Unesco criticizes Russia for threatening the world's natural heritage. Art Deco and Gothic architecture in Mumbai, India

Baikal. Photo: Ricardo Cabral

The session was preceded by the 5th International Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations on world heritage UNESCO. Its participants prepared resolutions that were submitted to the session of the Committee and, to one degree or another, taken into account in the final documents.

The most voluminous and disturbing resolutions are devoted to the territories "Western Caucasus", "Lake Baikal" and "Virgin Komi forests". Separate resolutions were also awarded to the Curonian Spit, natural complex reserve "Wrangel Island", "Volcanoes of Kamchatka".

The main threat to the World Heritage territories is adventurous business projects and unreasonable decisions of the state. These problems were indicated in the discussion of all problem areas.

"Western Caucasus"

Representatives of Greenpeace and WWF addressed the participants of the session of the World Heritage Committee with an alarming message.

Land plots in the Sochi National Park and the Sochi Reserve are being leased for construction to companies associated with ski resort"Rosa Khutor". These sites are located directly on the border of the World Heritage property, their development threatens its ecological integrity. Gazprom is planning to build a ski infrastructure on the Grushevoy Ridge, a unique area located on the border of the Western Caucasus nature reserve.

There are plans to build a highway Mineral water- Adler. She can get through Caucasian Reserve, and the natural heritage area will be almost completely cut off from the rest of mountain system Caucasus. This will lead to disastrous consequences.

The Ministry of Natural Resources approved the construction of linear facilities and logging in the protected and specially protected areas of the Sochi National Park.

UNESCO has already recommended that the Russian government refrain from building "in areas immediately adjacent to the World Heritage Site" if it "could provide negative impact to a World Heritage Site. The World Heritage Committee (WHR) has stated that if the Russian authorities continue to ignore the opinion of UNESCO, in 2019 the "Western Caucasus" could be transferred to the infamous list of "World Heritage at Risk".

The decision of the session of the WPN Committee expresses "regret" that Russia did not provide full information about changes in the country's legislation, which "provide for the expansion of recreational areas and the construction of large-scale tourism infrastructure in the protected areas adjacent to the site ["Western Caucasus"]" .

The Committee expresses "serious concern" in connection with the lease of land for the development of sports and recreational projects threatening the object of the VPN near the borders and in the territories of the Sochi Federal Reserve and the Sochi national park. The Committee requests urgent information on such projects and refrain from their implementation.

Separately, the VPN Committee noted the catastrophe in boxwood grove, where the most valuable boxwood plantations were destroyed by the carelessly imported fire moth. Russia is expected to develop, together with specialists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a set of urgent measures to restore plantations of Colchian boxwood.

By February 1, 2019, the Committee is waiting for an updated report on the status of the Western Caucasus site. If a “comprehensive response” does not follow, if development projects are implemented without a preliminary impact assessment, the WPN Committee, as mentioned above, reserves the right to transfer the “Western Caucasus” to the “World Heritage at Risk” list.

"Lake Baikal»

Turning to the problems of the "Holy Sea", the World Heritage Committee identified several "hot" topics.

Expansion of the range of fluctuations in the level of Baikal, which is accepted in the interests of big business, does not have sufficient justification and threatens the state of the lake and the inhabitants of coastal areas. Ecologists have repeatedly criticized the voluntaristic position of the Russian authorities, who take this problem lightly.

The committee once again expressed "serious concern" and "strongly urged" Russia to stop making further changes to the level fluctuation limits until it can be reasonably shown that this will not affect Baikal's "Outstanding Universal Value". A complete and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of level control decisions is needed. Such an EIA must be submitted to the World Heritage Center by December 1, 2019.

The Committee is concerned about the deteriorating situation with the overgrowth of Lake Baikal with spirogyra and the reduction fish stocks, which is an alarming sign and indicates the unfavorable state of the lake's ecosystem. The Committee requests the development of a monitoring system to determine the extent of problems and develop measures to maintain the environmental integrity of the VPN site.

“Serious concern” is also caused by reports about the Baikal water protection zone. The Committee "urges" Russia to provide details of these changes and their impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the UPN site.

From June 24 to July 6, 2012, the 36th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held in St. Petersburg. For the first time in the history of UNESCO, the session was held in Russia, and, what is especially honorable, in the year of the 40th anniversary of the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. By the decision of the head of the government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, Polilog Agency LLC became the sole executor of the state contract for the preparation and holding of the event.

Session progress

The sessions of the session were held in the Tauride Palace under the chairmanship of Eleonora Mitrofanova, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNESCO.

The session was attended by over 2,000 representatives from 119 countries, including 338 delegates from member countries of the Committee, as well as observers from States Parties to the Convention, international organizations and non-governmental associations, scientists, experts.

For the first time at the session of the Committee, a webcast of all plenary sessions was organized on the official website of the session (www.whc36-russia2012.ru), in the Press Center, accredited media got the opportunity to observe the work of the Committee, participate in press conferences and interviews with representatives of delegations. The session was covered by about 300 accredited journalists.

Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova

The delegates of the session reviewed more than 50 working papers relating to various aspects implementation of the Convention, and adopted 241 resolutions, reaffirming, in particular, the relevance of this international treaty, to which 189 states are party today, and calling for the need for a balance between its goals and objectives of sustainable development.

One of the main results of the event was the inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of 26 new sites - 5 natural, 20 cultural and one mixed. Russia has replenished its contribution to the universal treasury with the Lena Pillars natural park. The total number of objects protected by the Convention has reached 962, and the number of countries where they are located has grown to 157.

Within the framework of the session, side events were implemented: the International Youth Forum was held in the All-Russian Children's Center "Orlyonok" from May 30 to June 20, and the Youth Model of the World Heritage Committee was held in Kazan from July 1 to 9. Such actions allow instilling in the younger generation a respectful attitude towards the culture and nature of their country and joining the joint work to preserve the world heritage.

Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky

In the final speeches, the participants of the session unanimously noted the highest level of preparation by the Russian Federation for the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee. Thanks were expressed to the leadership of the Russian Federation, the Russian organizers and personally to the Chairman of the Committee, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNESCO E.V. Mitrofanova.

Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has been elected as the new Chairman of the World Heritage Committee. The next - 37th session of the Committee will be held in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) on 17-27 June 2013.

Session in 77 seconds

The work of "Polylog"

The Agency created the Session Directorate, which included more than 40 qualified specialists and 25 contracting organizations.

The work of the Directorate was focused on all key areas:

1. Building all premises of the Taurida Palace in accordance with international standards of UNESCO, including: technical equipment, furniture, simultaneous translation into 6 languages, provision of protocol meetings and negotiations.
2. Operational session planning- making adjustments to the session schedule, coordinating changes with the secretariat and informing delegates about the work schedule, creating information desks and an internal postal service for delegates.
3. Technical support session work: operation of a high-speed copy center, creation of a local network for more than 100 stationary computers, high-speed Wi-fi Internet throughout the palace, coordination of the work of contractors for internal and web broadcasting of Committee meetings, provision of delegates and the Secretariat with working areas with access to the Internet and to the working documents of the session, the installation of an electronic access system and a mobile accreditation center, the provision of delegates and staff with mobile communications, special walkie-talkies for communications. Professional photographers and videographers recorded the main moments of the session, in the near future a 20-minute film following the event will be released.
4. Logistic support- formation of an integrated transport scheme for the event, taking into account the movement of 2000 session delegates, protocol meetings and sessions. Organization of the work of the VIP-hall for meetings of high-status guests at Pulkovo Airport 2. Construction of information desks at the main stations of St. Petersburg, organization of a dispatch service and a taxi service, regular transport links between the main objects of the session using shuttles, buses, cars and water transport .
5. PR support events - a system of interaction between the Press Center of the session and representatives of the UNESCO press service for the operational preparation and distribution of press releases was formed. News and photo materials were posted on the official website of the session on a daily basis. Workplaces were provided for journalists in the Press Center, which made it possible to transfer materials and recordings of the broadcast directly to publications. Press conferences, interviews and field events of the Committee's leadership were organized with the participation of leading Russian media. On the this moment As a result of the session, more than 1,500 informational messages were published in the Russian media and more than 200 messages in foreign media.
6. Catering delegates and staff throughout the session, including coffee breaks, buffet lunches and evening banquets.
7. Security events at the highest state level with the support of the Federal Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the traffic police and its own security service, including the territory of the Tauride Palace, mobile groups, transport security, boats for the protection of water areas, etc.
8. Establishing a Well-Trained Temporary Staff Service and volunteers in the amount of more than 500 people, a multi-channel call center and lost&found service. The high qualification of the staff, friendliness and professionalism were marked by many thanks from the delegates and the leadership of UNESCO.
9. Organization of cultural program for delegates and guests with the support of the Committee for Culture of St. Petersburg, including rich concerts of artists and ensembles, visits to museums and historical monuments of St. Petersburg, outdoor events in Peterhof, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Pulkovo Observatory, the Hermitage and many other places.

• Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
• Government of St. Petersburg
• Government of the Republic of Tatarstan
• UNESCO World Heritage Committee
• Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member States
• All power structures providing security and coordinated actions at all stages of work
• Companies: Rost Eco, Synchrotel, Securicop, Stage Pro, Lexla, VimpelCom, Svega Computer, Bit Expert, LavTur, Terra Franca, ISGL , Ivanar, Turnkey Project, Holding+, SPIEF Foundation.

17 Jul 2012

Photo Unesco

The 38th session of the World Heritage Committee, the main body of the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, completed its work on June 25 in Doha (Qatar).

During the ten-day work of the session, 26 new unique cultural and natural monuments were included in the World Heritage List, by decision of international experts.

Among the objects included are 21 cultural, 4 natural and 1 mixed. For the first time, a nomination from Myanmar has been included in the World Heritage List. Thus, the total number of monuments of outstanding universal significance included in the prestigious UNESCO list is (on the territory of 161 countries).

During the session, the member countries of the Committee considered the basic issues of implementing the 1972 UNESCO Convention (Russia has been a member since 1988). About 250 working papers were considered and over 150 decisions were made concerning various aspects of the implementation of the Convention - one of the most requested international agreements to which 191 States are parties.

The session approved a landmark - the 1000th World Heritage Site - the honor of assigning which was given to the country representing the African continent (Botswana).

The Russian delegation led by the Permanent Representative to UNESCO E.V. Mitrofanova included Director of the Russian Research Institute of Heritage P.E. Yudin, Assistant to the President of Tatarstan T.P. Larionova, Minister of Culture of Tatarstan A.M. Sibagatullin, experts from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of on state control, use and protection of historical and cultural monuments of the Administration of St. Petersburg, the Museum-Reserve "Kizhi", as well as other interested departments and organizations.

An important result of the session for Russia was the UNESCO new Russian cultural site "Bulgarian Historical and Archaeological Complex" (Tatarstan). The basis for the decision was the compliance of the Russian nomination with the criteria provided for by the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972. International experts agreed with the presented justification of the outstanding global value of the Ancient Bolgar, recognizing that it is a clear evidence of the relationship and historical mutual enrichment of the cultural traditions of the peoples of Eurasia - Turkic, Finno-Ugric, Slavic and others, especially during the development of the Volga Bulgaria, the Golden Horde, Kazan Khanate and the Russian state.

