World Heritage 35 COM

Patrimoine mondial
Distribution limited / limitée Paris, 26 April / 26 avril 2011
Original: English

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL,

SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES
POUR L'EDUCATION, LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE

CONVENTION CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF THE WORLD

CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
CONVENTION CONCERNANT LA PROTECTION DU PATRIMOINE
MONDIAL, CULTUREL ET NATUREL

WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE / COMITE DU PATRIMOINE MONDIAL

Thirty-fifth session / Trente-cinquième session

Paris, France
19-29 June 2011 / 19-29 juin 2011

Item 7 of the Provisional Agenda: State of conservation of properties inscribed on

the World Heritage List and/or on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Point 7 de l’Ordre du jour provisoire: Etat de conservation de biens inscrits sur la

Liste du patrimoine mondial et/ou sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial en péril

MISSION REPORT / RAPPORT DE MISSION

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama (Panama)

(790bis)
Site archéologique de Panamá Viejo et district historique de Panamá
(Panamá) (N° 790bis)

27 – 31 October 2010 / 27 – 31 octobre 2010

This mission report should be read in conjunction with Document:

Ce rapport de mission doit être lu conjointement avec le document suivant:
WHC-11/35.COM/7B
Report on the Reactive Monitoring Mission to
The Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and
Historic District of Panamá (Panama)

27 – 31 October 2010

Dr. Nuria Sanz (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

Dr. Isabel Rigol (ICOMOS)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The participants of this Reactive Monitoring Mission wish to thank the Instituto Nacional
de Patrimonio (INAP), the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre, and
ICOMOS, for the opportunity to undertake such an interesting and necessary
endeavour.

They would also like to convey their gratitude to the representatives of the State Party
for the high level of interest displayed in welcoming the Mission, and providing it with all
the means and information needed.

Special thanks to the Office of the President of the Republic of Panama; the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Public Works; the Office for the Historic District, and the
Patronato of Panama Viejo.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama was undertaken
from 27 – 31 October 2010, in response to the request of the World Heritage
Committee at its 34th Session held in Brasilia from 25 July 25 to 3 August 2010
(Decision 34 COM 7B.113).

Since the last Monitoring Mission in March 2009, efforts have been made by the National
Institute of Culture (INAC), the Office for the Historic District (OCA) and the Patronato
of Panama Viejo to properly address the various threats facing the property. However
progress made by the INAC and the OCA in terms of technical or legal studies and
proposals, inter-institutional agreements, educational or cultural programmes among
other positive actions, have not yet resulted in a significant impact on the improvement
of the property’s management or the physical conservation of the attributes that sustain
its Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity.

There are numerous factors which have been affecting the World Heritage property,
such as the acute and progressive deterioration of the built heritage, the precarious
living conditions of low income sectors, real estate speculation, and difficulties with
management and authority; all posing serious threats to the Outstanding Universal
Value, integrity and authenticity of the Historic District.

Among the currently existing problems, the construction of the Cinta Costera is probably
the most alarming one. This ambitious and costly project which forms part of a broader
‘Thoroughfare Plan for the Capital’ has its Phase 1 running along Panama City’s
coastline, with its Phase 2 running along the traditional harbour area known as Terraplén
and is currently close to being finalized. Although this Phase 2 is positive in terms of the
public hygiene of the area, it presents a rather unnecessary and radical transformation of
the waterfront. A third phase, to be started soon (as evidenced by the publicized call for
tender), is planned to either surround the peninsula of the Historic District or surpass it
through a tunnel. The first option would aggressively modify the natural seascape of the
old town, and the second could result in risks to the physical conditions of the historic
buildings, some of which are in danger of collapse.

In both cases, the values and the integrity for which the District was included in the
World Heritage List could suffer irreversible losses. Despite several requests and
warnings from the World Heritage Committee, the State Party has not submitted the
Cinta Costera Project for the review and approval of the World Heritage Centre and the
Advisory Bodies, neither has it presented the requested impact studies.

Panama Viejo presents a starkly different situation. It is efficiently managed by its

Patronato and the archaeological park is duly and systematically preserved. Fund raising,
interpretation, promotional and educational actions all form ongoing activities at the
site. There is also a skilled team of professionals who continue to work on the research
and conservation of the site.

A feasible alternative among those proposed by the Patronato for the Avenida
Cincuentenario (as the main threat to Panama Viejo) has been recently opened for bidding
by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), with the aim to commence work on the
deviation of the road to eliminate this threat to the property.

According to the declarations of the President of the Republic, who kindly welcomed
the Mission at his office, it is expected that a more comprehensive national policy for
World Heritage will be developed, which would include all Ministries and the various
public and private stakeholders.

LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

-The World Heritage Committee at its 35th Session in 2011 should inscribe the
property on the List of World Heritage in Danger in order to address the concerns and
challenges currently facing the site;

-Considering that (1) the Republic of Panama is currently undergoing an exceptionally

accelerated development process, (2) also possesses a large number of cultural and
natural World Heritage properties in proportion to its small territory, and (3) the
currently expressed will of the President to comply with all the compromises regarding
the 1972 World Heritage Convention; the possibility exists to use this State Party as a
paradigm of good practices related to heritage and development under the direct
sponsorship of the President of the Republic;

-In order to progressively achieve this condition, a new, comprehensive and legally
supported national policy is urgently needed, endorsed by the Government of Panama at
its highest levels;
 -INAC´s proposal for a National World Heritage Committee should be approved and
implemented as soon as possible;

-The proposal for the Historic District to be established as a special territory with a
legal status should be defined and implemented urgently;

-In addition to the recently signed agreement between Panama Viejo and the Historic
District as two components of one World Heritage property, the responsible authority
or entity to unify criteria and coordinate actions must be defined;

-The Emergency Plan submitted in 2009 must be adjusted according to the above
mentioned objectives, with a clearer and more practical approach to priorities, dates,
financial agreements, etc; as well as endorsed at the highest levels of the State Party;

- A definitive Master Plan for the Historic District must be concluded and implemented;

-The proposal for the Historic District’s buffer zone should be urgently finalized and
submitted for approval as a legal document;

-A legal and satisfactory solution for those pending cases such as the Hotel Central and
the PH Independencia must be elaborated with the support of the top levels of the State
Party if necessary, in order to avoid the generalized feeling of impunity as it relates to
the historic environment;

-The Cinta Costera Project Phase 3 should be immediately suspended and technical
information on proposed alternatives submitted to the World Heritage Centre for
further analysis and to start the consultative process. A study of the impacts of all
alternatives for the Cinta Costera Project should be urgently carried out. The World
Heritage Centre and ICOMOS express their willingness to evaluate the projects in their
entirety, in collaboration with the Odebrecht Construction Company, the Ministry of
Public Works (MOP), INAC and the OCA. 1 If necessary, the World Heritage Centre
may designate a highly specialized expert on these matters as a Consultant;

-A capacity building and training programme on World Heritage management should be

implemented, addressing all sectors and involving the needs to be addressed and
systematically applied;

- If the Cinta Costera Project Phase 3 is constructed, the process of commencing the
property’s delisting from the World Heritage List is envisaged.

1
Brazilian Odebrecht Company has recently expressed its will to collaborate with UNESCO on this project.
1. BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION

For 1.1 Inscription history and 1.2 Inscription Criteria and World Heritage values see
Annex 1. Report of the WHC/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the
Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama, 11 – 17 March
2009, at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents/.

1.3 Examination of the state of conservation by the World Heritage

Committee and its Bureau.

The last examination of the state of conservation by the World Heritage Committee
took place during its 34th Session held in Brasilia, Brazil, July 2010.

As factors affecting the property identified from the reports of the World Heritage
Centre/ ICOMOS reactive monitoring missions undertaken in March 2009 and March
2010 respectively, the Committee underlined the following 2 :

a) Severe deterioration of historic buildings that threaten the Outstanding Universal

Value of the property;
b) Conflicting interests of different stakeholders with regards to the use, management
and conservation of the Historic Centre;
c) Limited capacity for the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic structures;
d) Deficiencies in the implementation of the legislative framework for protection;
e) Lack of implementation of clear conservation and management policies for the
property;
f) Demolition of urban ensembles and buildings;
g) Forced displacement of occupants and squatters;
h) Urban development projects within the protected area (i.e. Cinta Costera).

Regarding the conservation issues at the moment of the 34th Session, the World
Heritage Committee’s Working Document emphasized the following 3 :

“The World Heritage Centre received information regarding the state of conservation,
and additional information concerning Panama Viejo on 20 October 2009. The State
Party submitted an Emergency Plan for corrective measures for the property from
which some information about the implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s
Decision can be gleaned. In addition, within the context of a Reactive Monitoring
Mission to the Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama, the national authorities
requested a technical visit to the property for an assessment of current conditions and
issues.

2
Document WHC-10/34.COM/7B. Paris, 22 June, 2010. Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama
.Panama (C 790bis)
3
Idem
The information received and the technical visit to the property highlighted concerns
regarding the Historic District of Panama and how the absence of a clear policy
concerning the preservation and development of the area was significantly affecting the
site. There have been cases of aggressive interventions and alterations resulting in
irreversible damage to the site’s integrity and authenticity. Neglected buildings are in
danger of collapse and funds previously allocated by the Inter American Development
Bank (IDB) for social housing have been rerouted to other projects, further
compounding the poor social conditions that exist at the site”.

A. Emergency Plan

ICOMOS conducted an evaluation of the document submitted by the State Party and
considers that it encompasses a characterization of the property, an assessment of
current conditions by means of SWOT matrixes and conclusions on risks and
vulnerabilities, and a list of measures focused on addressing identified risks and threats.

The document reflects the efforts made in comprehensively analyzing the current
situation from the state of conservation of the property to the assessment of existing
legislative and regulatory frameworks, which confirms concerns pointed out during
previous reactive monitoring and expert missions, and identified in previous Decisions
of the World Heritage Committee.

