Phase III of this project aims to implement activities to ensure site security; ensure the structural stability of the two standing Giant Buddha niches; ensure adequate state of conservation of archaeological remains and mural paintings, and implement the Management Plan and Cultural Master Plan (the protective zoning plan). The duration of phase III is foreseen from June 2008 to April 2011.
This Bamiyan phase III project will provide technical assistance to the Afghan authorities for the World Heritage property of the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley. The implementing agencies include UNESCO (World Heritage Centre and Kabul office); ICOMOS-Germany; Aga Khan Foundation (Bamiyan); ISPRA (Italian Institute for Protection and Environmental Research); National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (NRICP) Tokyo and Nara; RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Munich with general contribution from the Government of Japan. This project for the conservation and sustainable management of the World Heritage property of Bamiyan is fully in line with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and Afghan National Development Strategy. It is hoped that the conservation of this outstanding heritage site contributes to promoting peace and fostering sustainable development, in particular for the people of Bamiyan, and in Afghanistan as a whole, by demonstrating the possibility of building sustainable communities on recognition of cultural diversity and the appropriate use of the natural and cultural environment.
Expected Results:
- Long term stability of the two standing giant Buddha niches ensured and an intervention plan for their continued maintenance developed;
- State of conservation of the site improved:
a) Completed conservation works for the mural paintings in the selected Buddhist caves, and a long-term conservation and monitoring plan established;
b) Completed conservation works and inventory of the fragments of the two Buddha statues, and appropriate conservation and heritage interpretation methods identified;
c)Completed geological survey on the main cliff and the Kakrak Buddha niche to ensure their long-term stability, sustainable security, and safety;
Management Plan and the Cultural master Plan implemented:
a) Increased institutional capacity in the Ministry of Information & Culture, the ministry of Urban Development, and the inter-sectoral Bamiyan Cultural Landscape Co-ordination Committee (BCLCC) to manage the site;
b)World Heritage management plan and Cultural Master Plan (protective zoning plan) adopted and implemented;
c) Completed study to specify the extent of the cultural heritage zone within the World Heritage boundaries, to ensure their adequate protection;
- Awareness increased among the local habitants afghan citizens, the international community, and potential visitors of the site's Outstanding Universal value and the importance of its conservation;
- Capacity of local community and authorities increased in various aspects of heritage conservation and site management;
- Input provided to the local authorities on a Sustainable Cultural Tourism Plan in compliance with the Management plan, Cultural master Plan, and the regional development strategy.
Lead organization/sector: Office World Heritage Centre and UNESCO Kabul Office
Donor country: Government of Japan
Total project Cost: US$1,544,710.
Associated Organization(s): ICOMOS; National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo; Aachen University, Germany
Afghanistan