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Patrimoine mondial
Distribution limited / limitée Paris, 26 April / 26 avril 2011
Original: English
Paris, France
19-29 June 2011 / 19-29 juin 2011
27 – 31 October 2010
The participants of this Reactive Monitoring Mission wish to thank the Instituto Nacional
de Patrimonio (INAP), the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre, and
ICOMOS, for the opportunity to undertake such an interesting and necessary
endeavour.
They would also like to convey their gratitude to the representatives of the State Party
for the high level of interest displayed in welcoming the Mission, and providing it with all
the means and information needed.
Special thanks to the Office of the President of the Republic of Panama; the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Public Works; the Office for the Historic District, and the
Patronato of Panama Viejo.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since the last Monitoring Mission in March 2009, efforts have been made by the National
Institute of Culture (INAC), the Office for the Historic District (OCA) and the Patronato
of Panama Viejo to properly address the various threats facing the property. However
progress made by the INAC and the OCA in terms of technical or legal studies and
proposals, inter-institutional agreements, educational or cultural programmes among
other positive actions, have not yet resulted in a significant impact on the improvement
of the property’s management or the physical conservation of the attributes that sustain
its Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity.
There are numerous factors which have been affecting the World Heritage property,
such as the acute and progressive deterioration of the built heritage, the precarious
living conditions of low income sectors, real estate speculation, and difficulties with
management and authority; all posing serious threats to the Outstanding Universal
Value, integrity and authenticity of the Historic District.
Among the currently existing problems, the construction of the Cinta Costera is probably
the most alarming one. This ambitious and costly project which forms part of a broader
‘Thoroughfare Plan for the Capital’ has its Phase 1 running along Panama City’s
coastline, with its Phase 2 running along the traditional harbour area known as Terraplén
and is currently close to being finalized. Although this Phase 2 is positive in terms of the
public hygiene of the area, it presents a rather unnecessary and radical transformation of
the waterfront. A third phase, to be started soon (as evidenced by the publicized call for
tender), is planned to either surround the peninsula of the Historic District or surpass it
through a tunnel. The first option would aggressively modify the natural seascape of the
old town, and the second could result in risks to the physical conditions of the historic
buildings, some of which are in danger of collapse.
In both cases, the values and the integrity for which the District was included in the
World Heritage List could suffer irreversible losses. Despite several requests and
warnings from the World Heritage Committee, the State Party has not submitted the
Cinta Costera Project for the review and approval of the World Heritage Centre and the
Advisory Bodies, neither has it presented the requested impact studies.
A feasible alternative among those proposed by the Patronato for the Avenida
Cincuentenario (as the main threat to Panama Viejo) has been recently opened for bidding
by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), with the aim to commence work on the
deviation of the road to eliminate this threat to the property.
According to the declarations of the President of the Republic, who kindly welcomed
the Mission at his office, it is expected that a more comprehensive national policy for
World Heritage will be developed, which would include all Ministries and the various
public and private stakeholders.
LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
-The World Heritage Committee at its 35th Session in 2011 should inscribe the
property on the List of World Heritage in Danger in order to address the concerns and
challenges currently facing the site;
-In order to progressively achieve this condition, a new, comprehensive and legally
supported national policy is urgently needed, endorsed by the Government of Panama at
its highest levels;
-INAC´s proposal for a National World Heritage Committee should be approved and
implemented as soon as possible;
-The proposal for the Historic District to be established as a special territory with a
legal status should be defined and implemented urgently;
-In addition to the recently signed agreement between Panama Viejo and the Historic
District as two components of one World Heritage property, the responsible authority
or entity to unify criteria and coordinate actions must be defined;
-The Emergency Plan submitted in 2009 must be adjusted according to the above
mentioned objectives, with a clearer and more practical approach to priorities, dates,
financial agreements, etc; as well as endorsed at the highest levels of the State Party;
- A definitive Master Plan for the Historic District must be concluded and implemented;
-The proposal for the Historic District’s buffer zone should be urgently finalized and
submitted for approval as a legal document;
-A legal and satisfactory solution for those pending cases such as the Hotel Central and
the PH Independencia must be elaborated with the support of the top levels of the State
Party if necessary, in order to avoid the generalized feeling of impunity as it relates to
the historic environment;
-The Cinta Costera Project Phase 3 should be immediately suspended and technical
information on proposed alternatives submitted to the World Heritage Centre for
further analysis and to start the consultative process. A study of the impacts of all
alternatives for the Cinta Costera Project should be urgently carried out. The World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS express their willingness to evaluate the projects in their
entirety, in collaboration with the Odebrecht Construction Company, the Ministry of
Public Works (MOP), INAC and the OCA. 1 If necessary, the World Heritage Centre
may designate a highly specialized expert on these matters as a Consultant;
- If the Cinta Costera Project Phase 3 is constructed, the process of commencing the
property’s delisting from the World Heritage List is envisaged.
1
Brazilian Odebrecht Company has recently expressed its will to collaborate with UNESCO on this project.
1. BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION
For 1.1 Inscription history and 1.2 Inscription Criteria and World Heritage values see
Annex 1. Report of the WHC/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the
Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama, 11 – 17 March
2009, at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents/.
The last examination of the state of conservation by the World Heritage Committee
took place during its 34th Session held in Brasilia, Brazil, July 2010.
