Session Description
The heritage values of both natural and cultural World Heritage sites are increasingly under pressure from spatial development. UNESCO and its advisory bodies have embraced the application of impact assessment to safeguard these values. This resulted in several guidance documents, but experience in applying impact assessment in a World Heritage context remains limited amongst World Heritage professionals.
Impact assessments in a World Heritage context need to follow specific characteristics and demands from UNESCO. These include a baseline set at the moment of inscription on the World Heritage List, a description of the so-called ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ (OUV) of the site, an overview of heritage attributes that together convey this OUV, inclusion of impacts in the buffer zone and from the wider setting, and a thorough process of stakeholder engagement. Offsetting or compensating negative impacts on OUV is also not allowed.
This session explores the application of impact assessment in the context of World Heritage sites. Through case studies, it discusses lessons learned, both on how impact assessment can enhance the protection of World Heritage and where more guidance is needed. For example, there are many questions about the connection between attributes and OUV, about assessing cumulative impacts in large areas, and on the development of appropriate alternatives. The presentations should provide more insight into how impact assessment can contribute to finding a balance between the protection of OUV and spatial development in/near World Heritage sites.
Session Summary
World Heritage sites increasingly face the impacts of spatial development. This session explores the application of impact assessment in the context of World Heritage by discussing lessons learned from specific cases and exploring how impact assessment can contribute to a balance between protection and development.
Proposed By
Cultural heritage
Session Chair
Patrick Patiwael
Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment
Netherlands