The session considered the Russian application for a minor change in the buffer zone of the Kizhi Pogost facility. The efforts of the Russian Federation to promote the international thematic initiative "Astronomy and World Heritage" (Russia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ukraine, USA, etc.), the organization of the first Moscow International seminar for religious representatives on the management of objects of the world heritage of religious significance, the creation of an international UNESCO Category 2 World Heritage Center for the CIS countries and Eastern Europe.

The reports on the status of more than 100 UNESCO-protected sites, including Russian ones, were submitted for approval by the Committee: “Kizhi Pogost”, “Historic Center of Yaroslavl”, “Cultural and Historical Complex of the Solovetsky Islands”, “Curonian Spit” (cross-border with Lithuania), “ Lake Baikal", "Western Caucasus" and "Virgin forests of Komi". UNESCO international experts have proposed recommendations for ensuring the continued preservation of the outstanding universal value of these Russian sites. In addition, the decisions of the KVN formulated warnings in connection with the information available to the Organization about foreign projects that could harm unique Russian natural monuments.

Successes were noted in the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on the object "The Historic Center of St. Petersburg and Groups of Monuments Associated with It". It is emphasized that , presented by the Russian Federation, reflects a noticeable progress in the implementation of the decision of the World Heritage Committee, adopted at the 36th session of the WHC (St. Petersburg, 2012). A positive assessment was expressed following the results of the work of a group of international experts on the issue of clarifying the boundaries of this site and developing in Russia a legal mechanism for the protection and management of World Heritage sites. The successful completion of the retrospective inventory (WHC-14/38.COM/8D) of St. Petersburg components was noted.

It is recognized that the state of conservation of the object "The Historic Center of St. Petersburg and related groups of monuments" is provided adequately.

By decision of the KVN member countries, revised wordings of the provisions on the outstanding universal value of a number of Russian objects of world importance included in the UNESCO List were approved: “The Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye”, “The Historic Center of Yaroslavl”, “Kizhi Pogost”, as well as the transboundary “Struve Geodetic Arc” "(with the participation of Russia and 9 other countries)," curonian spit"and" Ubsunur basin "(with Mongolia).

In addition, it should be noted that at the session in Qatar, the member countries of the World Heritage Committee were approved, which became a continuation of the initiative laid down during the first UNESCO Youth Model in Kazan in July 2012 at the suggestion of the Russian organizers of the 36th session of the WHC.

Elected as new Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee Maria Bohmer,Minister of State for Cultural Relations and Educational Policy inMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.

The next, 39th, session of the Committee will be held in Bonn (Germany) from June 28 to July 8, 2014.

Information from the Permanent Delegation of Russia to UNESCO

Common decision

Solution: 37 COM 7 B.103

World Heritage Committee,

1. having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B.Add;
2. referring to solutions 34 COM 8 B.6, 35 COM 7 B.42, 35 COM 7 B.63, 35 COM 7 B.67, 35 COM 7 B.68, 35 COM 7 B.69, 35 COM 7 B.73, 35 COM 7 B.88, 35 COM 7 B.94, 35 COM 7 B.98, 35 COM 7 B.102, 35 COM 7 B.106, 35 COM 7 B.109, 35 COM 7 B.122, 35 COM 7 B.127, 35 COM 7 B.128, 35 COM 7 B.131 and 35 COM 7 B.133 adopted at its 34th (Brazil, 2010) and 35th (UNESCO, 2011) sessions, respectively;
3. welcomes measures taken by the respective States Parties to comply with its previous requests to reduce threats to the Outstanding Universal Value of the following World Heritage properties:

• Old city Lijiang (China)
• Potala Palace Historical Ensemble, Lhasa (China)
• Archaeological Park of San Augustin (Colombia)
• Historic center of Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic)
• Historical cultural landscape of the Tokaj wine region (Hungary)
• Taj Mahal (India)
• Red Fort (India)
• Fatehpur Sikri (India)
• Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park (India)
• Temple complex Prambanan (Indonesia)
• Monte San Giorgio (Italy/Switzerland)
• Historic center of Vilnius (Lithuania)
• Melaka and Georgetown - the historical cities of the Malacca Strait (Malaysia)
• Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (Mexico)
• Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Mexico)
• Lines and geoliphs in the areas of Nazca and Pampas de Humana (Peru)
• Cusco City (Peru)
• Churches of the historical region of Moldova (Romania)
• Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery (Russian Federation)
• Goré Island (Senegal)
• Works by Antonio Gaudí (Spain)

1. encourages the participating States concerned to continue their efforts to ensure the conservation of World Heritage properties;
2. 5. Reminds the participating States concerned of the need to inform the World Heritage Center in a timely manner of any major construction project that may have an impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, before any irreversible commitments are made, in accordance with paragraph 172 Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention.

Solution:37 COM 8 B.43

World Heritage Committee,

1. having examined documents WHC-13/37.COM/8B, WHC-13/37.COM/1NF.8B1 and WHC-13/37.COM/INF.8B1.4;

Recognizing the outstanding unique value of the property, submits the nomination question Architectural and historical complex Bulgar, Russian Federation back to the State Party in order to make this possible in cooperation with the advisory body (ICOMOS), in particular by inviting an advisory mission to the site to take appropriate steps to list it in accordance with criteria (iii) and (vi) on his next session.

