeter of protection around the Mont-Saint-Michel, "an
area of landscape influence, which extends beyond the buffer zone and takes into account the
panoramas of distant visibility towards the Mount. According to the report, this area of landscape
influence aims not only to eliminate the risk of co-visibility nuisances, but also to reestablish
Mont-Saint-Michel in its environment, in the broadest sense. The area of influence takes into
account all the places where the view of Mont-Saint-Michel participates in the total landscape
and comprises two distinct registers: 1) an area of total exclusion, where no wind turbines are
authorized; 2) a calculated area of exclusion, in which projects must demonstrate their lack of
impact. The area of landscape influence will be integrated into the regional wind turbine plan
that is being developed in Brittany, and is already included in the Manche Department Wind
Turbine Scheme.
In its report, the State Party also reports on the approved and refused wind-power projects and
wind turbine development zones, as well as those being considered in and beyond the area of
influence. It also provides information on the height and distance of the turbines from MontSaint-Michel. The State Party informs that only one wind turbine development zone has been
authorized in the Valle de la Se, in December 2009, within the perimeter of the calculated
exclusion area. Of the 15 wind-power projects, three have been granted building permits,
including two in the Ille-et-Villaine Department and beyond the area of landscape influence
(including six 125-metre-high turbines, built at Trmeheuc at a distance of 23 km and at a height
perceived, according to the State Partys report, at 6 mm from Mont-St-Michel, and another at
Cogls, which, according to the report, collapsed) and one in the Manche Department,
municipality of Argouges (comprising three wind turbines at 20 km from the property, and of a
height of 100 m to the blade tips). The latter is located at the edge of the area of influence and is
not yet built.
In additional information received on 11 March 2011, the State Party indicates that, given the
extensive features of the area of landscape influence and the type of wind turbines authorized
and their location, the Outstanding Universal Value of the property is not threatened. The report
submitted on 1 February 2011 also mentions that a retrospective evaluation of the approved
project for the municipality of Argouges (3 turbines) shows that the current ability to better
analyze the wind-power projects would probably lead to the refusal of these turbines. However,
the State Party undertakes to ensure, during the preparation of all new cases, as well as during
the defence of pending litigation, to take greater account of the visual area of influence of the
Mont-Saint- Michel.
The World Heritage Centre continues to receive numerous letters from civil society concerned
with the management of the property and the visual impacts of wind projects affecting it,
including the possible construction of four wind turbines in the commune of Tremblay outside
the area of landscape influence. However, the State Party confirms that this project was
refused. Media inquiries on this subject are also very numerous.
b) Protection and management of Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
The report of the State Party indicates the work accomplished in the context of Operation Grand
Site (OGS) as well as the work involved with the project to restore the maritime character of
Mont-St-Michel, and informs that future parking lots, welcome facilities and shuttle operation
buildings are being constructed. The overall project, and each of its components, will receive
particular attention from all stakeholders. The project has received funding of 164 million Euros
to date and should be completed in 2014. In addition, the report highlights some difficulties with
protection and management consultation and coordination of the property related to different
administrative responsibilities: 2 departments, 2 regions and 2 ministries, and which would have
blocked the proposed extension of protection for the entire Bay. The report repeatedly stresses
the importance of designating a Regional Coordinator Prefect for the entire Bay of Mont-SaintMichel.
The World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies encourage the State Party to continue its
efforts towards concerted management of the entire property. In this regard, they recall the
results of the 2005 periodic report concerning the lack of a management plan in force for the
entire property, as well as the lack of a timetable for implementation of the measure relating to
the establishment of a Committee for interregional monitoring. The same report also indicated
that the protective measures of the property are insufficient.

