Pitons Management Area
Factors affecting the property in 2007*
- Major visitor accommodation and associated infrastructure
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2007
Total amount approved : 19,950 USD
| 2002 | Preparatory assistance for preparing a tentative list ... (Approved) | 19,950 USD |
Missions to the property until 2007**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2007
This property comprises significant tracts of privately owned lands. Current land uses include a small number of hotels strategically located between the two volcanic pitons that contribute to the property’s Outstanding Universal Value. There is increasing pressure on government authorities to provide the necessary permits for considerable expansion of this hotel development. Such expansion, if not considered in the context of preserving the property’s Outstanding Universal Value and integrity, could have important negative consequences. This is particularly important for such a small property, whose superlative natural beauty could be easily upset by just one inappropriately conceived hotel or real estate development project. The World Heritage Centre received communications from the State Party in 2006 requesting assistance and advice in dealing with this matter.
The World Heritage Centre has responded to the State Party’s request for assistance to help find a solution to this issue. The World Heritage Centre, in coordination with the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage property authorities (who have a cooperation agreement with the Pitons Management Area), has proposed the development of a land use / public use plan which would set out clear development regulations for the property, taking fully into account the property’s Outstanding Universal Value. Funds for this initiative have been identified, both within the Centre and with the United Kingdom authorities.
On 14 March 2007, the World Heritage Centre received a letter from the State Party, which gave assurances of the State Party’s dedication to the preservation of the property. The letter indicated that the State Party had proceeded in engaging the services of a consulting firm to prepare an Integrated Development Plan for the property and the region surrounding it. It was not clear however, how the hotel expansion would be dealt with through this plan. This issue remains a concern.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2007
31 COM 7B.42
Pitons Management Area (St. Lucia)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,
2. Notes with concern the proposed hotel development that may compromise the superlative natural beauty of the property if not considered in light of the need to preserve the property's Outstanding Universal Value;
3. Welcomes the State Party's request to the World Heritage Centre for guidance in dealing with development pressures, and the proposed development of an Integrated Development Plan;
4. Urges the State Party to provide information on the status of any developments planned in the property and to ensure that the consulting firm consults with the World Heritage Centre and IUCN in developing the plan;
5. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2008, an updated report on the measures it has taken to manage and mitigate any impact on the property's Outstanding Universal Value and integrity from hotel and other land development, a map showing the location of the any proposed developments and a copy of the Integrated Development Plan.
Draft Decision: 31 COM 7B.42
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-07/31.COM/7B,
2. Notes with concern the proposed hotel development that may compromise the superlative natural beauty of the property if not considered in light of the need to preserve the property’s Outstanding Universal Value;
3. Welcomes the State Party’s request to the World Heritage Centre for guidance in dealing with development pressures, and the proposed development of an Integrated Development Plan;
4. Urges the State Party to provide information on the status of any developments planned in the property and to ensure that the consulting firm consults with the World Heritage Centre and IUCN in developing the plan;
5. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2008, an updated report on the measures it has taken to manage and mitigate any impact on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value and integrity from hotel and other land development, a map showing the location of the any proposed developments and a copy of the Integrated Development Plan.
Saint LuciaExports
* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).
** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.