Solution: 37COM 8 B.54

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined documents WHC-13/37.COM/8B.Add and WHC‑13/37.COM/INF.8B1.Add;
2. approves proposed minor boundary changes Historical center of St. Petersburg and related groups of monuments, Russian Federation;
3. Recommends that the State party pay attention to the following issues:

a) minor changes in the buffer zones established in accordance with the Law of St. Petersburg No. 820-7, where it is necessary to introduce the appropriate regime (OZ or ZRZ1) on those small areas of the territory that currently do not have an adequate level of protection (OZ or ZRZ1) , which are proposed to be included in the list of objects;

b) Establishment of a buffer zone on the basis of Zone ZRZ2, in accordance with the agreed timeframe, taking into account the repeated requests made by the World Heritage Committee since its 30th session for clarification of the boundaries and the need to securely protect the cultural and historic environment of component 540-001;

c) changing the legal status of the Historic Center of St. Petersburg component of the Russian legal framework to become an “outstanding landmark” and changing the detailed provisions on the regimes of protected zones established by Law No. 820‑7 of St. Petersburg in 2009 in order to improve their detail and differentiation;

d) development of an integrated management system for the entire listed property, together with a management plan, based on detailed urban planning and security plans for the Historic Center of St. Petersburg, which should be developed as early as possible.

Solution:37 COM 8 B.56

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined documents WHC-13/37.COM/8B.Add.2 and WHC-13/37.COM/8B.Add.2.Corr;
2. accepts statements of Outstanding Universal Value for the following World Heritage properties nominated at the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee (St. Petersburg, 2012):

– Brazil: Rio de Janeiro: Carioca landscapes between mountains and sea;

– India: Western Ghats;

– Palestine: Birthplace of Christ, Basilica of the Nativity and Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem;

– Russian Federation: Lena Pillars Nature Park.

8 D. Clarification of the boundaries and territory of the object by the participating states in response to a retrospective inventory

Solution: 37COM 8 D

World Heritage Committee,

1. having examined document WHC-13/37.COM/8D;
2. referencing the decision 36 COM 8 D
3. Recognizes the excellent level of work done by the participating States in clarifying the boundaries of their World Heritage properties and thanks them for their efforts to build confidence in the World Heritage List;
4. Recalls that the World Heritage Center and the Advisory Bodies will not be able to examine proposals for minor or major changes to the boundaries of World Heritage properties where the boundaries of such properties, as they are listed, are unclear;
5. Notes the refinements to the property boundaries and area provided by the following States Parties in response to the retrospective inventory, as reflected in the annexes to document WHC‑13/37.COM/8D:

– Algiers: Kasbah in Algiers;

– Brazil: Church set of Bon Jesus do Congonhas; Brazil; Historic Downtown San Luis;

- Cuba: Fortress of San Pedro de la Roca, Santiago de Cuba;

– Dominican Republic: Colonial city of San Domingo;

– Germany: Hanseatic city of Lübeck; Steelworks in Völklingen;

- Jordan: Petra;

- Mexico: Sian Kaan; Pre-Hispanic city and national park of Palenque; Historic Center of Puebla; Historic city of Guanajuato and adjacent mines; Historic center of the city of Morelia; El Vizcaino Whale Reserve; Historic center of the city of Secatecas; Rock art in the Sierra de San Francisco; Paquime Archaeological Zone, Casas Grandes; Zone of historical monuments in the city of Tlacotalpan;

– Panama: national park Darien;

– Paraguay: Mission of the Jesuits of La Santisima-Trinidad de Parana and Mission of the Jesuits of Jesus de Tavarangue;

– Peru: City of Cusco; Machu Picchu Historical Reserve; Chavin de Huantar (archaeological site); Archaeological zone of Chan Chan; Historic center of the city of Lima; Rio Abiseo National Park; Lines and geoliphs in the areas of Nazca and Pampas de Humana;

– Russian Federation: Historical center of the city of St. Petersburg and related groups of monuments; Kizhi churchyard;

– Spain: Old city in Avila and churches outside its walls; Historic city of Toledo; Historic fortified city of Cuenca; Palace of Catalan Music and Sant Po Hospital, Barcelona;

– Vietnam: Hue Monument Complex;

Requests participating States that have not yet responded to the questions raised in the retrospective inventory to provide all clarifications and documentation as soon as possible and no later than 1 December 2013.

21. Volcanoes of Kamchatka (Russian Federation) (No. 765 bis)

Solution: 36 SOM 7B.21

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B;

2. Referring for decision 36 SOM 7V.21

3. Notes with concern the State Party's communication of the year-on-year increase in potential threats to the property emanating from neighboring territories, and regrets that the State Party does not provide sufficient detail on wildlife population dynamics at the property, as well as on progress in implementing a number of recommendations from the 2007 follow-up mission;

4. Believes that in the absence of this information it is impossible to fully assess Current state the safety of the object and the effectiveness of its management;

5. Also notes with grave concern declining populations of wild deer and bighorn sheep and calls on the State Party to establish a buffer zone to better protect the wintering grounds of these species, in accordance with the proposal of the Commission on Rare and Endangered Species of the Kamchatka Territory;

6. Welcomes the fact that the State Party has clarified that there are no plans to build a hydropower plant on the site and asks him to provide, before any irreversible decisions are made, detailed information on possible plans for the construction of a hydropower plant on the Zhupanova River - the main wintering area for wild deer outside the site - and their possible consequences for the Outstanding Universal Value, including copies of the environmental impact assessment, when these documents will be available, in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

7. to clarify apparent inconsistencies regarding the total area of ​​the four constituent Regional Natural Parks by providing detailed information (including maps) on the "requirements" for boundaries introduced in 2010 for these four parks, as well as a detailed map showing the boundaries of all parts of the object are marked;

8. Calls upon the State Party to fully implement the recommendations of the 2007 follow-up mission, especially with regard to the development and implementation of a single integrated management plan and coordination structure, a comprehensive tourism management plan, and strengthening the institutional capacity of facilities management authorities in relation to both human and financial resources;

9. Also drawn to the State Party with a request to submit to the World Heritage Center until February 1, 2015 an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and progress on the implementation of the above recommendations for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 39th session in 2015.