Bodies in 2011
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies take note of the view of the State Party that
the authorized wind turbines do not affect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the
property. However, they consider that there could be a potential visual impact of these projects
on the landscape setting of the property and propose that a reactive monitoring mission be
carried out to examine the prevailing logic in defining the overall context for a better
understanding of the impact of wind turbines on the OUV of the property.
They recommend that the State Party prepare, firstly, a draft Retrospective Statement of OUV
that will enable the identification of its attributes.
Regarding the management of the property, it was recommended that a management plan
based on the OUV be initiated, involving regional and national authorities concerned, to
strengthen the protection and governance of the property and avoid any problems of coherence
with regard to the long-term development on the site.
In addition, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies take note of the work involved
with the project for the Restoration of the Maritime Character of Mont-St-Michel.
Adopted
Draft Decision
35COM7B.91
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (France) (C 80bis)
2. Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.83 adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),
3. Takes note of the information provided by the State Party on the management and protection
of the property and the potential impact of wind turbines on the landscape setting of the
property, in particular the introduction of the "area of landscape influence" of Mont-Saint-Michel;
4. Requests the State Party:
a) to develop a draft Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value as the basis for
the protection and management of the property and thus avoid any irreversible impacts of
development projects on the property, including wind turbines,
b) to initiate a management plan, based on the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value, in
order to strengthen the protection and governance of the entire property, and to indicate a
timetable to implement the creation of an Interregional Monitoring Committee for the
management of the property,
c) to invite a World Heritage Centre/Advisory Bodies reactive monitoring mission in 2011 to
examine the prevailing logic for the definition of the context of the ensemble and to better
understand the impact of the wind turbines on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property
and to prepare the draft Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value prior to and as
support for the discussions of this mission,
d) to suspend all wind power projects approved and underway which would have a visual impact
on the views toward and from the property whilst awaiting examination of the results of the
reactive monitoring mission by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;
5. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2012, a
report on the state of conservation and the implementation of the above-mentioned items, as
well as the draft Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value, as requested by
Decision 34 COM 10B.3 of the Committee, forexamination by the World Heritage Committee at
its 36th session in 2012.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

Ireland)
Effects arising from use of transportation infrastructure
Housing

a) Major development projects;
b) Traffic regulations.


November 2008: joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission

On 1 February 2011, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation describing
the current situation of development projects, providing an overview of the implementation of
measures requested by the World Heritage Committee and explaining the reasons for not
establishing a buffer zone as requested by the World Heritage Committee in 2009.
a) Development projects
Caltongate: The lead developer of this project had gone into receivership in 2009 and
discussions regarding the purchase of the creditors ownership are under way. The State Party
expects that the potential purchaser will consider using the existing planning consent.
Haymarket: Further to a public local Inquiry held in 2009 a planning consent was not granted
due to the impact of the tallest element of the scheme, a hotel, on the wider city. The State Party
also reported that a revised development has been recently granted planning permission and
that the 17-storey hotel has been redesigned as a 6-storey office building.
St James Centre: According to the 2008 reactive monitoring mission report this 1970s shopping
centre is a visual barrier and its demolition will enable a new vision for the area. The State Party
reports that due to economic circumstances the replacement of the building has been delayed.
The report also informs that the outline planning permission for the replacement was approved
in June 2009 and that the detailed planning application is expected to be presented over the
next two years.
b) Buffer Zone
The State Party reports that the establishment of a buffer zone has been included in the current
review of the Management Plan, but the work undertaken by Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH)
concluded that a buffer zone would not necessarily provide effective protection of the sites
Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), especially because adequate layers of protection already
exist. According to the report, the implementation of the Guidance on the Protection of Key
Views and the existing statutory protection would provide a more efficient and responsive
mechanism to protect the OUV of the property.
Considering that 40 conservation areas have been recognized by the City of Edinburgh Council
and that they cover not only the World Heritage property but nearly all adjacent land, the World
Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the State Party should study the
feasibility of integrating them under a buffer zone scheme to develop a more effective
protection.
c) Policies in relation to height controls
The State Party informs that the Guidance on the Protection of Key Views was adopted by the
City of Edinburgh Council in June 2008. The report also informs that the Edinburgh City Local
Plan, adopted on 28 January 2010, includes a policy on tall buildings which establishes a
presumption against new buildings that are visibly higher than their neighbours. Proposals for
development that would be conspicuous in wider views of the city will be subject to special
scrutiny.
d) Awareness-raising
The State Party reports that the management plan, which is currently under revision, includes
measures to increase the understanding of the OUV. The report also provides information about
the consultations on the management plan held in 2010, with two workshops and written
responses from a range of stakeholders. While the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory
Bodies recognize that a participatory framework has been developed for the revision of the
management plan, they expect that specific awareness-raising strategies about the OUV would
be developed as part of the revised management plan.
e) Edinburgh Tram
The report informs that the detailed elements of the project are subject to planning consents and
that an agreement concerning the details of associated infrastructure has not been reached yet.
In reply to concerns raised by citizens of Edinburgh concerning displacement of general traffic to
some residential and historic streets, the State Party has informed the World Heritage Centre
that this situation is part of the reconfiguration of traffic flows in relation to works for the tram
system and subsequent road closures. The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies
consider that the State Party should carefully consider whether these traffic displacements may
negatively affect the OUV of the property and undertake impact studies to that effect.
f) Other issues
The State Party also informs about other development projects:
Leith Docks: Works have not yet begun.
South Bridge Fire Site: Planning consents are in place for a mixed-use development and
according to the report will not have any adverse impact on the OUV of the property.
Princes Street: The project is currently being developed. The 2008 reactive monitoring mission
did not raise any major concern about this project.
Royal High School: Edinburgh City Council has identified a development partner to take on the
re-use of the building. A planning workshop in 2011, with all key planning stakeholders, will
assess the development potential of the building.

