The UNESCO Committee for the World Heritage in the Ohrid Region is scheduled to make a final determination regarding its inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger on July 22. During the session, the Committee voiced significant concern regarding the overall approach to addressing the deteriorating condition of the site. The Committee reiterated its strong call for both Macedonia and Albania to fully implement the final decisions issued by the monitoring missions conducted in 2017, 2020, and 2024.
UNESCO highlighted specific deficiencies on the ground, noting that the outcomes from the 2020 and 2024 missions have not been satisfactorily executed. Furthermore, the Committee pointed out that key planning frameworks, including the Strategic Percentage of the Living Environment (SES) and the Urban Planning Strategy Plan (UPS), remain unimplemented. These concerns underscore ongoing challenges in safeguarding the natural and cultural assets of the area.
The Committee emphasized that effective, coordinated action is necessary to protect the integrity of this world significant site. The focus remains on ensuring that national strategies align with international conservation standards to prevent further degradation of the shared natural and cultural heritage. The final decision on the status of the region will thus depend on demonstrable commitment to these required protective measures.
Topics: #region #world #heritage
