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Cultural Properties - Mercury and Silver Binomial. Almadén and Idrija with San Luis Potosí (Spain / Mexico / Slovenia)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
8B.40
Date
Jul 25, 2010
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
34e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC-10/34.COM/8B and WHC-10/34.COM/INF.8B1.Add,

2. Defers the examination of the nomination of the Mercury and Silver Binomial. Almadén and Idrija with San Luis Potosí, Spain / Mexico / Slovenia, to the World Heritage List in order to enable the States Parties to:

a) Reconsider the definition of the property in San Luis Potosí, but also with its mining region, and more broadly in comparison with the other silver extraction sites using the amalgamation process in Mexico, to bring it into line with the mining and industrial theme of the mercury and silver binomial, and so to establish its Outstanding Universal Value. An inventory of the technical and industrial heritage linked to the silver mines would be necessary for such a redefinition;

3. Considers that any revised nomination requires an expert mission to the site;

4. Recommends that the States Parties:

a) Continue the contacts established with towns and silver mines which used the same mercury amalgamation process, particularly in Mexico and Bolivia, and with the Huancavelica mercury mine in Peru. However, the inclusion of additional sites which are not yet inscribed on the World Heritage List must give rise to a new nomination;

b) Better integrate into the definition of the property the concepts of pollution and risks for human health resulting from the production and use of mercury. The international institute projected at Idrija for the study and the raising of public awareness of these issues is enthusiastically supported.