Bodies in 2011
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the State Party has made
good progress in the implementation of the recommendations made by the 2008 reactive
monitoring mission and the decision of the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session. They
note that the Caltongate site is looking for a new purchaser and consider that the State Party
should do all it can to encourage any new developer of this highly prominent site to produce a
revised scheme that reinforces the spatial layout of the Old Town and takes account of the
missions recommendations in respect of the current plans.
At the same time, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies welcome the
development and implementation of policies and measures pertaining to the conservation of the
property, including height limits, and the protection of key views, but still recommend that the
State Party consider the feasibility of establishing a buffer zone through the integration of the
existing conservation areas, as a means for providing more effective protection for the
immediate setting of the property.
While the tram system might be a positive development for the city, further information on the
project should be provided for evaluation. Impact assessment studies and protective measures
should be undertaken, including on implications of this project on the displacement of traffic to
historic and residential areas.
No further report is requested for the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee as progress
in the implementation of development projects will be outlined within the framework of the
Periodic Reporting exercise for Europe and North America to be launched in 2012.
Adopted
Draft Decision
35COM7B.117
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) (C 728)
2. Recalling Decision 33 COM 7B.132, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009);
3. Notes the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations made by the 2008
joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission;
4. Welcomes the application of the "Guidance on the Protection of Key Views" and the policy on
tall buildings included in the Edinburgh Local Plan in 2010 as important tools for the evaluation
of future developments;
5. Acknowledges the efforts undertaken in awareness-raising during the revision of the
management plan andencourages the State Party to continue developing strategies to enhance
awareness of World Heritage among stakeholders and developers;
6. Also encourages the State Party to study the feasibility of integrating the current conservation
areas recognized by the City of Edinburgh Council in a future buffer zone;
7. Urges the State Party to do all it can to ensure that revised plans are produced for any future
development of the Caltongate site that respects the spatial layout of the Old Town;
8. Requests the State Party to provide further information to the World Heritage Centre about
the tram system project for evaluation by the Advisory Bodies, undertake an impact assessment
of the displacement of traffic to historic and residential areas and implement corresponding
protective measures;
9. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre any revised designs of
current developments, as well as plans and details of any major new development projects for
evaluation by the Advisory Bodies;
10. Further requests the State Party to report about the progress in the implementation of the
projects within the Periodic Reporting Exercise for Europe and North America to be launched in
2012.
Palace and Gardens of Schnbrunn

(Austria)
Housing
Legal framework
High-rise construction projects in Central Vienna;
High-rise construction project of Vienna Main Train Station.