Notwithstanding the detailed assessment, the proposals for actions are limited and there
is no indication regarding timelines, sources of funding or how corrective measures and
actions will be implemented. Similarly, criteria and methods for interventions at historic
buildings are lacking. The document is more focused on a long-term strategic vision for
the management and conservation of the property, which would still require further
work, than on the emergency action plan requested by the World Heritage Committee.

B. Legislative and regulatory measures and management arrangements for

the property.

The submitted plan provides a detailed analysis of existing governance mechanisms for
the property, however there is no indication whether existing arrangements will be
revised in the near future to enhance the protection of the property, and to ensure the
sustainability of the management system currently in place. Measures for enforcing legal
instruments are also not indicated.

According to previous World Heritage Committee Decisions, there has been no

significant improvement in terms of the coordinated management of the property. It was
also emphasized that the management conditions of the two sites which integrate the
World Heritage property are quite different: Panama Viejo is being managed by the
Patronato, while the arrangements for the Historic District still need to be evaluated and
organized, as suggested by previous Decisions of the World Heritage Committee, the
2009 reactive monitoring mission and the 2010 expert mission. A coordinated
management system for both sites needs to be established as soon as possible.
C. Buffer zone
The document indicates that the buffer zone for the Historic District is currently under
evaluation. There is no additional information on the timeframe for legal approval or on
the regulatory measures foreseen.

D. Interventions at historic monuments

Regarding Panama Viejo, the document submitted by the State Party includes the
proposal for the intervention at Plaza Mayor. The mission found that the Patronato
continues working with efficiency and commitment. Several interventions to adapt a
portion of the monumental space for new functions have been carefully implemented.
The project for the new exhibition and interpretation facilities at the site was recently
modified, moving its location to some distance from the old tower, following the
recommendations of the 2009 mission.

With regard to the Historic Centre, information on planned and ongoing projects,
including the structural changes at the Hotel Central and the impacts of the PH Plaza
Independencia condominium, was not included.

The mission found that although the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INAC), the National
Historic Heritage Directorate (DNPH) and the Office of the Historic District (Oficina del
Casco Antiguo-OCA) are working hard and demonstrate serious regarding the solutions
for the issues pointed out by the World Heritage Committee, many negative aspects
currently persist. Various buildings have been rehabilitated and many others are
currently being restored, however there are a significant number of neglected buildings
at risk of collapse. It also noted that real estate speculation and interests continue to
pervade decision-making processes, leading to detrimental interventions at the property.

E. Housing policy for the Historic District

The information sent does not specify whether a decision or progress has been made in
this respect. The Emergency Plan should comprise a detailed programme regarding the
buildings to be intervened for housing purposes, the types of interventions foreseen,
timelines and budgets for implementation, among others. No information regarding the
implementation of some of the recommendations of the reactive monitoring mission of
2009 was included, specifically with regards to the financial mobilization for public
investment processes on housing and infrastructure, and the sustainable policy for the
improvement of the low income families´ living conditions.

The mission noted that very limited works for the provision of social housing are
currently being implemented and that acute social conflicts have not decreased. It also
underscored that funds allocated by the IDB for social housing have been re-allocated to
other areas, leading to the cancellation of initiatives that had proven successful. The
mission considers that the gentrification of the property has gradually increased.
F. Avenida Cincuentenario

This project concerns mainly Panama Viejo, where five alternative routes have been
identified and submitted to the national authorities, and are currently being evaluated by
the Ministry of Public Works and other involved entities. No evidence of an approved
budget or implementation project dates has been provided. According to the 2010
expert mission, the Patronato supports the alternative proposed by the 2009 Reactive
Monitoring Mission, which would see the project being developed along one edge of the
site, as this option seems to cause the least impact and will help with a better de-
limitation of the property.

G. Cinta Costera

The Cinta Costera project is a coastal freeway being executed at the seaside area of
Terraplén that is projected to continue along the border of the Historic Centre, with
plans for a tunnel beneath the Centre’s core. At the 33rd session of the World Heritage
Committee, the State Party was requested to, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the
Operational Guidelines, to submit to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies,
a final report, including the analysis and monitoring of the potential impacts of this
project. The Mission in 2010 realized that the State Party had commenced the execution
of this project. No additional information could be procured regarding the social
impacts, conservation requirements, impact assessments, etc. of this project. The
Mission was therefore left to conclude that these assessments were not undertaken.

H. Other issues

Within the framework of the Periodic Reporting Exercise for the Region, the
“Workshop on the Preparation of the Retrospective Inventory, Retrospective statement
of Outstanding Universal Value of the properties included on the World Heritage List
and an introduction to the Second Cycle of the Periodic Reporting for the Latin
America and Caribbean Region” took place November 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The focal point for Panama participated and was trained on how to produce the
Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value. The State Party had submitted
a proposal which was to be revised and resubmitted to the World Heritage Centre by
31 July 2010. No information on the evaluation and update of the current Master Plan
and detailed regulations for the Historic District has been submitted.