22. Lake Baikal (Russian Federation) (No. 754)

Solution: 37 SOM 7B.22

World Heritage Committee,

2. Referring to the solution 36 SOM 7B.22 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Welcomes the decision of the State Party to close the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM), as well as the submission to the World Heritage Center by the State Party of a document containing the main points of the closure plan and the time frame, including measures envisaged to address the issue of industrial heritage plant;

4. Calls on the State Party to submit up to February 1, 2014 of the year to the World Heritage Center detailed plan containing specific dates;

5. Requests the State Party to ensure that any plans for the future use of the BPPM site undergo a rigorous environmental impact assessment, including a specific assessment of possible direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the site's Outstanding Universal Value, and to submit the results of these assessments to the World Heritage Center in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

6. Notes with concern possible consequences of the planned construction of a dam on the Orkhon River in Mongolia for the site and also addresses to the participating States of the Russian Federation and Mongolia with a request to provide more information on the stage at which these plans are, as well as on environmental impact assessments in which these possible consequences should be quantified - in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

7. Welcomes the confirmation of the ongoing ban on mineral exploration in the central ecological zone of the Baikal Natural Territory, while noting with concern that the permission to mine ore at the Kholodninskoye deposit is valid until March 2025;

8. Reiterates that mining is incompatible with World Heritage status, and also calls on the State Party to revoke the mining permit;

9. Expresses concern in connection with a number of significant real and potential threats to the site, in particular in connection with ongoing and planned activities in the special economic zones "Port Baikal" and "Gates of Baikal", changes made to federal legislation and made it possible to develop tourism infrastructure in the Barguzinsky natural biosphere reserve, announced changes made to the administrative documents concerning the Baikal-Lena Reserve, pollution of the Selenga River and air pollution;

10. Reiterates its request to the State party to develop, within the framework of the Special Law on Lake Baikal, an integrated management and land use plan for the site, which would fully take into account all proposed projects, including those that are supposed to be implemented on the territory of the special economic zones "Port Baikal" and "Baikal Gate" in order to the implementation was consistent with the Outstanding Universal Value and integrity of the property;

11. Further encourages the State Party to assess the possible impact of the above projects on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property through an environmental impact assessment and submit the results to the World Heritage Center before a decision is made to proceed – in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

12. Further requests the State party to provide up to 1 February 2014of the year to the World Heritage Center an updated report on the state of conservation of the site and the implementation of the above recommendations, including a detailed report on the progress made in implementing the BPPM closure plan for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

23. Western Caucasus (Russian Federation) (№ 900)

Solution: 37COM 7B.23

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B;

2. Referring to the solution 36COM 7B.23 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Expresses concern changes regarding the legal protection of the property, which creates the opportunity for the construction of large tourism infrastructure facilities on the Lago-Naki plateau located within the property, and again requests the State Party to ensure that no major ski or tourism infrastructure is built within the property ;

4. While the State Party reiterates its commitment not to develop any new capital development plans that would affect the Outstanding Universal Value of this property, the World Heritage Committee considers that the commencement of such construction on the Lago-Naki Plateau, including mountains Fisht and Oshten, will be the basis for its inclusion in the List of World Heritage in Danger, in accordance with paragraph 180 Implementation Guides conventions and his previous decisions;

5. Notes the conclusion of the joint monitoring mission in 2012 between the World Heritage Center and IUCN on the increasing anthropogenic pressure on the site, and requests the State Party to implement all its recommendations as soon as possible, in particular:

(a) Develop a comprehensive tourism strategy and an integrated plan for the site and adjacent Special Protected Areas, prioritizing tourism activities that do not big influence to the property, and ensuring that the proposed tourism and recreational infrastructure does not affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property;

b) Ensure that no areas of significant biodiversity or areas of Outstanding Universal Value for the site are included in the Caucasus Biosphere Range. nature reserve, which can be used for the construction of recreational infrastructure, and that no activity is carried out on the territory of the landfill that threatens the integrity of the object;

c) urgently clarify the definition of the boundaries of the northern buffer zone of the Caucasian Nature Reserve, which is part of the site, and restore its legal protection;

d) provide an accurate assessment of the potential impact of any proposed restoration of infrastructure on the site on its Outstanding Universal Value, as well as the submission of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to the World Heritage Center for review by advisory bodies before a decision is made in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

e) finalize the precise delineation of all parts of the property, delineate the functional buffer zone of the property, and submit an updated map of the property and its buffer zone to the World Heritage Centre;

f) oversee the implementation of the integrated site management plan with the development of an action plan and the appointment of a universal coordinating body;

g) adapt the "certificates" of natural monuments on the site to prevent any logging, including sanitary logging, construction of roads, bridges, power lines and other communication infrastructure, and prohibit the preparation of capital construction plans aimed at using the site in recreational purposes;

h) stop all construction work and/or expansion of buildings and facilities in the upper part of the Mzymta river valley in the territory of the property and increase the legal status of this territory as a protected area;

6. Takes into account the intention of the State Party to submit a proposal to change the boundaries, namely the exclusion of parts of the Lago-Naki Plateau from the property, which are reported to have deteriorated, and the addition of other parts, and recalls that such a proposal must be clearly justified within the IUCN, on whose list the object is listed, must be based on sound scientific evidence and presented as a new nomination in accordance with paragraph 165 Implementation Guides conventions;

7. Also requests the State party to February 1, 2014 submit to the World Heritage Center an updated report on the state of conservation of the site, including a progress report on the above and mission recommendations, for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

24. “ Virgin forests of Komi” (Russian Federation) (№ 719)

Solution: 37COM 7B.24.

