The Alps of the Mediterranean will not be entering the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019. The site’s application is based on the exceptional nature of its geology, its environmental integrity, and its levels of protection and management.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) raised a number of reservations regarding this cross-border dossier. Therefore, the local authorities, along with the three states involved in this application (France, Italy, Monaco), decided to withdraw their application before the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
An unexpected twist that changed the course of events. In consultation with the managers, local authorities, and the 3 States (France, Italy, and Monaco) involved, withdrawal was the preferred option.
The opinion from the International Union for Conservation of Nature was received with composure, primarily to maximize the chances for the “Alps of the Mediterranean” application.
The technical committee for the application of the Alps of the Mediterranean “reaffirms its commitment at the local level for the revision of the application dossier and the support from the competent authorities.”
The horizon of 2020 being still too close to perfect the entire dossier, the 2021 allocation committee session is now being targeted.