As factors affecting the property identified from the reports of the World Heritage
Centre/ ICOMOS reactive monitoring missions undertaken in March 2009 and March
2010 respectively, the Committee underlined the following 2 :
Regarding the conservation issues at the moment of the 34th Session, the World
Heritage Committee’s Working Document emphasized the following 3 :
“The World Heritage Centre received information regarding the state of conservation,
and additional information concerning Panama Viejo on 20 October 2009. The State
Party submitted an Emergency Plan for corrective measures for the property from
which some information about the implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s
Decision can be gleaned. In addition, within the context of a Reactive Monitoring
Mission to the Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama, the national authorities
requested a technical visit to the property for an assessment of current conditions and
issues.
2
Document WHC-10/34.COM/7B. Paris, 22 June, 2010. Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama
.Panama (C 790bis)
3
Idem
The information received and the technical visit to the property highlighted concerns
regarding the Historic District of Panama and how the absence of a clear policy
concerning the preservation and development of the area was significantly affecting the
site. There have been cases of aggressive interventions and alterations resulting in
irreversible damage to the site’s integrity and authenticity. Neglected buildings are in
danger of collapse and funds previously allocated by the Inter American Development
Bank (IDB) for social housing have been rerouted to other projects, further
compounding the poor social conditions that exist at the site”.
A. Emergency Plan
ICOMOS conducted an evaluation of the document submitted by the State Party and
considers that it encompasses a characterization of the property, an assessment of
current conditions by means of SWOT matrixes and conclusions on risks and
vulnerabilities, and a list of measures focused on addressing identified risks and threats.
The document reflects the efforts made in comprehensively analyzing the current
situation from the state of conservation of the property to the assessment of existing
legislative and regulatory frameworks, which confirms concerns pointed out during
previous reactive monitoring and expert missions, and identified in previous Decisions
of the World Heritage Committee.
Notwithstanding the detailed assessment, the proposals for actions are limited and there
is no indication regarding timelines, sources of funding or how corrective measures and
actions will be implemented. Similarly, criteria and methods for interventions at historic
buildings are lacking. The document is more focused on a long-term strategic vision for
the management and conservation of the property, which would still require further
work, than on the emergency action plan requested by the World Heritage Committee.
The submitted plan provides a detailed analysis of existing governance mechanisms for
the property, however there is no indication whether existing arrangements will be
revised in the near future to enhance the protection of the property, and to ensure the
sustainability of the management system currently in place. Measures for enforcing legal
instruments are also not indicated.
Regarding Panama Viejo, the document submitted by the State Party includes the
proposal for the intervention at Plaza Mayor. The mission found that the Patronato
continues working with efficiency and commitment. Several interventions to adapt a
portion of the monumental space for new functions have been carefully implemented.
The project for the new exhibition and interpretation facilities at the site was recently
modified, moving its location to some distance from the old tower, following the
recommendations of the 2009 mission.
With regard to the Historic Centre, information on planned and ongoing projects,
including the structural changes at the Hotel Central and the impacts of the PH Plaza
Independencia condominium, was not included.
The mission found that although the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INAC), the National
Historic Heritage Directorate (DNPH) and the Office of the Historic District (Oficina del
Casco Antiguo-OCA) are working hard and demonstrate serious regarding the solutions
for the issues pointed out by the World Heritage Committee, many negative aspects
currently persist. Various buildings have been rehabilitated and many others are
currently being restored, however there are a significant number of neglected buildings
at risk of collapse. It also noted that real estate speculation and interests continue to
pervade decision-making processes, leading to detrimental interventions at the property.
The information sent does not specify whether a decision or progress has been made in
this respect. The Emergency Plan should comprise a detailed programme regarding the
buildings to be intervened for housing purposes, the types of interventions foreseen,
timelines and budgets for implementation, among others. No information regarding the
implementation of some of the recommendations of the reactive monitoring mission of
2009 was included, specifically with regards to the financial mobilization for public
investment processes on housing and infrastructure, and the sustainable policy for the
improvement of the low income families´ living conditions.
The mission noted that very limited works for the provision of social housing are
currently being implemented and that acute social conflicts have not decreased. It also
underscored that funds allocated by the IDB for social housing have been re-allocated to
other areas, leading to the cancellation of initiatives that had proven successful. The
mission considers that the gentrification of the property has gradually increased.
F. Avenida Cincuentenario
This project concerns mainly Panama Viejo, where five alternative routes have been
identified and submitted to the national authorities, and are currently being evaluated by
the Ministry of Public Works and other involved entities. No evidence of an approved
budget or implementation project dates has been provided. According to the 2010
expert mission, the Patronato supports the alternative proposed by the 2009 Reactive
Monitoring Mission, which would see the project being developed along one edge of the
site, as this option seems to cause the least impact and will help with a better de-
limitation of the property.
G. Cinta Costera
The Cinta Costera project is a coastal freeway being executed at the seaside area of
Terraplén that is projected to continue along the border of the Historic Centre, with
plans for a tunnel beneath the Centre’s core. At the 33rd session of the World Heritage
Committee, the State Party was requested to, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the
Operational Guidelines, to submit to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies,
a final report, including the analysis and monitoring of the potential impacts of this
project. The Mission in 2010 realized that the State Party had commenced the execution
of this project. No additional information could be procured regarding the social
impacts, conservation requirements, impact assessments, etc. of this project. The
Mission was therefore left to conclude that these assessments were not undertaken.