March 2006: Joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission to the Palace
and Gardens of Schnbrunn; September 2012: Joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive
monitoring mission to the Palace and Gardens of Schnbrunn and Historic Centre of Vienna
201
2
Report of the UNESCO-ICOMOS reactive Monitoring Mission to the Historic Centre of Vienna and
Palace and Gardens of ...

On 28 January 2013, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation for the two
properties in Vienna, the Palace and Gardens of Schnbrunn and the Historic Centre of Vienna.
The report highlights new urban restructuring opportunities in the area of the Vienna Ice-Skating
Club, Intercontinental Hotel and Vienna Music-Konzerthaus.
Between 17 and 20 September 2012 a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring
mission, as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session (Saint-Petersburg,
2012), visited the two properties and inspected all of the developments considered previously by
the World Heritage Committee as part of state of conservation reports.
a) High-rise projects in Central Vienna
The Forum Schnbrunn has been completed. Although it is visible from the Palace and Gardens
of Schnbrunn, the impact is limited to a viewpoint at the entrance of the main building and is
strong only in fall and winter time. The Urban Development along Danube Canal remains
critical. Therefore since the existing developments have already impacted the setting of the
Historic Centre of Vienna, strict height limitations for future proposals and restrictions for
illuminated advertisements on the existing buildings seem essential. In this context, the World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS reiterate their request to include night time visualization in the
visual impact assessments as existing buildings with (licensed) advertisement billboards
constitute a negative impact on night views from within the property.
b) Developments around Vienna Main Train Station
For the site SEESTE (60m height) work began in early 2013, for ERSTE (26-50m height) in
2011 and for the Intercity Section (55 and 60m height) in 2012. The construction of the tallest
buildings in the complex, the corporate headquarters of the sterreichische Bundesbahnen
(BB) (up to 88m height) has also commenced in 2011. Although all complexes have been
reduced in height as result of earlier negotiations, they will have a visual impact on the
properties setting. The impact has been reduced to a certain extent since the highest towers
were moved out of the Belvederes direct sight axis but the volumes, density and position of the
buildings of the block closest to Belvedere do still raise concern. A more suitable, lighter and airy
design would be preferable to avoid blocking completely the view from Belvedere.
c) Urban Restructuring at Intercontinental Hotel
The latest development proposal concerns a building block, which accommodates the
Intercontinental Hotel, the Vienna Ice-Skating Club and the Music Hall (Konzerthaus). In this
particular location at the edge of the property, the visual relationships between the Belvedere
Gardens and the Historic City are essential and are already disturbed by the existing hotel. Yet,
the approach selected by the city is very promising and may even reduce the previous visual
impact towards a better use of the plot in terms of urban and community function. The World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS note the opportunity to improve the quality of this neighborhood
and perhaps even reduce the existing visual impact of the Intercontinental Hotel. The World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS also note the State Partys participatory approach chosen to find
solutions.