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B;

2. Referring to the solution 36COM 7B.24 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Bearing in mind the information recently received from the State Party indicating the progress made in the preparation of a proposal for a significant change in the boundaries of this property in order to clarify the legal status of parts of the property and the expansion of its territory by 215,000 ha, covering unique primary forests, and pays attention the State party's intention to submit a proposal for a major boundary change by 1 February 2014;

4. Draws attention again to the State party's statement that there is no gold mining on the territory of the Chudnoye deposit;

5. Notes with regret that the State Party carries out gold mining on the territory of this object and has not canceled the decision to change the boundaries of this object, as a result of which four territories belonging to this object have lost the legal status of protected objects, including a gold deposit with an area of ​​19.9 sq. km., and notes that the maps submitted with the application clearly show that no areas within the property have been excluded and therefore these four areas are still within the boundaries of the property, as indicated on the World Heritage List in 1995;

6. Considers these issues to be a clear threat to the OUV of the property in accordance with paragraph 180 Implementation Guides conventions;

7. Requests the State party to take the following measures:

a) withdraw or freeze licenses already issued for exploration and production,

b) cancel the change in the boundaries of the Yugyd Va National Park;

8. Reiterates that the inadmissibility of mining in World Heritage Sites is its abiding position, which was supported by the international policy statement of the International Council on Mining and Metallurgy on the rejection of such activities on World Heritage properties, and calls on the appropriate mining companies not to carry out gold mining on the territory of this object, and financial institutions supporting these companies - to stop providing financial support;

9. It also reiterates that any proposed changes to the boundaries of a World Heritage property should be subject to official procedures at least as stringent as those for the nomination of a property for inscription on the World Heritage List, and should be considered under the major boundary change procedure in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 165 Implementation Guides conventions;

10. Also requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Center and IUCN, to develop a retrospective statement of Outstanding Universal Value for consideration by the World Heritage Committee;

12. Also requests the State party to February 1, 2014 Submit to the World Heritage Center an updated report on the state of conservation of the site, outlining progress in implementing the above recommendations, for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

25. Golden mountains of Altai (Russian Federation) (№ 768rev)

Solution: 3 7 COM 7V.25

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B.Add;

2. Referring for decision 36 SOM 7B.25 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Expresses extreme concern in connection with the new Decree 212 No. 202 of August 2, 2012 of the Republic of Altai, allowing the "construction and operation of linear objects and structures that are an integral part of the process", which weakens the legal norms protecting the object; and refers to the fact that, in accordance with paragraph 180 Implementation Guides conventions, a change in the status of the legal protection of an area that is part of the property is considered as a potential threat to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and as a reason for inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger;

4. Notes with concern reports that preparatory research work pipeline routes have been laid on the site of a World Heritage site since the 36th session of the Committee;

5. Pays attention information recently received from the State party that, as at 30 April, design work under the Altai pipeline construction program, and that no further funding for project work will be made during the period 2014-2015;

6. that any decision to proceed with a pipeline project across the property would pose a clear threat to the OUV of the property in accordance with paragraph 180 and create clear grounds for inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger;

7. Re-applying to the State Party to make an unequivocal decision to refuse construction of the Altai gas pipeline through the territory of the facility and urges of the State Party to ensure that no further preparation work is carried out on the site, and that the government of the Republic of Altai restores the protection status of the Ukok Quiet Zone, in accordance with the protection requirements provided for Convention;

8. Makes a request to the State Party to ensure that the World Heritage Center is provided with the results of an environmental impact assessment of the construction on or in the vicinity of the property of any infrastructure (including gas pipeline and hydroelectric projects) that could affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, pursuant to paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions;

9. Also requests the State party to make further efforts to implement the recommendations of the 2012 follow-up mission;

10. reaffirms its position, according to which all legal issues in relation to natural heritage sites in the Russian Federation (which include federal and regional protected areas) should be resolved through the creation of a comprehensive national legal regime for the protection and management of natural world heritage sites to ensure that the State Party fulfills its obligations under conventions; and reiterates its request to the State Party to organize a workshop to promote the development of this legal regime, in consultation with the World Heritage Center and IUCN;

11. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Center until February 1, 2015 an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and on progress in implementing the above recommendations for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 39th session in 2015.

80. Kizhi Pogost (Russian Federation) (С 544)

Solution: 37 SOM 7B.80

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B.Add;

2. Referring to the decision 36 SOM 7B.83 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Notes the progress made by the State Party in the preservation and protection of the Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, and calls on it to continue these efforts in a timely manner and provide the necessary resources in order to prevent further loss of materials and structural details that could pose a threat to the site ;

4. Notes the steps taken by the State Party to develop legal methods for the protection of World Heritage cultural properties;

5. Also draws attention on the recommendations made in April 2013 by the site follow-up mission, and calls on the State Party to implement those recommendations, in particular:

a) revise the management plan to ensure that the preservation and protection of the properties' outstanding universal value are the main factors in decision-making; the revised management plan should include guidelines for land use and construction, recommendations for the use of agricultural land, a sustainable tourism development strategy, risk management measures, and measures to monitor the status of archaeological resources;

b) suspend all proposed new construction projects in the buffer zone and in the vicinity of the site, including visitor and administration facilities, until the management plan has been revised and heritage and environmental impact assessments have been completed. the environment to take into account the expected impact and compatibility of the construction with the property's Outstanding Universal Value;

c) improve the implementation of fire and safety plans to improve the level of protection and environmental quality at the site;

d) complete the development of Guidelines for the restoration and conservation work related to the key elements of the site;

6. Requests the State Party, in accordance with paragraph 172 Implementation Guides conventions, submit the design proposal, technical documentation and environmental impact assessments for the construction of the Kizhi Museum office and public center and any other planned construction projects to the World Heritage Center and advisory bodies prior to commencement of work;

7. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Center for consideration by the advisory bodies three printed and electronic copies of the draft management plan;

8. Further requests the State Party to invite an IUCN advisory mission in early 2014 to assess the progress made in the restoration work and in the implementation of the above recommendations;

9. Also requests the State party to February 1, 2014 Submit to the World Heritage Center an updated report on the state of conservation of the site and on the progress made in implementing the above recommendations for consideration by the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2014.

