Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
Factors affecting the property in 2008*
- Deliberate destruction of heritage
- Management systems/ management plan
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
a) Demolition of historical buildings in the protected area of the Historical Centre;
b) Urgent implementation of the management plan in Xochimilco.
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2008
Total amount approved : 5,000 USD
| 1999 | Preparation of guidelines for a management plan for ... (Approved) | 5,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2008**
November 2002: ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2008
On 25 February 2008, the World Heritage Centre received a report from the State Party concerning the property of Xochimilco.
Management System
The State Party reported that the “Agreement for the implementation of the World Heritage Management System” between the Tláhuac, Milpa Alta and Xochimilco delegations was signed on 11 December 2007 in order to formalize the implementation of the management plan. A letter sent by the National Institute of Archaeology and History (INAH) to the World Heritage Centre in November 2007 indicated that the INAH would have proposed that the Comisión Interdependencial be the Management Unit in charge of the implementation of the management plan. The Commission expressed its commitment to facilitate the work and operation process; however, it does not assume the responsibility of acting as the management unit.
Concerning the increased collaboration with research institutions within the framework of the implementation of the studies undertaken by Mexican universities, two activities were also mentioned by the State Party: (1) Study for the Rehabilitation of the Chinampas, in collaboration with the National University of Mexico and (2) the Register of the Xochimilco Chinampas, with the Public Register Direction of INAH.
Demolition of historic buildings and ensembles in the core zone
Following information received with reference to the demolition of 14 historical buildings in the core zone of the property, the World Heritage Centre expressed its concern for this very sensitive situation. Consequently, the State Party submitted additional information explaining that the demolitions were part of the “Programme for the Reorganization of the Popular Commerce” (ambulant commerce) launched on 6 March 2007 within the zone A (core protected area). Its aim was to provide street sellers with new market places in the historical centre in order to avoid overcrowding of public spaces.
The State Party also explained that, as part of the programme, the Federal District Government of Mexico City had decided to expropriate the inhabitants of 14 historical buildings in 2007 as a first step. Following this decision, the buildings were demolished. INAH did not authorize the demolition of five historical buildings. Although the authorization was denied, the demolition of these five buildings and others was carried through.
According to INAH, other demolitions were denounced. Negotiations between the Mexico City government and other institutions are currently under way. However, there is no clear indication of how the situation will be dealt with.
The World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS are concerned that the documentation shows that it is the intent of the Mexico City government to continue with this programme, which would severely compromise the integrity of the historic centre. No link is demonstrated between the different levels of government and the decisions being made to manage the economic and social conditions with the conservation of historic buildings.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2008
32 COM 7B.124
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco (Mexico) (C 412)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 7B.128, adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),
3. Notes the intention of the State Party to propose the Comisión Interdependencial as the responsible institution for the implementation of the management plan for Xochimilco;
4. Invites the State Party to organize, as soon as possible, a coordination meeting with the Comisión Interdependencial and the UNESCO Mexico Office to reflect on the feasibility of this commission to become the Management Unit of the property;
5. Deeply regrets the demolition of historical buildings in the property of the Historical Centre of Mexico;
6. Takes note of the declaration of the State Party concerning the absence of risk from further demolition;
7. 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;
8. Expresses its satisfaction regarding the invitation by the State Party for a World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS joint Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the impacts of these actions on the Outstanding Universal Value and integrity of the property and to work with the different levels of authority to clarify the administrative and technical procedures for further interventions at the Historical Centre of Mexico ;
9. Requests moreoverthe State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2009, an updated state of conservation report and the results of the coordination meeting mentioned above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009.
32 COM 8B.1
Changes to names of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List - Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco (Mexico)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/8B,
2. Decides not to approve the proposed name change to the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco as proposed by the Mexican authorities.
Draft Decision: 32 COM 7B.124
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 7B.128, adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),
3. Notes the intention of the State Party to propose the Comisión Interdependencial as the responsible institution for the implementation of the management plan for Xochimilco;
4. Invites the State Party to organize, as soon as possible, a coordination meeting with the Comisión Interdependencialand the UNESCO Mexico Office to reflect on the feasibility of this commission to become the Management Unit of the property;
5. Deeply regrets the demolition of 14 historical buildings in the core protected area of the Historical Centre of Mexico;
6. Requests the State Party to submit comprehensive information on the current status of all the buildings considered for demolition by 30 September 2008;
7. Also requests the State Party to invite a World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS joint reactive monitoring mission to assess the impacts of these actions on the outstanding universal value and integrity of the property and to work with the different levels of authority to clarify the administrative and technical procedures for further interventions at the Historical Centre of Mexico ;
8. Further requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS, to develop, prior to the arrival of the mission, 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;
9. Requests moreover the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2009, an updated state of conservation report and the results of the coordination meeting mentioned above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009.
MexicoExports
* :
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.