To conclude, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that the
received information does not provide a definite and precise course of action to address
the current threats to the property that have been highlighted in the 2009 reactive
monitoring mission and in Decisions made by the World Heritage Committee. There
are no clear schedules or comprehensive technical information about how critical issues,
including social housing and its derived conflicts, the impacts of the Cinta Costera and
the alternative route for the Avenida Cincuentenario will be addressed. The document
does not evidence how the highest level of authority will commit to the conservation of
the property or the definition of a clear policy for the preservation and development of
the historic area.
The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies consider that factoring the
emergency situation as discussed in previous World Heritage Committee sessions that
affect a high proportion of the buildings in the Historic District, and which encompasses
a wide range of other threats, and given the very limited response observed by the
various missions, it is evident that the current situation threatens the attributes of the
Historic District which sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
They consider that the World Heritage Committee may wish to send a reactive
monitoring mission to asses the state of conservation of the property and to evaluate
progress made in addressing the various threats with a view to include the property on
the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2011 if no substantial progress is made.

See Decision: 34 COM 7B.113 on Annex 2.

PREVIOUS DECISIONS

DECISION 33COM 7B.141

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-09/33.COM/7B.Add,

2. Recalling Decision 32 COM 7B.126, adopted at its 32nd session (Quebec City,
2008),

3. Notes the progress report on the preparation of the Statement of Outstanding

Universal Value of the property and requests the State Party to further develop it in
consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies to integrate all
components of the inscribed property and to meet the requirements of the Operational
Guidelines;

4. Also notes the results of the 2009 joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive
monitoring mission, endorses its recommendations and requests the State Party to
implement them by 30 November 2009 and in particular to:

a) Develop an Emergency Plan for corrective measures that delineates a precise course
of action for the conservation of the historic buildings and the rehabilitation of neglected
buildings to address social lodging concerns.

b) Prepare the Emergency Plan within the framework of a broad participatory decision-
making process and guarantee the commitment of the highest levels of authority to the
conservation of the property;

5. Urges the State Party to:

a) Approve of the revised legislative proposal to enhance the protection and the
regulatory measures of the property and to establish one permanent management
authority to ensure the sustainability of the management system of the property;

b) Continue developing a housing policy for the urban district in order to improve the
living conditions of the low-income families and to reactivate technical and financial
assistance from international cooperation agencies;

c) Define alternative routes to the Avenida Cincuentenario given the impacts on the
property's Outstanding Universal Value, integrity and authenticity;

6. Also requests the State Party to, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational
Guidelines, submit the following information to the World Heritage Centre and

11
ICOMOS for evaluation and consideration by the World Heritage Committee prior to
implementation:

a) The intervention proposals for historic buildings within the protected area;

b) The proposed boundaries for the buffer zones of Panama Viejo and the Historic
District, including the appropriate cartography and the legal framework for their
regulation and protection;

c) A final report including the analysis and monitoring of the potential impacts derived
from the construction of the Cinta Costera;

7. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2010, a detailed report on the state of conservation of the property and on
the progress made in the implementation of the above recommendations, for the
examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010.

Decision: 32 COM 7B.126

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/7B,

2. Recalling Decision 27 COM 8C.40, adopted at its 27th session (UNESCO, 2003),

3. Requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and
ICOMOS, to develop a draft Statement of Outstanding Universal Value including the
conditions of integrity and authenticity, for examination by the World Heritage
Committee at its 33rd session in 2009;

4. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, a
comprehensive report on the current management system;

5. Additionally requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre /
ICOMOS
Reactive Monitoring mission to assess the current state of conservation, the authenticity
and the integrity of the property, and to give recommendations to enhance management
and conservation practices, as well as guidance on an Emergency Plan;

6. Requests moreover the State Party to provide the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2009, with an updated report on the issues above, for examination by the
World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009, with a view to considering,
in the absence of substantial progress, the inscription of the property on the
List of World Heritage in Danger.

12
1.4 Justification of the Mission.
This Mission responds to Decision 34 COM 7B.113 of the World Heritage
Committee, where the State Party was requested to invite a joint World Heritage
Centre/Advisory Bodies Reactive Monitoring Mission in 2010, to assess the state of
interventions at the historic monuments, current management arrangements, planned
development projects and the state of conservation of the property (See Annex 2.
Terms of Reference, Programme and Composition of Mission Team).

2. NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF

THE WORLD HERITAGE PROPERTY.

For Protected Area legislation, Institutional Framework and Management structure, see
Annex 1. Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and
the Historic District of Panama 11 – 17 March 2009.

3. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES / THREATS

3.1 Management effectiveness

-The INAC has developed a proposal for the creation of a National World Heritage
Commission, which is currently undergoing legal approval with the status of a
Presidential Decree. The Committee will be subordinated to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and aims to ensure compliance with the compromises of the State Party with
regards to Panamanian World Heritage sites and the systematic coordination of all
issues with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre and
the Advisory Bodies.

