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Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) (N 355)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
7B.29
Date
Jun 24, 2012
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
36e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The World Heritage Committee,

1.  Having examined Document WHC-12/36.COM/7B.Add,

2.  Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.31, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010) and recalling the recommendations of the 2008 reactive monitoring mission report;

3.  Regrets that little progress has been made in formalizing and operationalizing transboundary cooperation with the neighbouring Iguazu National Park World Heritage property in Argentina, despite having been informed by the State Party at its 34th session that the signing of such an agreement was imminent;

4.  Reiterates its request that the State Party of Brazil, in cooperation with the State Party of Argentina, formalize transboundary cooperation through appropriate international instruments, under which site based cooperation can be structured, implemented and monitored;

5.  Notes with serious concern that the Baixo Iguaçu hydroelectric project and the re-opening of the Estrada do Colono road through the property appear to again be actively considered, and reminds the State Party that, as per Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, any intention to undertake or authorize infrastructure works likely to impact the property’s Outstanding Universal Value should be communicated to the World Heritage Centre;

6.  Urges the State Party to make a permanent commitment not to authorize the construction of the Baixo Iguaçu hydroelectric project, or any other hydroelectric project that may be considered to have a negative impact on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value;

7.  Also notes the concerns raised by the State Party of Argentina over the incipient threats caused by alien species in the property on the Argentinean side, and calls upon both the States Parties of Brazil and Argentina to engage in a concerted effort to ensure that this issue receives the appropriate level of management attention;

8.  Requests the State Party to ensure the development of a qualified ranger corps specifically trained in conservation issues to address the on-going management challenges at the property;

9.  Also requests the State Party, in cooperation with the State Party of Argentina, to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2014, a single joint report on the state of conservation of the property, including special consideration on advances in cooperation, and progress made in the creation of a stable and professional ranger corps, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in 2014.