Greater transparency in assessing world heritage nominations

Given the prestige (not to mention the potential economic windfall) that follows from inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it comes as no surprise that nominating countries and other stakeholders want to assure themselves that the review process was undertaken in a fair and transparent manner. Unfortunately, this assurance has been lacking as the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), charged by UNESCO with the preliminary screening of nominations, carries out its work behind closed doors.

Facing criticism regarding its review process (and perhaps seeking to preempt an external review), ICOMOS has reportedly revamped its screening and - effective for the crop of sites being considered this year - is now asking nominating countries to attend the internal meetings where their applications are discussed.

Transparency is usually a sound operating principle in any circumstance, and all the more so in the politically charged environment of world heritage sites.