-The Office for the Historic District (OCA) and the Patronato of Panama Viejo recently
signed Agreement No. 003-2010 related to the joint coordination of efforts on the
conservation and management of the two sites that comprise the World Heritage
property. The coordination of actions between the two components of the property
(Panama Viejo and the Historic District) has not yet been implemented.

3.1.1 Management of the Historic District

Since the Reactive Monitoring Mission in March 2009, some advances have taken place:

-The INAC and the OCA have been reviewing the currently employed legal instruments
in order to update them and identify if new documents are necessary. These entities are
for instance studying the possibility of officially declaring the Historic Center as a special
district with all the necessary authorities, and will be possibly subordinated to the Office
of the President, with eligible authorities, own electricity, water supply, sewage and
other infrastructural systems.

13
-Several agreements have been achieved between the OCA and other involved entities
to coordinate actions for the improvement of technical infrastructure, housing
rehabilitation, etc.

-The OCA has undertaken numerous studies regarding housing and other social aspects,
hydraulic, sanitary and electrical infrastructure, transportation, cultural industries and
others that would facilitate the formulation of plans and, above all, the updating of a
Master Plan, which would be legislatively supported.

-Some educational and cultural programmes have been cancelled.

However in spite of the above-mentioned efforts, the Historic District’s management

still remains inefficient due to the following reasons:

-INAC´s National Heritage Directorate and the OCA have insufficient authority to
adequately intervene in the various processes taking place in the Historic District.

-The insufficiency, complexity and dualities of the legal instruments persist and do not
allow the proper sanctions or orientation with regards to the negative actions on the
patrimonial areas.

-There is a lack of stimuli for investments in the area, due to a generalized feeling of
insufficient security, social conflicts, lack of services, etc. The formerly acting Law on
Incentives which could greatly help continues without implementation.

-Non-existence of a definitively updated and legally supported Master Plan for the
Historic District, although several proposals have been developed over the years.

-There is no clear coordination of decisions regarding the City of Panama’s territory and
those of the Historic District. This is evident, in for example, the ‘Plan for the
Development of the City’s Thoroughfares’ currently promoted by the Ministry of Public
Works, and which foresees a continuation to the Cinta Costera (Coastal Freeway)
surrounding the Historic District or through a tunnel. This Plan has not been fully
coordinated with INAC´s Heritage Directorate.

-A definitive proposal for the Historic District ´s buffer zone has not been concluded, so
there is not yet any legal support for this proposal. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism
is currently promoting a large scaled development for a convention centre, cruise ship
facilities, etc. within the area foreseen by the OCA as a buffer zone. This development
will require large land fills on the sea side. No environmental and heritage impact
assessments have as yet been concluded regarding the impacts of this development on
the buffer zone, on possible archaeological findings or other values.

-Lack of knowledge regarding UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, the Operational
Guidelines, or the potential sustainable use of heritage for human development, etc.

14
-The Emergency Programme on Social Housing meant to alleviate the alarming
conditions of the popular dwellings in the area, and requested by the World Heritage
Committee, has not yet been duly prioritized in the form of allocated resources or
related policies.

-The technical regulations comprising the Manual of Standards and Proceedings for the
rehabilitation of the Historic District of Panama City, approved by Executive Decree 51/
2004, are often violated. Examples of this are the cases of the PH Independencia and
Hotel Central both on the main Plaza, which have not had a satisfactory solution due to
the already mentioned weakness of the current legal instruments and their proper
enforcement.

-The status of government owned properties which could be restored for social
purposes, is complicated because- in many cases- the soil is a public property but the
buildings are private.

-There is no adequate complex of common services (such as supermarkets, drugstores,

parking lots etc) and neither are there plans for developing these amenities for the
benefit of residents and tourists.

-The Tourism authorities maintain that the District cannot yet be considered a tourism
destination because it is unsafe and lacking necessary services.

-While a significant budget has been allocated to the enlargement of the City’s
Thoroughfare System, funds for the rehabilitation of the Historic District remain
insufficient in relation to current needs.

-The social, cultural and educational projects sponsored by the OCA are insufficient in
relation to needs; and others (such as Calicanto and Aprojusan) promoted until 2009 by
non governmental entities have ended due to a lack of support.

-The relationship between the heritage authorities on one side and community
associations such as the Asociación de Vecinos del Casco Antiguo(AVACA) on the other, as
well as professional organizations ( ICOMOS, Sociedad de Ingenieros y Arquitectos de
Panamá), is not positively developed resulting in the under-utilization of available
expertise.