Bodies in 2013
The World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS are of the view that the State Party should continue
further exploring the new more proactive and participatory approach to urban planning selected
for the plot of the Intercontinental Hotel. Such approaches should be based on strengthened
legislation for visual protection. It is also recommended that item no 46 of Viennas Urban
Development Guidelines, which addresses high-rise developments, is revised to include
requirements for comprehensive visual impact assessments, comprising a variety of variables,
seasonal and light situations.
In the case of Vienna, most individual projects have a limited impact on the skyline and sight
relations but the accumulated impact of a number of projects over several years raises
concerns. To prevent future risks that the accumulation reaches a stage where the Outstanding
Universal Value may be irreversibly affected, Vienna requires strong and definite political
commitment and its translation into strictly applied regulations and urban planning policies.
Adopted
Draft Decision
37COM7 B.71
Palace and Gardens of Schnbrunn (Austria) (C 786) and Historic Centre
of Vienna (Austria) (C 1033)
2. Recalling Decision 35 COM 7B.84 adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011),
3. Notes that a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission to the
property took place in September 2012 and requests the State Party to implement the
recommendations of the mission;
4. Takes note of the information provided by the State Party on 31 May 2013 concerning the
new project proposed in and around the Intercontinental Hotel, urges the State Party to provide
the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies with details of the two proposed options for
the development of the area and also urgesthe State Party to halt any redevelopment higher
than existing structures until an evaluation has been made by the Advisory Bodies;
5. Regrets the remaining visual impact of the developments at Vienna Main Train Station on the
immediate and wider setting of the properties and also requests the State Party to endorse
planning policies, in particular through amending item 46 of Viennas Urban Development
Guidelines, to prevent similar developments in the future;
6. Further requests the State Party to integrate standard requirements for comprehensive visual
impact assessments in relation to the Outstanding Universal Value of the properties in its urban
planning policies (including regulations for night-time impacts caused by illuminated
advertisements);
7. Requests furthermore the State Party to inform, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of
the Operational Guidelines , the World Heritage Centre of any additional major urban
development projects as well as amendments to current projects that may have a negative
impact on the World Heritage properties, before any planning permissions are granted;
8. Finally requests the State Party to provide a report to the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2014 , on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the
above.
Palace of Westminster and

Westminster Abbey including Saint
Margarets Church
Ireland)
Housing
Construction proposals in the immediate vicinity of the property that could have an
adverse impact on the setting, related vistas and integrity of the property
Lack of an in-depth visual impact study on possible impacts of development projects, as
well as lack of an approved management plan

Need for protection of the immediate surroundings of the property through an adequate
buffer zone


November 2006: joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission;
December 2011: joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission.
2011
Reactive Monitoring Mission, Tower of London and Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint
Margaret's ...
200
6
Report Of The Joint Unesco-Icomos Reactive Monitoring Mission To The Tower Of London &
Westminster Palace, ...

On 26 January 2015, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, which is available
athttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/426/documents/.
Following the Committees request, the State Party reported on the amendments to the National
Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) made in the last year. Other measures that the State Party
has undertaken to improve the protection of the property include instruments such as:
Circular 07/2009, which provides additional support to the interpretation of the NPPG
and includes specific reference to the management of World Heritage Sites;
The draft Good Practice Advice for the Historic Environment produced by English
Heritage and the National Historic Environment Forum, with additional advice on the setting
issues for a World Heritage Site;

City Management policies developed within the framework of the Westminster City Plan;
A tall building study, which will consider the potential impact of large scale development
within Westminster; and
The draft Lambeth Local Plan, which identifies sites for development including Elizabeth
House, Waterloo Station and the Shell Centre.
The State Party further reported that the Nine Elms Regeneration Development Market Towers,
Vauxhall Cross and Vauxhall Island Site developments have been approved, and that it is not
possible for the State Party to prevent the implementation of permissions that were granted. In
addition, it confirmed that the first tower at Vauxhall has been completed. The State Party has
noted English Heritages advice that the impact of that development on the setting of the World
Heritage site on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property is harmful, mainly on
views from Westminster Bridge looking west views that were already affected since 1963 by
the Millbank Tower. The State Party further reported that other construction phases for the Nine
Elms Regeneration Development Market Towers were scheduled for early 2015..
The State Party finally recalled that, even if English Heritage had strong objections to the
Elizabeth House development scheme mainly that it will cause substantial and unacceptable
harm to the OUV, setting and views from the World Heritage Site Lambeths planning
committee decided to grant planning permission to the project in December 2014. In March
2015 the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) confirmed that
permission had been granted and the project will therefore be implemented.

