Island of Mozambique

• Need for a detailed programme for the recuperation / rehabilitation of the island
• Storm in 1994
• Lack of funding
• Precarious state of conservation of the stone
• Solid waste collection
• Presence  of squatters in the Stone City

At the nineteenth session of the World Heritage Committee (1995), the Committee was informed that an "Integrated Rehabilitation Programme” had been defined and that the creation of a funds-in-trust was envisaged to finance the programme. Subsequently, in July 1996, under assistance of the World Heritage Fund, a comprehensive and detailed report “Ilha de Mozambique - an Agenda for Sustainable Human Development and Integral Conservation” was prepared, and its action plan foresees:

a) establishing a project authority jointly between the Government and the United Nations system through UNESCO, with UNDP and multi-donor contributions;

b) establishing a national Steering Committee under the leadership of a minister which the Government considers appropriate (it could be the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture) working together with the Ministries and their respective technicians of Public Works, the Environment, Tourism, Housing and other sectors involved in privatisation and investment;

c) setting up a Project Office on the Island

In July 1997, the WHC was informed by the UNESCO Office in Maputo that the Government of Mozambique has responded positively to the report. Consequently, a revised version of the 1996 report - "A Programme for Sustainable Human Development and Integral Conservation", was prepared at the request of the authorities of Mozambique.

The approach of a joint integrated rehabilitation which has been adopted will ensure

that the Island’s heritage will be preserved in a sustainable manner. The comprehensive social and economic programme for the Island has the following aims:

a) Rehabilitation of the human settlement: (infrastructure, education, health);

b) An overall cultural component:

* cultural tourism

* handicrafts programme

* centres for artists and creative arts

* sub-marine archaeology

* enhancement of national heritage legislation;

c) Physical restoration of the cultural heritage.

On 14 July 1997, UNDP New York, established a Trust Fund for the Ilha of Mozambique and has already allocated US$ 300,000, decentralized to the UNESCO Office in Maputo. The Programme, a copy of which was circulated to potential donors in Maputo, has generated considerable interest. The UNESCO Office in Maputo has requested the World Heritage Centre's co-operation for the preparation of a donors' meeting in Maputo. The meeting is expected to take place in 1998. In addition, the Director-General of UNESCO launched on the 3 September 1997, during his visit to Mozambique, an appeal to the international community for the support of the rehabilitation of the Island.

The conservation and restoration component shall be supervised by the World Heritage Centre which has already provided an Associate Expert, an architect, for two years, as of September 1997.

In addition, training activities foreseen in the rehabilitation programme for the Ilha could be provided from the World Heritage Fund if a request is prepared. It is clear that the World Heritage Centre has neither the mandate nor the capability to implement the Programme approved by the authorities of Mozambique.