3.1.2 Management of Panama Viejo

-As a result of the prestige, commitment and actions of many of its members, the
Patronato remains a highly respected entity by all stakeholders;

-The technical-administrative directorship of the site continues working rigorously and

efficiently on the site’s management, with the skilled support of its team of professionals;

15
-The buffer zone legally established by Law No.16 from 2007 is adequately working and
regulations are being enforced;

- There is increasing fundraising capacity by the Patronato aimed at guaranteeing research

and conservation related activities;

-The conservation laboratory has been completed and fitted with specialized equipment
and staff;

-The consolidation and maintenance of ruins has continued, although signs of humidity
can be observed in some areas. Their urgent treatment and related systematic
monitoring is foreseen;

-The recent restoration of the ruins of the Compañía de Jesús for a lecture hall, subtly
inserting some contemporary elements, has been a notable achievement;

-Five alternatives for the deviation of the Cincuentenario Avenue, which currently
traverses the site, have been carefully studied and proposed by the Patronato; and
according to recent information from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the
alternative chosen by the Patronato will be adopted. It seems apparent that the MOP has
abandoned the idea posed previously, of having the Avenue deviate through the site’s
coastal strip. This was an option firmly rejected by the Patronato as harmful to the Park’s
integrity and to its natural maritime border;

-A study by environmental professionals is currently being undertaken in order to

identify a suitable management solution for the increasing mangrove growth on the
coast.

3.2 Nature and extent of threats to the property, taking into consideration
the values for which the property was inscribed and specific issues outlined
by the World Heritage Committee

3.2.1 Historic District:

-The acute deterioration of many buildings (whether inhabited or empty) persists;

-A high percentage of privately owned buildings (more than 80 %) are neglected;

-There is strong speculation on the built heritage, and the value of a property can
extend from 3000 to 4000 USD per m2.

-While progressive gentrification is taking place, the living conditions of a large number
of low income families have not improved;

-There are large numbers of dwellings in poor condition and inhabited by low income
families. According to the OCA’s data, 240 families live in extreme poverty, however a

16
simple inspection would reveal that a much larger number of persons live under
precarious conditions. At the fore of this alarming situation, is the apparent lack of
priority being given by the Ministry of Housing (MIVI) to the improvement of living
conditions in the Historic District;

-The numerous social challenges such as increasing violence, gangs and others related
issues that threaten the area’s security are mainly due to the precarious living
conditions;

-As a consequence of violating existing technical regulations and the subsequent weak
legal enforcement by the authorities, there are frequent alterations and loss of values of
emblematic landmarks. For example, the Hotel Central is currently undergoing
questionable reconstruction, after a large portion of its original components were
arbitrarily destroyed; and at the PH Independencia where new and aggressive volumes
were added to create new high standard apartments4 ;

-The former Santo Domingo Convent, rehabilitated and adapted to cultural and
commercial functions and opened in early 2010, is now closed without any social use,
consequently the resources used on its restoration have been wasted. The general
neglect of the building also contributes greatly to its deterioration;

-The large (and significant) numbers of vehicles (approximately 400, 000) which circulate
the Historic District on a daily basis contribute significantly to problems of congestion,
pollution, and general insecurity;

- In spite of successive warnings by the World Heritage Committee, the Cinta Costera
Phase 2 is currently under accelerated construction at the Historic District’s former
harbour area known as Terraplén, without the necessary social and visual impact studies
- as it relates to a historic area, being sent to the World Heritage Centre. As far as it
can be appreciated, it is the case of a new and very wide strip on the waterfront that,
although it might improve the hygienic conditions of this area, definitely modifies its old
harbour character and close views of the waterfront; 5

-The underground parking area presently under construction as part of the Cinta Costera
Phase 2 on the Terraplén, is huge, unnecessary and out of scale, and instead of hiding its
shape, exceeds the street level by about one meter;

-The projects for the Cinta Costera Phase 3 are even more dangerous to the integrity of
the Old District. They have also not been submitted to the World Heritage Centre and
the Advisory Bodies for review, neither is there any indication of environmental and

4
The investors of the Hotel Central were fined USD 50, 000 which does not compensate the losses they produced on this valuable building.
Regarding the intervention on the PH Independencia – INAC informs it is not possible to act because it was, though erroneously, officially
permitted by the Heritage Directorate and it is not currently possible to revoke this decision.
5
It is to regret that- instead of building such an expensive thoroughfare with several lanes probably suitable for a considerable speed- they did
not work out the rehabilitation of the existent street, its picturesque seafront and its buildings providing it with attractive services on the
ground floors, preserving the maritime harbor character for tourism, recreation and culture.

17
heritage impact studies having been undertaken although repeated requests have been
made by the World Heritage Committee;

-Based on information received from the MOP, the Cinta Costera Phase 3 will be
developed from the Terraplén (Arosemena Street, current Phase 2 to concluded soon) to
the zone of Amador, as part of an ambitious Thoroughfare Plan for Panama, that, far
from benefitting the Historic District, intends to use it as a connection and would
strongly impact its integrity. 6 The MOP has worked out two alternatives:

a) Surrounding the Historic District;

b) Traversing the Historic District with a tunnel.

