Frontiers of the Roman Empire

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Hadrian's Wall (United Kingdom)

At the time of inscription the site was not defined by mapped boundaries. In response to increasing threats through tourism, development etc., English Heritage together with the authorities and landowners devised a management plan for the site.

The Representative of ICOMOS underlined the exemplary nature of the management plan which ensures cooperation between all partners, a strategy for tourism management and provides a clear definition of the boundaries of the site. An extensive buffer zone has been identified along Hadrian's Wall and its associated sites. The plan further foresees the establishment of a database and periodic monitoring. 

The Bureau commended the authorities of the United Kingdom for the preparation of the management plan for Hadrian's Wall and for the clear delimitation of the site.

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State of conservation

In connection with discussions on the state of conservation of several World Heritage sites, the Bureau emphasized the need for the recognition of the World Heritage values in the integral planning at World Heritage sites, as well as the need for the establishment of adequate buffer zones. It also concluded that communications between all levels of government and the World Heritage Committee and its Secretariat should be improved so as to avoid that the World Heritage Committee be alerted too late in the process about inappropriate interventions and constructions in or close to World Heritage sites. The Representative of IUCN also commended the importance given in the Hadrian's Wall Management Plan to the site's World Heritage status and drew the Bureau's attention to the excellent emphasis on World Heritage in the planning ordinances for the City of Bath.

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State of conservation

In this context it was recalled that paragraph 56 of the Operational Guidelines invites the States Parties to inform the Committee, through the UNESCO Secretariat, of their intention to undertake or to authorize in the area protected under the Convention major restorations or new constructions which may affect the World Heritage value of the property, and that notice should be given as soon as possible and before making any decision that would be difficult to reverse, so that the Committee may assist in seeking appropriate solutions to ensure that the world heritage value of the site is fully preserved. In discussing the management plan for Hadrian's Wall, the Representative of ICOMOS noted that the matters of the boundaries, buffer zones and management mechanisms should receive particular attention in the context of the monitoring and reporting procedures that might be introduced following the decision-making at the General Assembly of States Parties later in the year.