× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Curonian Spit (Lithuania/Russian Federation) Document type Decision Reference number X.C.1 Date Nov 27, 2000 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Status Active Subject Wild species & ecosystems Treaty Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972) Meeting 24e session du Comité Website whc.unesco.org Abstract Property: Curonian Spit Id. N°: 994 State Party: Lithuania/Russian Federation Criteria: C (v) The Committee inscribed the Curonian Spit as a cultural landscape on the World Heritage List on the basis of criterion (v): Criterion (v) The Curonian Spit is an outstanding example of a landscape of sand dunes that is under constant threat from natural forces (wind and tide). After disastrous human interventions that menaced its survival the Spit was reclaimed by massive protection and stabilization works begun in the 19th century and still continuing to the present day. Concerning natural values, the Committee noted that the Curonian Spit is an important site at the European scale and very significant within the Baltic Region as a whole. However, it was not considered to meet the criteria for inscription on the World Heritage List as a natural property. The Committee welcomed the effective collaboration in the management planning between the two States Parties. The Observer of Lithuania in expressing her appreciation, informed the Committee of her Government's commitment to the effective protection of this fragile environment. The Observer from the Russian Federation noted that this is the first cultural landscape from his country and a result of continuous transborder co-operation for the last two years. He hoped that a similar exercise could be envisaged with Finland for a potential World Heritage area.