Alternative A - is unacceptable as it would transform the District’s traditional form and

image on its coastline, an important part of the values which warranted inscription on
the World Heritage List.
Alternative B - besides being too expensive could signify risks to the structural stability
of the old and deteriorated built heritage.7

Neither the Odebrecht Company (in charge of construction) nor the MOP has developed
a third alternative for the Historic District;

-The District’s water supply and sewage infrastructure are also in a severely
deteriorated state;
.
-Signage on streets and public spaces is also poor.

3.2.2 Panama Viejo:

-The Avenida Cincuentenario remains the most significant threat. As traffic consistently
increases, any delay in executing the necessary works to deviate the Avenue could pose
additional dangers.

3.3 Positive or negative developments in the conservation of the property

since the last report to the World Heritage Committee.

3.3.1 Historic District

Since the last report to the World Heritage Committee, there have been
positive developments:

-A detailed diagnosis of the Cathedral has been undertaken to urgently start its
restoration with allocated funds;

7
The Brazilian Company Odebrecht is studying the tunnel alternative and assures that - according to their experience on tunnels like the one
they built under the historic zone of Chiado in Lisbonne- they have all the means to avoid any risks.

18
 -Under a private initiative, several buildings have been successfully rehabilitated for new
hostels (for example, Las Clementinas), which has helped to create a necessary and
agreeable accommodation network, resulting in the provision of local jobs.
Rehabilitation projects for new private hotels that will increase lodging facilities and
enhance the areas where they are located are currently being worked on. For example,
Hotels Plaza Herrera, Convento and Unión, as well as others, all comply with stated
technical regulations;
-Over ten very attractive restaurants and cafes were recently installed in the District;
-Security has improved due to the permanent patrolling of the District by the
Presidential Guard;
-Though only destined for higher income groups and contributing to gentrification, there
is an increasing number of well rehabilitated buildings providing apartments for rent or
sale and, in general, rescuing the built heritage;
-The ongoing cleaning of Panama Bay will conclude in 2010. With a budget of USD 430
million, it will also be of benefit to the Historic District.

As the most negative developments:

-The amount of restoration/rehabilitation works concluded or started by the OCA since

2009 to October 2010 is deemed to be small in comparison to the largely deteriorated
conditions that still exist regarding the built heritage;
- The ideal balance between private and public investments is far from being achieved;
- Although the Terraplén traditional waterfront area presented great functional, visual
and sanitation problems, as well as urgently needed rehabilitation, the costly Cinta
Costera Phase 2 on Arosemena Street and the seaside has radically modernized or
modified the area’s traditional form instead of promoting its reorganization/
revitalization while profiting from a picturesque harbour;
- The Cinta Costera Phase 3, according to the MOP’s projections, would shortly either
start surrounding the Historic District or traversing it by a tunnel, however as stated
previously, both alternatives present a threat to the site.

3.3.2 Panamá Viejo

As positive developments, the following can be mentioned:

-The restoration and re-adaption of the Compañia de Jesus was concluded and a beautiful
lecture hall is currently functioning in its spaces;
-The maintenance of all ruins, lawn and facilities is systematically performed;
-Specialized studies for a management solution for the mangroves growing on the coastal
border are being conducted;
-Final discussions with the MOP on the Cincuentenario Avenue took place and the
deviation of the highway is currently under the bidding process.

3.4 Information on any specific threat or damage to or loss of Outstanding

Universal Value, integrity and/or authenticity for which the property was
inscribed.

19
Over the last 5 years, Missions and assessments conducted have concluded that the
property is in danger of losing its Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity,
for the following reasons:

-While the state of conservation of a large number of buildings in the Historic District
remains precarious, and many remain empty or in danger of collapse, the general amount
of restoration works is small;

-Real estate speculation, far from being controlled, is increasing;

-Social conflicts continue to be a serious concern due to the large number of families who
live under crowded and unhealthy conditions, while the State Party’s entities (Ministry of
Housing, OCA, etc.) have not prioritized this matter; neither are there allocated
resources for its progressive alleviation and solution;

-The current projects for the Cinta Costera which are aimed at improving the difficulties of
the City’s Thoroughfare System would strongly affect the integrity and functioning of the
Historic District. Should Phase 3 be built surrounding the Historic District (the apparent
alternative promoted by MOP), the traditional form and image of the maritime border will
be irreversibly transformed;

-Should the State Party not comply in the short term with its compromise to deviate the
Cincuentenario Avenue, based to the alternative approved by the Patronato and already
accepted by MOP, the heavy traffic (pollution, vibrations, and noise) will continue affecting
the archaeological site;

-Should the coastal alternative for the deviation of the Cincuentenario Avenue be accepted
(in the past promoted by the MOP), the site’s natural maritime border could be altered
and any research on its underwater heritage would practically be impossible.

20
4. ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY

4.1Review whether the values, on the basis of which the property was
inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the conditions of integrity are being
maintained.
-The Historic District still retains the Outstanding Universal Value for which it was
inscribed on the World Heritage List, however if current threats are not urgently and
adequately dealt with, most of these values will be irretrievably lost.;

-Panama Viejo has retained its Outstanding Universal Value, its integrity and authenticity;
however these might become severely threatened if the Cincuentenario Avenue is not
properly deviated.