H. Other issues
Within the framework of the Periodic Reporting Exercise for the Region, the
“Workshop on the Preparation of the Retrospective Inventory, Retrospective statement
of Outstanding Universal Value of the properties included on the World Heritage List
and an introduction to the Second Cycle of the Periodic Reporting for the Latin
America and Caribbean Region” took place November 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The focal point for Panama participated and was trained on how to produce the
Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value. The State Party had submitted
a proposal which was to be revised and resubmitted to the World Heritage Centre by
31 July 2010. No information on the evaluation and update of the current Master Plan
and detailed regulations for the Historic District has been submitted.
To conclude, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the
received information does not provide a definite and precise course of action to address
the current threats to the property that have been highlighted in the 2009 reactive
monitoring mission and in Decisions made by the World Heritage Committee. There
are no clear schedules or comprehensive technical information about how critical issues,
including social housing and its derived conflicts, the impacts of the Cinta Costera and
the alternative route for the Avenida Cincuentenario will be addressed. The document
does not evidence how the highest level of authority will commit to the conservation of
the property or the definition of a clear policy for the preservation and development of
the historic area.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that factoring the
emergency situation as discussed in previous World Heritage Committee sessions that
affect a high proportion of the buildings in the Historic District, and which encompasses
a wide range of other threats, and given the very limited response observed by the
various missions, it is evident that the current situation threatens the attributes of the
Historic District which sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
They consider that the World Heritage Committee may wish to send a reactive
monitoring mission to asses the state of conservation of the property and to evaluate
progress made in addressing the various threats with a view to include the property on
the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2011 if no substantial progress is made.
2. Recalling Decision 32 COM 7B.126, adopted at its 32nd session (Quebec City,
2008),
4. Also notes the results of the 2009 joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive
monitoring mission, endorses its recommendations and requests the State Party to
implement them by 30 November 2009 and in particular to:
a) Develop an Emergency Plan for corrective measures that delineates a precise course
of action for the conservation of the historic buildings and the rehabilitation of neglected
buildings to address social lodging concerns.
b) Prepare the Emergency Plan within the framework of a broad participatory decision-
making process and guarantee the commitment of the highest levels of authority to the
conservation of the property;
a) Approve of the revised legislative proposal to enhance the protection and the
regulatory measures of the property and to establish one permanent management
authority to ensure the sustainability of the management system of the property;
b) Continue developing a housing policy for the urban district in order to improve the
living conditions of the low-income families and to reactivate technical and financial
assistance from international cooperation agencies;
c) Define alternative routes to the Avenida Cincuentenario given the impacts on the
property's Outstanding Universal Value, integrity and authenticity;
6. Also requests the State Party to, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational
Guidelines, submit the following information to the World Heritage Centre and
11
ICOMOS for evaluation and consideration by the World Heritage Committee prior to
implementation:
a) The intervention proposals for historic buildings within the protected area;
b) The proposed boundaries for the buffer zones of Panama Viejo and the Historic
District, including the appropriate cartography and the legal framework for their
regulation and protection;
c) A final report including the analysis and monitoring of the potential impacts derived
from the construction of the Cinta Costera;
7. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2010, a detailed report on the state of conservation of the property and on
the progress made in the implementation of the above recommendations, for the
examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010.
2. Recalling Decision 27 COM 8C.40, adopted at its 27th session (UNESCO, 2003),
3. Requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and
ICOMOS, to develop a draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value including the
conditions of integrity and authenticity, for examination by the World Heritage
Committee at its 33rd session in 2009;
4. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, a
comprehensive report on the current management system;
5. Additionally requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre /
ICOMOS
Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the current state of conservation, the authenticity
and the integrity of the property, and to give recommendations to enhance management
and conservation practices, as well as guidance on an Emergency Plan;
6. Requests moreover the State Party to provide the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2009, with an updated report on the issues above, for examination by the
World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009, with a view to considering,
in the absence of substantial progress, the inscription of the property on the
List of World Heritage in Danger.
12
1.4 Justification of the Mission.
This Mission responds to Decision 34 COM 7B.113 of the World Heritage
Committee, where the State Party was requested to invite a joint World Heritage
Centre/Advisory Bodies Reactive Monitoring Mission in 2010, to assess the state of
interventions at the historic monuments, current management arrangements, planned
development projects and the state of conservation of the property (See Annex 2.
Terms of Reference, Programme and Composition of Mission Team).
For Protected Area legislation, Institutional Framework and Management structure, see
Annex 1. Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and
the Historic District of Panama 11 – 17 March 2009.
-The Office for the Historic District (OCA) and the Patronato of Panama Viejo recently
signed Agreement No. 003-2010 related to the joint coordination of efforts on the
conservation and management of the two sites that comprise the World Heritage
property. The coordination of actions between the two components of the property
(Panama Viejo and the Historic District) has not yet been implemented.
-The INAC and the OCA have been reviewing the currently employed legal instruments
in order to update them and identify if new documents are necessary. These entities are
for instance studying the possibility of officially declaring the Historic Center as a special
district with all the necessary authorities, and will be possibly subordinated to the Office
of the President, with eligible authorities, own electricity, water supply, sewage and
other infrastructural systems.
13
-Several agreements have been achieved between the OCA and other involved entities
to coordinate actions for the improvement of technical infrastructure, housing
rehabilitation, etc.