Bodies in 2015
It is noted that the State Party has not taken any steps to intervene and review the development
projects of Nine Elms Regeneration Development Market Towers, Vauxhall Cross and Vauxhall
Island Site, which are in an advanced construction phase and, according to English Heritages
advice, will harmfully impact on the OUV of the property. This impact shall be particularly
noticeable in views from Westminster Bridge looking west where, together with the already
existing Millbank Tower (118m tall), the new developments contribute to a jagged sense of
enclosure to this important view.
It is also noted that permission has been granted for the Elizabeth House development scheme,
which will have a substantial adverse impact on the important views to and from the World
Heritage property.
Although the regulatory documents and frameworks seem to be reinforced, and although the
authorities continue to develop a set of planning guidance documents which are supposed to
improve procedures linked to the obligation arising from Paragraph 172 of the Operational
Guidelines, there is little evidence to show that these are having an impact in protecting the
property and its setting in relation to the dynamic urban development of the metropolitan area of
London where the property is located.
At the Palace of Westminster, it is stated that major conservation works and repairs are being
planned, in particular in relation to its interior services. It is recommended that the State Party
submit details for these projects as soon as they are available based on the outcomes of a
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA).
New planning applications included in the report will also need to be evaluated by the Advisory
Bodies, such as the construction of an access tower to the Triforium in Westminster Abbey,
where the creation of a new museum and exhibition space is foreseen for 2018.
The State Party did not report on the progress of the revision of the Management Plan for the
property.
Considering the apparent lack of an urban planning framework for the property and its setting,
with the result that every new development has to be dealt with on an individual basis, that
developments are being approved against the advice of English Heritage, and that the
cumulative impact of recent and proposed development is beginning to impact adversely on
important views to and from the property, its OUV and integrity, it is therefore recommended that
the Committee request the State Party to invite a joint ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring
mission by November 2015.
Adopted
Draft Decision

1.
2.
Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.90 and 38 COM 7B.36, adopted at its 37th (Phnom
Penh, 2013) and 38th (Doha, 2014) sessions respectively,
3.
Takes note of the State Partys efforts to strengthen the policy and planning framework
through guidance documents, but notes nevertheless that there still appears to be an
inadequate urban planning framework to manage development in the setting of the property,
with the result that development that has been approved contrary to the advice of English
Heritage is beginning to have a cumulative negative impact;
4.
Deeply regretsthat the State Party did not comply with the requests made in
Decision 38 COM 7B.36 to ensure that the Nine Elms Regeneration Development Market
Towers, Vauxhall Cross and Vauxhall Island Site projects be revised, and notes with
concern that they are currently under construction, without the project having been
reconsidered after concerns had been raised by English Heritage;
5.
Also notes with serious concern that no reconsideration has been made on the Elizabeth
House development scheme concerning its design and size and requests the State Party to
keep the World Heritage Centre informed on the development of the project;
6.
Further notes that the lack of an urban planning framework brings the need to appraise
individual projects and also requests the State Party to ensure that, in line with Paragraph
172 of the Operational Guidelines, any larger-scale projects which may be proposed in the
future in the immediate and wider setting of the World Heritage property be submitted to the
World Heritage Centre as soon as possible, before any decision is taken;
7.
Also takes notes that major conservation works are planned for the Palace of
Westminster and further requests the State Party to submit, to the World Heritage Centre for
review, details as soon as these are available, based on the outcomes of a Heritage Impact
Assessment (HIA) in conformity with ICOMOS Guidelines on HIAs for World Heritage
cultural properties;
8.
Requests furthermore the State Party to finalize the review of the Management Plan for
the property as soon as possible;
9.
Requests moreover the State Party to invite a joint ICOMOS / ICCROM Reactive
Monitoring mission to evaluate the extent of impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value of
the property resulting from the implementation of the above-mentioned projects and other
current planning applications, and to identify potential courses of action to address ways of
strengthening the protection of the property, including through improved planning
frameworks and management structures;
10.
Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December
World Heritage Committee at its 41st session in 2017.
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)

(Spain)
Housing
Impacts of tourism / visitor / recreation


Information presented to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee in
1993
The Director-General of UNESCO has been informed of the construction of a modern sports
facility in this World Heritage site. A report on this subject, and several newspaper articles which
were received by the Director-General, have been transmitted by the Centre to ICOMOS for
verification and review.