81. Historic center of the city of Yaroslavl
(Russian Federation) (C1170)

Solution: 37 COM 7 B.81

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B.Add;

2. Referring to the solution 36 COM 7 B.84 adopted at its 36th session (St. Petersburg, 2012);

3. Expresses regret due to the fact that, despite the requests of the Committee to the State Party at its 35th and 36th sessions to provide a report on the state of conservation of the property, the State Party did not provide this report in either 2012 or 2013 , as a result of which the issues raised by the 2012 follow-up mission were not resolved;

4. Calls on the State Party to strengthen the level of legislative and regulatory protection of the site and its buffer zone at the federal and regional levels;

5. In addition, it encourages State Party to improve the management of the site and its buffer zone, develop a management plan, and consider appointing a site manager and establishing an appropriate advisory body composed of representatives of federal and regional organizations on the preservation of historical heritage;

6. Notes the significant number of historic preservation projects that have taken place on the site since 2008, but considers that a site conservation strategy, specific conservation guidance, backed up by research and archaeological data, would lead to more consistent and high-quality results;

7. Expresses concern again because a new building of inadequate scale, height and mass, or using non-traditional materials, poses a particular threat to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, which is listed for its significance in terms of urban planning and spatial relationship of buildings;

8. Again urges State Party to submit to the World Heritage Center for consideration by the advisory bodies details of any proposed construction activities, including those reportedly scheduled to end in 2012, that could adversely affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, including assessment of their impact on the heritage site in accordance with paragraph 172 Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention;

9. Requests the State Party to provide the World Heritage Center no later than February 1, 2014 an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and progress towards the implementation of the above recommendations for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

82. Cultural and historical ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands (Russian Federation) (С 632)

Solution: 37 COM 7 B.82

World Heritage Committee,

1. After reviewing document WHC-13/37.COM 7B.Add;

2. Referring to solutions 35COM 7B.107 and 36COM 7B.86 adopted at its 35th (UNESCO, 2011) and 36th (St. Petersburg, 2012) sessions, respectively;

3. Expresses regret

4. Notes the steps taken by the State Party to develop legal measures for the protection of cultural World Heritage sites, as well as to establish a Commission for the Preservation of the Spiritual, Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Solovetsky Archipelago;

5. Notes the decision to organize a seminar for religious representatives involved in the management and use of World Heritage properties in the Russian Federation, taken by the State Party in response to the request of the Committee and in cooperation with the World Heritage Centre, ICCROM and ICOMOS,

6. Requests the State Party to provide the World Heritage Center with detailed information on the master plan of the Solovetsky Monastery and other planning documents prior to the visit of the follow-up mission;

7. Reiterates its concern possible renovation of the monastery buildings and other significant interventions in the landscape of the site in terms of impact on its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), and requests the State Party to provide detailed information to the World Heritage Center prior to the arrival of the mission;

8. Draws again requesting the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Center all project proposals that may pose a threat to the OUV of the property, in accordance with paragraph 172 of the Implementation Guidelines of the Convention, and to submit all new proposals for assessing the impact on cultural heritage(HCW), in accordance with the ICOMOS HCW Guidelines for World Cultural Heritage Sites;

9. Further requests the State Party to invite, as a matter of urgency, a joint follow-up mission of the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and ICCROM to the site to assess the general state of conservation of the site, and recommends that the mission be visited as soon as possible;

10. Further requests the State Party to provide the World Heritage Center no later than February 1, 2014 a report on the state of conservation of the site and on the implementation of the above recommendations, for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.

83. Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
(Russian Federation) (S 545)

Solution: 37 COM 7 B.83

World Heritage Committee,

1. Having studied document WHC-13/37.COM/7B.Add;

2. Referring to the solution 35COM 7B.105 adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011);

3. Notes the efforts being made by the State Party to develop legal measures to protect World Heritage properties;

4. Expresses regret due to the State Party's failure to provide a State of Conservation Report;

5. Draws again to the State Party with a request to provide to the World Heritage Centre, in accordance with paragraph 172 Guidelines for the implementation of the Convention, all project proposals that may threaten the Outstanding Universal Value of a property, including attaching appropriate cultural heritage impact assessments in accordance with the ICOMOS Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments for World Cultural Heritage properties;

6. Re-drawn requesting the State Party to provide the World Heritage Center for consideration by the advisory bodies with three copies of the site's management plan;

Requests the State Party to provide the World Heritage Center no later than February 1, 2015 a detailed report on the state of conservation of the site and on the implementation of the above recommendations, for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 39th session in 2015.

State Party Report Format

on the state of conservation of the World Heritage Site,

inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Name of the World Heritage property (State Party) (registration number)

1. Information provided by a State Party in response to a decision by the World Heritage Committee (by item)

[Note: information should relate to events that occurred during the past year or since the last decision of the Committee on this object]

2. Other Current Conservation Issues As Specified by the State Party

[ Note: Conservation questions not raised in a World Heritage Committee decision or other World Heritage Center inquiry]

3. Please advise on any planned major restoration, rebuilding and new construction in the protected area and in the buffer zone and/or narrow zones in accordance with paragraph 172 of the Implementation Guide.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is meeting these days in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, has added new sites that are of historical, cultural or scientific interest to the list.

Presence on this list provides protection as provided international treaties. Korrespondent.net talks about newcomers to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ancient port city of Qalhat, Oman

In the Middle Ages, this city was a busy port on the coast of the Indian Ocean. In Kalhat, the ruins of ancient markets, a mosque and a fortress have been preserved.

