The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to remove the Nepali capital Kathmandu Valley from the List of World Heritage in Danger, according to a press release from Nepal Tourism Board on Wednesday.
The decision was made by UNESCO World Heritage Committee at its 31st session, which is being held in New Zealand.
The Kathmandu Valley, which was inscribed with its seven monument zones -- Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath, Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Changunarayan -- as the World Heritage site in 1979, was put on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2003 due to threats of partial deterioration of vernacular fabrics as well as general loss of authenticity and integrity of the property.
In view of the UNESCO decision, Kathmandu Valley has become one of the World Heritage sites to come out of the danger list in such a short period of time.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee took the decision at the backdrop of the recent key initiatives undertaken by the Nepali government such as -- adoption of the Integrated Management Framework 2007 and its approval of National Conservation Manual 2007, and the amendment of the Building by-laws for each of the seven monument zones.
The Nepali government together with the various stakeholders had made extra efforts and carried out measures for coordinated management, effective conservation and regulated urban development in the surrounding areas of the heritage sites besides other regular activities for preservation, the release stated.
The committee also acknowledged the operation of the Coordinative Working Committee as an effective monitoring mechanism as put in place by the government.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee commended Nepal for its efforts, progress and commitments for the implementation of the Integrate Management Plan to maintain the outstanding universal value of these seven monument zones, the release said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2007)