× 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. Inscription: Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley (Portugal) Document type Decision Reference number VIII.B.1 Date Nov 30, 1998 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Status Active Subject Wild species & ecosystems Treaty Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972) Meeting 22e session du Comité Website whc.unesco.org Abstract Property: Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley Id. N°: 866 State Party: Portugal Criteria: C (i)(iii) The Committee inscribed the site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (i) and (iii): Criterion (i): The Upper Palaeolithic rock-art of the Côa valley is an outstanding example of the sudden flowering of creative genius at the dawn of human cultural development. Criterion (iii): The Côa Valley rock art throws light on the social, economic, and spiritual life on the life of the early ancestor of humankind in a wholly exceptional manner. The Delegate of Thailand agreed with the inscription but expressed his reservation with the application of criterion (i). The Delegates of Australia and Morocco warmly welcomed this nomination for contributing to the diversity and credibility of the World Heritage List and commended the State Party on its management of the site.