-The OCA has undertaken numerous studies regarding housing and other social aspects,
hydraulic, sanitary and electrical infrastructure, transportation, cultural industries and
others that would facilitate the formulation of plans and, above all, the updating of a
Master Plan, which would be legislatively supported.
-INAC´s National Heritage Directorate and the OCA have insufficient authority to
adequately intervene in the various processes taking place in the Historic District.
-The insufficiency, complexity and dualities of the legal instruments persist and do not
allow the proper sanctions or orientation with regards to the negative actions on the
patrimonial areas.
-There is a lack of stimuli for investments in the area, due to a generalized feeling of
insufficient security, social conflicts, lack of services, etc. The formerly acting Law on
Incentives which could greatly help continues without implementation.
-Non-existence of a definitively updated and legally supported Master Plan for the
Historic District, although several proposals have been developed over the years.
-There is no clear coordination of decisions regarding the City of Panama’s territory and
those of the Historic District. This is evident, in for example, the ‘Plan for the
Development of the City’s Thoroughfares’ currently promoted by the Ministry of Public
Works, and which foresees a continuation to the Cinta Costera (Coastal Freeway)
surrounding the Historic District or through a tunnel. This Plan has not been fully
coordinated with INAC´s Heritage Directorate.
-A definitive proposal for the Historic District ´s buffer zone has not been concluded, so
there is not yet any legal support for this proposal. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism
is currently promoting a large scaled development for a convention centre, cruise ship
facilities, etc. within the area foreseen by the OCA as a buffer zone. This development
will require large land fills on the sea side. No environmental and heritage impact
assessments have as yet been concluded regarding the impacts of this development on
the buffer zone, on possible archaeological findings or other values.
-Lack of knowledge regarding UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, the Operational
Guidelines, or the potential sustainable use of heritage for human development, etc.
14
-The Emergency Programme on Social Housing meant to alleviate the alarming
conditions of the popular dwellings in the area, and requested by the World Heritage
Committee, has not yet been duly prioritized in the form of allocated resources or
related policies.
-The technical regulations comprising the Manual of Standards and Proceedings for the
rehabilitation of the Historic District of Panama City, approved by Executive Decree 51/
2004, are often violated. Examples of this are the cases of the PH Independencia and
Hotel Central both on the main Plaza, which have not had a satisfactory solution due to
the already mentioned weakness of the current legal instruments and their proper
enforcement.
-The status of government owned properties which could be restored for social
purposes, is complicated because- in many cases- the soil is a public property but the
buildings are private.
-The Tourism authorities maintain that the District cannot yet be considered a tourism
destination because it is unsafe and lacking necessary services.
-While a significant budget has been allocated to the enlargement of the City’s
Thoroughfare System, funds for the rehabilitation of the Historic District remain
insufficient in relation to current needs.
-The social, cultural and educational projects sponsored by the OCA are insufficient in
relation to needs; and others (such as Calicanto and Aprojusan) promoted until 2009 by
non governmental entities have ended due to a lack of support.
-The relationship between the heritage authorities on one side and community
associations such as the Asociación de Vecinos del Casco Antiguo(AVACA) on the other, as
well as professional organizations ( ICOMOS, Sociedad de Ingenieros y Arquitectos de
Panamá), is not positively developed resulting in the under-utilization of available
expertise.
-As a result of the prestige, commitment and actions of many of its members, the
Patronato remains a highly respected entity by all stakeholders;
15
-The buffer zone legally established by Law No.16 from 2007 is adequately working and
regulations are being enforced;
-The conservation laboratory has been completed and fitted with specialized equipment
and staff;
-The consolidation and maintenance of ruins has continued, although signs of humidity
can be observed in some areas. Their urgent treatment and related systematic
monitoring is foreseen;
-The recent restoration of the ruins of the Compañía de Jesús for a lecture hall, subtly
inserting some contemporary elements, has been a notable achievement;
-Five alternatives for the deviation of the Cincuentenario Avenue, which currently
traverses the site, have been carefully studied and proposed by the Patronato; and
according to recent information from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the
alternative chosen by the Patronato will be adopted. It seems apparent that the MOP has
abandoned the idea posed previously, of having the Avenue deviate through the site’s
coastal strip. This was an option firmly rejected by the Patronato as harmful to the Park’s
integrity and to its natural maritime border;
3.2 Nature and extent of threats to the property, taking into consideration
the values for which the property was inscribed and specific issues outlined
by the World Heritage Committee
-There is strong speculation on the built heritage, and the value of a property can
extend from 3000 to 4000 USD per m2.
