Decision : 35 COM 8B.46
Natural Properties - Examination of minor boundary modifications - Selous Game Reserve (United Republic of Tanzania)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Documents WHC-11/35.COM/8B.Add and WHC-11/35.COM/INF.8B2,
2. Acknowledges the State Party's legitimate need to ensure the well-being of its population, fight against poverty and diversify its economy while continuing to protect its natural environment under the framework of and in compliance with domestic provisions in this regard;
3. Refers the minor modification to the boundaries of the Selous Game Reserve, United Republic of Tanzania, to allow the State Party to complete the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and to also allow for adequate time for IUCN to complete its evaluation of the proposed boundary modification, including a mission to the property;
4. Requests IUCN to urgently undertake an advisory mission to ensure that the EIA process can be completed expediently and in accordance with the standards of the World Heritage Convention;
5. Welcomes the commitment of the State Party to secure and enhance the continued effectiveness of the Selous-Niassa corridor as a key feature to maintaining the long-term integrity of the property;
6. Also welcomes the commitment of the State Party to make proposals for the inclusion into the property of additional land to the effect of further maintaining and enhancing the Outstanding Universal Value of the property;
7. Considers that modifications to boundaries of World Heritage properties that are related to mining activities should be considered through the procedure for significant modifications of boundaries, in accordance with paragraph 165 of the Operational Guidelines, given the potential impact of such projects on Outstanding Universal Value.
Original Decision Document