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.

2015-16 UNESCO world heritage map published, just in time for Christmas...

Although it may not be fine art, what could look better on your living room wall than the latest edition of the UNESCO world heritage map? Available in English, French and Spanish, the map features an overview of all world heritage sites, brief explanations of the World Heritage Convention and the World Heritage conservation programmes.

A perfect (low-cost) Christmas present for anyone interested in world heritage!

Kosovo does not (quite) make the cut for UNESCO membership

As reported on this blog last month, Kosovo has been assiduously pursuing UNESCO membership in recent months in the face of stiff Serbian resistance. However, its efforts were not enough to garner sufficient support at the Agency's general assembly in Paris this week, and its bid fell just 3 votes shy of the 95 needed for recognition.

Serbia's opposition focussed on Kosovo's alleged failure to protect Serbian cultural and religious sites, including four UNESCO world heritage sites.

With the New York Times reporting "quiet sadness in the streets of Pristina", observers expect that Kosovo will make another attempt at membership at UNESCO's next general assembly.

UNESCO achievements and priorities, according to its director general

In a keynote address at its general conference in Paris this week, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova summarized what she considered to be the agency's main achievements over the past two years. These include efforts towards ending illicit trafficking in cultural relics, enforcing economic sanctions on the so-called Islamic State, rebuilding world heritage sites in Mali, advancing education for the most vulnerable and strengthening youth resilience.

Looking ahead, UNESCO priorities are not so different from other UN agencies dependent on continuing support from increasingly accountability-focussed member states. In short, the agency committed to pursuing ongoing organizational reform, especially in relation to transparency, structure, partnerships and leadership.

League table of world heritage site

Nothing appeals to one's competitive instinct like a comparative chart showing how your country stacks up against others. While the relevance of the chart below to a recent story in the Daily Pakistan on what Iran is doing to attract more British tourists is a little doubtful, it is nonetheless a handy graphic for those interested in keeping score on the countries with the largest number of world heritage sites. It also leaves one wondering at the seeming over-representation of Western Europe in a world heritage list.

Japan threatens suspension of its funding contribution to UNESCO

If proof were needed of the fine line separating heritage and politics, one need look no further than Japan's announcement this week that it may cut its funding to UNESCO after Chinese documents related to mass killings by Japanese troops in Nanjing in 1937 were included the UNESCO Memory of the WorldRegister.

As reported by Associated Press, Japanese authorities characterized the decision to include the documents as biased, citing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process and UNESCO's alleged failure to allow access to the Chinese documents.

Japan reportedly contributed 3.72 billion yen (aproximately USD31 million) to UNESCO in 2014, or 10.8 percent of its budget.

Thai stamps commemorate UNESCO

According to TheNation, an English language newspaper in Bangkok, Thailand Post launched a series of 40 stamps this week to commemorate UNESCO's 70th anniversary. The stamps feature 37 world heritage sites across Southeast Asia, and the entire set can be bought for THB200 (EUR5.00, USD5.60). There is no word on what is featured on the remaining three stamps...