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Nominations of Cultural Properties to the World Heritage List (The Incense Route - Desert cities in the Negev)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
8B.50
Date
Jul 10, 2005
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
29e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC-05/29.COM/8B, WHC-05/29.COM/8B.Add 2 and WHC-05/29.COM/INF.8B.1,

2. Recalling Decision 28 COM 14B.42 adopted at its 28th session (Suzhou, 2004),

3. Inscribes the Incense Route and Desert Cities in the Negev (Israel) on the World Heritage List on the basis of cultural criteria (iii) and (v):

Criterion (iii): The Nabatean towns and their trade routes bear eloquent testimony to the economic, social and cultural importance of frankincense to the Hellenistic-Roman world. The routes also provided a means of passage not only for frankincense and other trade goods but also for people and ideas.

Criterion (v): The almost fossilised remains of towns, forts, caravanserai and sophisticated agricultural systems strung out along the Incense route in the Negev desert, display an outstanding response to a hostile desert environment and one that flourished for five centuries.

4. Decides to modify the name of the nomination, as "The Incense Route - Desert cities in the Negev";

 

5. Requests the State Party of Israel to implement the existing archaeological strategy for the whole property and for each of the major towns;

6. Recommends that the State Party amplifies existing management plans and conservation projects.