-While progressive gentrification is taking place, the living conditions of a large number
of low income families have not improved;
-There are large numbers of dwellings in poor condition and inhabited by low income
families. According to the OCA’s data, 240 families live in extreme poverty, however a
16
simple inspection would reveal that a much larger number of persons live under
precarious conditions. At the fore of this alarming situation, is the apparent lack of
priority being given by the Ministry of Housing (MIVI) to the improvement of living
conditions in the Historic District;
-The numerous social challenges such as increasing violence, gangs and others related
issues that threaten the area’s security are mainly due to the precarious living
conditions;
-As a consequence of violating existing technical regulations and the subsequent weak
legal enforcement by the authorities, there are frequent alterations and loss of values of
emblematic landmarks. For example, the Hotel Central is currently undergoing
questionable reconstruction, after a large portion of its original components were
arbitrarily destroyed; and at the PH Independencia where new and aggressive volumes
were added to create new high standard apartments4 ;
-The former Santo Domingo Convent, rehabilitated and adapted to cultural and
commercial functions and opened in early 2010, is now closed without any social use,
consequently the resources used on its restoration have been wasted. The general
neglect of the building also contributes greatly to its deterioration;
-The large (and significant) numbers of vehicles (approximately 400, 000) which circulate
the Historic District on a daily basis contribute significantly to problems of congestion,
pollution, and general insecurity;
- In spite of successive warnings by the World Heritage Committee, the Cinta Costera
Phase 2 is currently under accelerated construction at the Historic District’s former
harbour area known as Terraplén, without the necessary social and visual impact studies
- as it relates to a historic area, being sent to the World Heritage Centre. As far as it
can be appreciated, it is the case of a new and very wide strip on the waterfront that,
although it might improve the hygienic conditions of this area, definitely modifies its old
harbour character and close views of the waterfront; 5
-The underground parking area presently under construction as part of the Cinta Costera
Phase 2 on the Terraplén, is huge, unnecessary and out of scale, and instead of hiding its
shape, exceeds the street level by about one meter;
-The projects for the Cinta Costera Phase 3 are even more dangerous to the integrity of
the Old District. They have also not been submitted to the World Heritage Centre and
the Advisory Bodies for review, neither is there any indication of environmental and
4
The investors of the Hotel Central were fined USD 50, 000 which does not compensate the losses they produced on this valuable building.
Regarding the intervention on the PH Independencia – INAC informs it is not possible to act because it was, though erroneously, officially
permitted by the Heritage Directorate and it is not currently possible to revoke this decision.
5
It is to regret that- instead of building such an expensive thoroughfare with several lanes probably suitable for a considerable speed- they did
not work out the rehabilitation of the existent street, its picturesque seafront and its buildings providing it with attractive services on the
ground floors, preserving the maritime harbor character for tourism, recreation and culture.
17
heritage impact studies having been undertaken although repeated requests have been
made by the World Heritage Committee;
-Based on information received from the MOP, the Cinta Costera Phase 3 will be
developed from the Terraplén (Arosemena Street, current Phase 2 to concluded soon) to
the zone of Amador, as part of an ambitious Thoroughfare Plan for Panama, that, far
from benefitting the Historic District, intends to use it as a connection and would
strongly impact its integrity. 6 The MOP has worked out two alternatives:
Neither the Odebrecht Company (in charge of construction) nor the MOP has developed
a third alternative for the Historic District;
-The District’s water supply and sewage infrastructure are also in a severely
deteriorated state;
.
-Signage on streets and public spaces is also poor.
Since the last report to the World Heritage Committee, there have been
positive developments:
-A detailed diagnosis of the Cathedral has been undertaken to urgently start its
restoration with allocated funds;
7
The Brazilian Company Odebrecht is studying the tunnel alternative and assures that - according to their experience on tunnels like the one
they built under the historic zone of Chiado in Lisbonne- they have all the means to avoid any risks.
18
-Under a private initiative, several buildings have been successfully rehabilitated for new
hostels (for example, Las Clementinas), which has helped to create a necessary and
agreeable accommodation network, resulting in the provision of local jobs.
Rehabilitation projects for new private hotels that will increase lodging facilities and
enhance the areas where they are located are currently being worked on. For example,
Hotels Plaza Herrera, Convento and Unión, as well as others, all comply with stated
technical regulations;
-Over ten very attractive restaurants and cafes were recently installed in the District;
-Security has improved due to the permanent patrolling of the District by the
Presidential Guard;
-Though only destined for higher income groups and contributing to gentrification, there
is an increasing number of well rehabilitated buildings providing apartments for rent or
sale and, in general, rescuing the built heritage;
-The ongoing cleaning of Panama Bay will conclude in 2010. With a budget of USD 430
million, it will also be of benefit to the Historic District.
19
Over the last 5 years, Missions and assessments conducted have concluded that the
property is in danger of losing its Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity,
for the following reasons:
-While the state of conservation of a large number of buildings in the Historic District
remains precarious, and many remain empty or in danger of collapse, the general amount
of restoration works is small;
-Social conflicts continue to be a serious concern due to the large number of families who
live under crowded and unhealthy conditions, while the State Party’s entities (Ministry of
Housing, OCA, etc.) have not prioritized this matter; neither are there allocated
resources for its progressive alleviation and solution;
-The current projects for the Cinta Costera which are aimed at improving the difficulties of
the City’s Thoroughfare System would strongly affect the integrity and functioning of the
Historic District. Should Phase 3 be built surrounding the Historic District (the apparent
alternative promoted by MOP), the traditional form and image of the maritime border will
be irreversibly transformed;
-Should the State Party not comply in the short term with its compromise to deviate the
Cincuentenario Avenue, based to the alternative approved by the Patronato and already
accepted by MOP, the heavy traffic (pollution, vibrations, and noise) will continue affecting
the archaeological site;
-Should the coastal alternative for the deviation of the Cincuentenario Avenue be accepted
(in the past promoted by the MOP), the site’s natural maritime border could be altered
and any research on its underwater heritage would practically be impossible.
20
4. ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY
4.1Review whether the values, on the basis of which the property was
inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the conditions of integrity are being
maintained.