UNESCO decided that it is a unique archaeological evidence of close ties between the Arabian Peninsula and the rest of the world.

Secret Christian churches in Nagasaki, Japan

Oura Church or 26 Japanese Martyrs / Wikimedia

In the 18-19 centuries, Christian churches were built in one of the regions of Kyushu, which is the third largest among the islands of the Japanese archipelago. At that time, Christianity was a forbidden religion in Japan.

The committee determined that these churches tell of the first steps of Christian missionaries who operated clandestinely in Japan.

Art Deco and Gothic architecture in Mumbai, India

Oval Maidan / Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

At the end of the 19th century, the city of Bombay (since 1995 - Mumbai) on the coast of the Arabian Sea became a major center of world trade.

Then the authorities decided to build a building in the Victorian style for private owners. Art Deco was used for tenement houses and public spaces such as cinemas and hospitals.

Al Khasa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Palm grove of the oasis of El Hasa / Wikimedia

The oasis is located in the historical region of Al Hasa in the east of the kingdom, where more than 1.5 million date palms are grown. People have been living here since the Neolithic period.

It is considered the largest sandy palm oasis in the world.

In addition, several other attractions are located in this place: a mosque, palaces, a market, a hill and a port. The oasis is also famous for its gardens, canals, springs and wells.

UNESCO calls it a unique example of human interaction with the environment.

Mountain monasteries, South Korea

One of the main Buddhist temples in South Korea Thondosa / Culture Trip

Most Korean Buddhist monasteries were built over a thousand years ago. They are called sansa, which means "mountain temple".

Temples included in the UNESCO list:

Popjusa (553) in the mountains of Seonnisan National Park,

Pusoksa (676) on Mount Bonghwansan,

Tyhynsa (presumably 7th-9th century) on Mount Turyunsan on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula,

Pongjeongsa Temple (late 7th century) on Cheongdeungsan Mountain,

One of the main Buddhist temples in South Korea, Thondosa (646) on Mount Yongchuksan near Busan,

Magoksa (7th or 9th century), located near the city of Gyeongju,

Sonamsa (529 or 875) on Mount Chogyesan.

Seven temple complexes include open areas with halls and pavilions decorated with ornaments dedicated to the Buddha.

These are sacred places for Buddhists that have been able to survive as centers of faith to this day, UNESCO notes.

Monuments of the Sassanid era, Iran

The fortress of Galeh-dokhtar - the ruins of Ardashir-Khvarrakh, the capital of the first Sasanian king Ardashir / Wikimedia

In the province of Fars, eight archaeological sites from the era of the Sassanid state, which existed in the 3rd-5th centuries AD, have been preserved. This ruins of fortresses, palaces and city buildings.

Under the rule of the Sassanid dynasty, there was a revival of Persian art. In this era, metal work and the art of engraving also reached a new level.

According to UNESCO, these objects captured the interaction of various traditions - Roman, Parthian and ancient Persian.

According to the dossier of the Sassanid Historical Site Complex, it showcases the political, historical and cultural achievements of the Sassanid Empire, which was considered one of the leading powers along with its neighboring Byzantine Empire.

Thhimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, Kenya

The settlement was built around the 16th century and served as a refuge for local residents and livestock.

Thimlich Ohinga is recognized as the largest and best preserved structure among those built using the dry masonry method.

UNESCO calls it a unique example of the way of life of the first pastoralist communities in the Lake Victoria region.

Auvergne volcano chain, France

Auvergne Tourism

A chain of peaks of a very clear shape in the form of a cone, dome or crater with a length of 45 kilometers is located along the north-south axis.

The most famous peaks are the Puy de Pario with a typical strombolian type crater and the Puy de Dome, which is considered a symbol of the Auvergne.

Volcanoes have been dormant for the past eight thousand years, but volcanologists do not rule out that someday they may wake up.

In addition to volcanoes aged from 8400 to 95 thousand years, the UNESCO classification includes the so-called Liman Fault, which was formed as a result of tectonic shifts 35 thousand years ago.

"This region is a very clear example of the breakup of continental crust, or rifting, which is one of the five stages of plate tectonics," UNESCO said in a statement.

The ancient temple of Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

The Turkish temple of Göbekli Tepe, which translates as "pot-bellied hill", is considered one of the oldest structures of its kind in the world. It is located in the province of Sanlıurfa in the southeast of Turkey.

Scientists believe that the ancient temple belongs to the Neolithic era. According to UNESCO, this complex was erected between 9600 and 8200 BC.

Archaeologists have found a number of artifacts. Among the most valuable, it is worth highlighting the T-shaped obelisk of the Neolithic era weighing about 50 tons, as well as a 65-cm human figurine, whose age is estimated at 12 thousand years.

There are dozens of columns in the complex. They are decorated with carvings in the form of pictograms and images of animals, among which lions, bulls, gazelles, snakes and many others are recognizable. Göbekli Tepe belongs to the megaliths.

According to some scholars, the erection of such monuments suggests the existence of a social hierarchy, which, in theory, could not be distributed among the hunter-gatherer communities of that period.

The discovery of this temple gave rise to some doubts among experts regarding the established theories of the development of human society.

City of the Industrial Revolution Ivrea, Italy

Ivrea, city of the industrial revolution of the twentieth century, gained recognition thanks to the Olivetti company, a manufacturer of typewriters, electric calculators and later computers.

Ivrea experienced the most turbulent stage of development in the middle of the last century. The city buildings were designed by some of the most famous Italian architects and planners of the period.

The industrial part of the city of Ivrea is an important example of the theories of urban planning and architecture of the twentieth century in response to industrial and social transformations, including the transition from mechanical to digital industry.

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