During its 17th session the Bureau was informed of the extremely negative visual impact of a
new sports hall on the western slope of the hill that is crowned by the Cathedral of Santiago.
Information from ICOMOS revealed that an agreement had been reached between the local and
regional authorities to lower the building by 1,5 meters and to apply materials more suitable to
the surroundings.
On 29 September 1993, the Permanent Delegation of Spain confirmed the agreement on the
height of the building and explained that, due to a misinterpretation of indications issued by the
Historical Department of the regional authority, the building was indeed too high. The project
was revised and now meets all legal requirements.
Adopted
Draft Decision
17BURVIII.2
Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
ICOMOS reported on the extremely negative visual impact of a new sports hall built on the
western slope of the hill that is crowned by the Cathedral and that affects in particular the view
of the Cathedral from the Alameda.
The Representative of ICOMOS informed the Bureau that only a few days ago, agreement had
been reached between the local and the regional authorities to lower the already constructed
building by 1.5 meters and to apply materials more suitable to the surroundings. Several
delegates emphasized that Operational Guideline 47 invites the States Parties to inform the
Committee of their intention to undertake or to authorize in an area protected under the
Convention, major restoration or new constructions which may affect the world heritage value of
the property. The Bureau expressed its disappointment that this was not done in the case of
Santiago and that the already inscribed World Heritage site of Santiago is being affected by an
extremely disharmonious construction at the same time as the Route of Santiago is being
nominated for inscription.
One delegate pointed out that action could be taken only after reports had been received on the
construction already in progress and that this case dearly shows the need of a continuous
monitoring process involving local communities and organizations. The Bureau concludes that
its concerns about the construction will be communicated to the Spanish national and regional
authorities emphasizing the need for consultations with the Committee in the case of important
interventions at World Heritage sites.
Read more
17COMX
SOC: Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
At its seventeenth session, the Bureau discussed the problems posed by the construction of a
sports hall in the World Heritage site. Severe concerns were transmitted to the Spanish
authorities. Recently, an agreement has been reached between the municipal, regional and
national authorities. ICOMOS evaluated the revised project and found it to be in harmony with
its historic environment.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction to the Spanish authorities for the action taken to
maintain the integrity of the site.

State of Conservation

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Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Proposal for a 32m-high building in the vicinity of the Acropolis

International Assistance granted to the property until 2003

Missions to the property until 2003**

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2003

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 1992

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 1992

SOC: El Jem (Tunisia)

Ancient City of Damascus

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2007

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2007

Ancient City of Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic)

Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B.Add,

conservation of the property;

guarantee the preservation of the property's integrity;

Archaeological Site of Volubilis

Interpretative and visitation facilities

Management systems/ management plan

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Missions to the property until 2007**

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2007

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2007

Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,

(Durban,2005) and 30th sessions (Vilnius, 2006) respectively,

Cathedral, Alczar and Archivo de

Management systems/ management plan

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

High-rise development in the vicinity of the property (Torre Pelli-Cajasol);

International Assistance granted to the property until 2013

Missions to the property until 2013**

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2013

Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2013

The World Heritage Committee,

City of Graz Historic Centre and

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

International Assistance granted to the property until 2007

Missions to the property until 2007**

Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS missions in February 2005 and October 2006.

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2007

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2007

Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,

master plan for the World Heritage property;

Encourages the State Party to continue the implementation of the missions

recommendations, in accordance with the Vienna Memorandum World Heritage and

Management systems/ management plan

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

International Assistance granted to the property until 2007

Missions to the property until 2007**

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2007

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2007

Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,

2005) and 30th (Vilnius, 2006) sessions respectively,

Factors affecting the property in 2008*

Management systems/ management plan

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

International Assistance granted to the property until 2008

Missions to the property until 2008**

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2008

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2008

Ground transport infrastructure

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Missions to the property until 2011**