-The Historic District still retains the Outstanding Universal Value for which it was
inscribed on the World Heritage List, however if current threats are not urgently and
adequately dealt with, most of these values will be irretrievably lost.;
-Panama Viejo has retained its Outstanding Universal Value, its integrity and authenticity;
however these might become severely threatened if the Cincuentenario Avenue is not
properly deviated.
The current actions taken in response to the requests made by the World Heritage
Committee (Decision 34 COM 7B.113) at its 34th Session held in Brasilia, 2010, are as
follows:
a) Establish the buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic District,
including the definition of regulatory measures, and submit the information to
the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for consideration and
review
The buffer zone for Panama Viejo has been legally established, however the studies for the
Historic District’s buffer zone have not yet been concluded and no official proposals have
been submitted.
-The OCA and the Patronato of Panama Viejo have recently signed Agreement No. 003-
2010 related to the joint coordination of efforts on the conservation and rehabilitation of
the two sites that compose the World Heritage property;
21
-In spite of the two above-mentioned steps, the coordination of actions between the two
components of the property (Panama Viejo and the Historic District) has not yet been
consolidated.
c) Define policies for the preservation of the historic area, including criteria for
rehabilitation and new developments that could potentially impact the
property,
Though there is an official Manual with Regulations and Proceedings for the Restoration and
Rehabilitation of the Historic District, a clear and overall policy as an integral part of an
updated and legally supported Master Plan is currently missing.
Panama Viejo’s Patronato continues raising funds which allow proper management and
maintenance of the site. Their technical staff complement has increased and is efficient.
Notwithstanding, the deviation of the Avenida Cincuentenario is a costly action that depends
on the MOP. The MOP has recently included the relocation of the Cincuentenario Avenue
within a bidding named Master Plan for the Reorganization of the Thoroughfare System of
Panama City; studies, projects, construction and financing of works for the preservation of the
City’s historic heritage, which comprises other actions such as traditional paving and
underground wiring in the Historic District ;
-The demolition of the former crafts market in Panama Viejo will be undertaken in the
near future according to the Patronato´s programme;
-The projects for new facilities for interpretation and shops were adequately modified
according to the recommendations of the 2009 WHC-ICOMOS reactive monitoring
mission. The Patronato has the necessary funds to commence construction works.
It also requested that the State Party halt the Cinta Costera Project and to
submit, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the
necessary technical studies and impact assessments for consideration and
review by the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies prior to
approval and implementation
-Instead of halting this development, the works for the Cinta Costera´s Phase 2 on the
Terraplén waterfront has continued at a rapid rate, without any submissions being made to
the World Heritage Centre as requested;
22
-Phase 3, according to the projects presented by the MOP to the monitoring mission,
would either surround the Historic District (which seems to be the option currently
chosen) or traverse it by means of a tunnel. No studies on their physical, social or
functional impacts and risks have been undertaken at the present time.
-In addition, it was requested that the State Party invite a joint World
Heritage Centre/Advisory Bodies reactive monitoring mission in 2010 to
assess the state of interventions at the historic monuments, current
management arrangements, planned development projects and the state of
conservation of the property;
This last reactive monitoring mission was undertaken 27 - 31 October 2011 with the full
support of the State Party.
This report was submitted for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th
Session in 2011.
23
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
5.1 Conclusions:
Based on the declarations of the President of the Republic, who kindly welcomed the
Mission at his office, it is hoped that greater emphasis will be placed by the State Party on
the various Panamanian World Heritage sites.
Nevertheless:
-INAC´s and OCA´s advances in terms of technical or legal studies and proposals, inter-
institutional agreements, a few educational or cultural programmes, among other positive
actions, do not yet translate to a practical and definitive impact on improvements in the
property’s management or on the physical conservation of its Outstanding Universal
Value, authenticity and integrity;
-In spite of the generalized lack of stimuli for investments in the Historic District, there
has been some private interventions done according to established regulations, on
formerly abandoned buildings, adapting them to attractive hotels, restaurants or cafes
which greatly contribute to the area’s animation, provision of jobs and, in general, to
prove that it is possible to rehabilitate old constructions for new use; 8
- Regarding two other examples i.e. the Plaza Independencia and the Hotel Central which
have violated all regulations, the heritage authorities have not been legally able to halt the
negative transformations on the buildings or revert them, turning these cases into symbols
of a lack of enforcement of regulations and the efficacy of authorities;
-Considering real estate needs, particularly those related to the large numbers of
deteriorated buildings and the acute lack of social housing in the Historic District, only a
limited amount of restoration or rehabilitation works have been either finished or
initiated by the OCA since 2009;
- Real estate speculation and gentrification are progressively increasing in the Historic
District.
-The emergency plan submitted by the State Party in 2009, and requested by the World
Heritage Committee, does not seem to have been further updated and completed;
-The Patronato of Panama Viejo works efficiently, and the majority of its commitments has
been complied with or is in the process to being achieved, and although the Avenida
Cincuentenario´s deviation seems to be a priority of the State Party, it still remains a threat
to the site;
-The projects for the Cinta Costera Phase 2 currently in construction and Phase 3, planned
to either surround or traverse the Historic District through a tunnel, have never been
submitted to the World Heritage Centre for examination by the World Heritage
8 Private investments- as long as they comply with the regulations-are desirable in a historic center where eighty
24
Committee, and no studies on their physical, social and other impacts have been
undertaken;
Phase 2 has strongly modified the traditional water front of the Terraplén losing the
opportunity to rehabilitate the picturesque maritime character of the area;
Phase 3 signifies a very serious threat to the property .The alternative that surrounds the
District would definitely modify its coastal border, and the alternative of the tunnel, a part
from being expensive, could mean physical risks to the old and quite deteriorated
structures;
-Up to October 2010, the steps achieved to positively counter or alleviate the serious
threats suffered by the property (specifically in the Historic District) have been insufficient
or weak and have not produced substantial improvements;
-The various negative factors identified by previous monitoring missions and underlined by
the World Heritage Committee’s Decisions remain significant threats to the property;
(See 1.3)
-For all the reasons posed in this report, the mission considers that the Outstanding
Universal Values, authenticity and integrity of the property are in Danger.
5.2 Recommendations:
-The World Heritage Committee at its 35th Session in 2011 should consider the
inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger in order to finally
achieve the positive reaction expected from the State Party;
-In order to progressively achieve this condition, a new comprehensive and legally
supported national policy, endorsed at the highest governmental levels, is urgently needed;
-INAC´s proposal for a National World Heritage Committee must be approved and
implemented;
-The proposal for the Historic District as a special territory with the necessary legal status
should be approved and implemented with urgency;
25
-In addition to the recent agreement signed between Panama Viejo and the Historic
District, as two components of one World Heritage property, the responsible authority
or entity to unify criteria and coordinate actions must be defined;
-The Emergency Plan submitted in 2009 should be updated according to the above stated
objectives, with a clearer and more practical approach to priorities, dates, budgets, etc., as
well as endorsed by the highest levels of the State Party;
- A definitive Master Plan for the Historic District must be concluded and implemented;
-The proposal for the Historic District’s buffer zone must be urgently concluded and
submitted for approval;
-A legal and satisfactory solution for those negative cases, the Hotel Central and PH
Independencia must be established with the support of the highest levels of the State Party
if necessary, in order to avoid the generalized feeling of impunity they produce and the
bad example they represent;
-The Cinta Costera Phase 3 must be immediately halted, and its related projects submitted
to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review. A study of the impacts
of any alternative to the Cinta Costera must also be urgently conducted. The World
Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies should evaluate the projects and studies
together with the Odebrecht Construction Company, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP),
INAC and OCA. 9 If necessary, the World Heritage Centre should designate a highly
specialized expert on these matters as a consultant;
9
Brazilian Odebrecht Company has recently expressed its will to collaborate with UNESCO on this project.
26
6. ANNEXES:
Annex 1. Report of the WHC/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the
Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama, 11 – 17 March
2009, at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents/.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Inscription history
Criteria and World Heritage values
Examination of the State of Conservation by the World Heritage Committee and
its Bureau
Justification of the mission (terms of reference, programme and composition of
mission team provided in Annex)
Management
Factors affecting the property
Review whether the values on the basis of which the property was inscribed on
the World Heritage List are being maintained
27
Annex 2.
Terms of Reference, Programme and Composition of Mission team
a. The establishment of a buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic
District and the definition of regulatory measures;
b. The approval of legislative proposals to enhance the protection of the
property and its regulatory measures;
c. The establishment of one permanent management authority to ensure
the adequacy and efficiency of the management arrangements;
d. The definition of policies for the preservation of the historic area, and the
established criteria for rehabilitation works as well as guidelines for new
developments which could potentially impact the property;
e. Progress made in securing technical and financial resources to implement
actions that threaten the property’s Outstanding Universal Value;
f. The state of advance in the construction of the Cinta Costera freeway, if
any, and to analyze technical projects and alternatives with appropriate
technical staff;
g. A review of progress made in the preparation of the retrospective
inventory of the site, and the draft retrospective statement of
Outstanding Universal Value;
h. An examination of the proposed demolition of the former crafts market,
which was viewed as impacting the visual integrity of Panama Viejo, and
the planned use of this space;
i. Review foreseen projects related to the accessibility and developments of
the archaeological site of Panama Viejo.
j. Discuss the corrective measures and related Desire State of
Conservation in case the site will be proposed for inscription of the WH
List in Danger.
28
2. To produce a common mission report (WHC/LAC and ICOMOS). The date for
its finalization will be agreed during the mission.
Please refer to the following link for documents relating to the Archaeological Site of
Panamá Viejo and the Historic District of Panamá:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents
2. Recalling Decision 33 COM 7B.141, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009),
3. Takes note of the Emergency Plan submitted by the State Party and urges it to:
a) Establish the buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic District,
including the definition of regulatory measures, and submit the information
to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for consideration
and review,
c) Define policies for the preservation of the historic area, including criteria for
rehabilitation and new developments that could potentially impact the
property,
4. Requests the State Party to halt the Cinta Costera Project and to submit, in
accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the necessary
technical studies and impact assessments for consideration and review by the
World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies prior to approval and
implementation;
5. Also requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/Advisory
Bodies reactive monitoring mission in 2010 to assess the state of interventions at
29
the historic monuments, current management arrangements, planned development
projects and the state of conservation of the property;
6. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre by 1
February 2011, a report on the above-mentioned issue, for examination by the
World Heritage Committee at its 35th session in 2011, with a view to
considering, in the absence of substantial progress, the possible
inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Wednesday 27 October
Arrival of the Mission Team to Tucumán Airport.
8.00 PM. Dinner/ Meeting with Mrs. Maruja Herrera, Director General of INAC and
staff to coordinate and adjust the working plan - Hotel Bristol
Thursday 28 October 28
9:00 AM. Visit to Panama Viejo
10.30 AM -12M. Meeting with:
- Ms. María Eugenia Herrera, Director General INAC
- Mr. Federico Suárez, Minister of Public Works (MOP)
- Mr. Salomon Shaman, Minister of Tourism
- Ms. Lucy Molina, Minister of Education
- Mr. Darío Cadavid, Director OCA
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch at Salón La Gaviota Salón La Gaviota, Palacio de las Garzas,
Historic District
2PM -3PM. Meeting with His Excellency Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera, Mr. Dario Cadavid, Ms.
Jania Guardia.
Palacio de las Garzas
3:00 PM-4.00PM. Meeting with Mr. Juan Carlos Varela Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera, Mr. Dario Cadavid, Ms.
Jania Guardia, Jaime Zarate.
Palacio de las Garzas
4.30 PM- 6.00PM.
Meeting with local organizations, residents, civil society and ICOMOS National
Committee.
Inmobiliaria San Felipe
8.00 PM. Dinner at Mrs. Lilliana Meredith´s Residence in the Historic District
30
Friday 29 October
9.00 AM -11.00 AM - Tour by helicopter to Portobelo- San Lorenzo World Heritage
Site and the Bay of Panama. Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera
and Mr. Raúl Castro
12.00 M-2.00 PM - Lunch at Miraflores Restaurant, Panama Canal.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera and Mr. Raúl Castro and
ICOMOS National Committee.
2.00 PM – 5.00PM. - Reports on the current situation of Panama Viejo/Historic District
Sites and Portobelo /San Lorenzo Sites.
Mr. Ernesto Boyd, Ms. Julieta Arango, Ms. Judith Jaén, Mr. Darío Cadavid,Mrs. Sandra
Cerrud, Mrs. Almyr Alba, Mrs. Isabel Rigol , Mr. Raul Castro, Mr. Jaime Zarate.
Meeting Room.National Heritage Directorate. Reina Torres de Arauz Museum .Llanos
de Curundú
8.00 PM. Dinner - Manolo Caracol Restaurant
Saturday 30 October
10.30 AM - Final Working meeting at INAC for conclusions
12.30 PM- 2.00 PM Lunch
2.00 PM-3. 00 PM - Visit to the Cathedral.
3.00 PM- 4.00 PM. Meeting with Odebrecht Company, Odebrecht Headquarters
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Tour of the Historic District
6.00 PM-7.00 PM - Meeting with Mr. Jaime Ford, Vice Minister of Housing (MIVI)
8:00 PM - Dinner.
Sunday 31 October
Departure
Meeting ‐ Conjunto Monumental de Panamá Viejo ‐ 28 October 2010
Name Intitution Post Phone Email
Patronato Panamá
Julieta de Arango Viejo Directora Ejecutiva 226‐1526 jdearango@panamaviejo.org
Patrimonio
Histórico de
Sandra Cerrud Panamá Asesora Legal 501‐4711 scerrud@hotmail.com
Patronato Panamá
Francisco Linares Viejo Director 305‐5464 flinares@unesa.com
Patronato Panamá Conservación
Silvia Arroyo Viejo Preventiva 226‐8915 arroyo@panamaviejo.org
Patronato Panamá
Félix Durán Viejo Director Arquitectura 226‐8915 fdwran@panamaviejo.org
31
322‐2311
Mario Lewis Fundación Rilemo Director 6676‐0455 mlewis@cwpanama.net
Autoridad de
Turismo Panama 526‐7000
Fernando de León (ATP) Viceministro 6612‐4992 fdeleon@atp.gob.pa
501‐4929 marujaherrera42@hotmail.co
María E. Herrera INAC Directora General 6615‐3435 m
Patronato Panamá 269‐6267
Ernesto A. Boyd Viejo Presidente 6694‐3660 eaboyds@metrobanksa.com
(0033)620.80.17.
Nuria Sanz UNESCO/WHC Directora LAC/WHC 40 n.sanz@unesco.org
32
501‐4929 marujaherrera42@hotmail.co
María E. Herrera INAC Directora General 6615‐3435 m
(0033)620.80.17
Nuria Sanz UNESCO/WHC Directora LAC/WHC .40 n.sanz@unesco.org
Others
Name Intitution Post Phone Email
Mitsila Espino MOP 667‐18771 mespino@mop.gob.pa
Salo Shamah ATP 6616‐7670 salosha@atp.gob.pa
Federico Suarez MOP 507‐9400 fsuarez@mop.gob.pa
Inmobiliaria San
César A. Tribaldos Felipe 6070‐5761 ctribal2@empeisen.com
Inmobiliaria San
Adolfo Linares Felipe alindres@talial.com
Inmobiliaria San
Felipe
Jaime J. Zanate izanate@inac.gob.pa
Iván Mcbowln info@historicalprojects.com
Inmobiliaria San
Carlos A. Mock D. Felipe cmock@sanfelipe.com.pa
Ramiro Salceda STC rs@salcedacarballeda.com
Salzburg joel@salzburgdevelopment.co
Joel Jelderks Development m
K.C Hardin kc@conservatoriosa.com
Elda Sanson 2137‐7777 elda@activentas.com
Raul Castro INAC rcastro@inac.gob.pa
Annex 3 Photographs
33