4.2 Review any follow-up measures to previous Decisions of the World

Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the property and
measures which the State Party plans to take to protect the Outstanding
Universal Value of the property

The current actions taken in response to the requests made by the World Heritage
Committee (Decision 34 COM 7B.113) at its 34th Session held in Brasilia, 2010, are as
follows:

a) Establish the buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic District,
including the definition of regulatory measures, and submit the information to
the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for consideration and
review
The buffer zone for Panama Viejo has been legally established, however the studies for the
Historic District’s buffer zone have not yet been concluded and no official proposals have
been submitted.

b) Approve the legislative proposal to enhance the protection and the

regulatory measures of the property and to establish one permanent
management authority to ensure the adequacy and efficiency of the
management arrangements.
-As stated in 3.1, the INAC has developed a proposal for the creation of a National
World Heritage Commission, under current legal approval with the status of a
Presidential Decree, sub-ordinated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aimed at
ensuring compliance with the compromises assumed by the State Party with regards to
Panamanian World Heritage properties and the systematic coordination of all issues with
the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the World Heritage Centre;

-The OCA and the Patronato of Panama Viejo have recently signed Agreement No. 003-
2010 related to the joint coordination of efforts on the conservation and rehabilitation of
the two sites that compose the World Heritage property;

21
-In spite of the two above-mentioned steps, the coordination of actions between the two
components of the property (Panama Viejo and the Historic District) has not yet been
consolidated.

c) Define policies for the preservation of the historic area, including criteria for
rehabilitation and new developments that could potentially impact the
property,

Though there is an official Manual with Regulations and Proceedings for the Restoration and
Rehabilitation of the Historic District, a clear and overall policy as an integral part of an
updated and legally supported Master Plan is currently missing.

d) Secure the required technical and financial resources to implement actions

to address pressing concerns that threaten the Outstanding Universal Value,
authenticity and integrity of the property;
The technical and financial resources available for the Historic District are insufficient to
adequately deal with the threats to its Outstanding Universal Value, its integrity and
authenticity.

Panama Viejo’s Patronato continues raising funds which allow proper management and
maintenance of the site. Their technical staff complement has increased and is efficient.
Notwithstanding, the deviation of the Avenida Cincuentenario is a costly action that depends
on the MOP. The MOP has recently included the relocation of the Cincuentenario Avenue
within a bidding named Master Plan for the Reorganization of the Thoroughfare System of
Panama City; studies, projects, construction and financing of works for the preservation of the
City’s historic heritage, which comprises other actions such as traditional paving and
underground wiring in the Historic District ;

-The demolition of the former crafts market in Panama Viejo will be undertaken in the
near future according to the Patronato´s programme;

-The projects for new facilities for interpretation and shops were adequately modified
according to the recommendations of the 2009 WHC-ICOMOS reactive monitoring
mission. The Patronato has the necessary funds to commence construction works.

It also requested that the State Party halt the Cinta Costera Project and to
submit, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the
necessary technical studies and impact assessments for consideration and
review by the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies prior to
approval and implementation

-Instead of halting this development, the works for the Cinta Costera´s Phase 2 on the
Terraplén waterfront has continued at a rapid rate, without any submissions being made to
the World Heritage Centre as requested;

22
-Phase 3, according to the projects presented by the MOP to the monitoring mission,
would either surround the Historic District (which seems to be the option currently
chosen) or traverse it by means of a tunnel. No studies on their physical, social or
functional impacts and risks have been undertaken at the present time.

-In addition, it was requested that the State Party invite a joint World
Heritage Centre/Advisory Bodies reactive monitoring mission in 2010 to
assess the state of interventions at the historic monuments, current
management arrangements, planned development projects and the state of
conservation of the property;

This last reactive monitoring mission was undertaken 27 - 31 October 2011 with the full
support of the State Party.

g) It further requested the State Party to submit to the World Heritage

Centre by 1 February 2011, a report on this issue above-mentioned, for
examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th session in 2011,
with a view to considering, in the absence of substantial progress, the
inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

This report was submitted for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th
Session in 2011.

23
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
5.1 Conclusions:
Based on the declarations of the President of the Republic, who kindly welcomed the
Mission at his office, it is hoped that greater emphasis will be placed by the State Party on
the various Panamanian World Heritage sites.

Nevertheless:
-INAC´s and OCA´s advances in terms of technical or legal studies and proposals, inter-
institutional agreements, a few educational or cultural programmes, among other positive
actions, do not yet translate to a practical and definitive impact on improvements in the
property’s management or on the physical conservation of its Outstanding Universal
Value, authenticity and integrity;

-In spite of the generalized lack of stimuli for investments in the Historic District, there
has been some private interventions done according to established regulations, on
formerly abandoned buildings, adapting them to attractive hotels, restaurants or cafes
which greatly contribute to the area’s animation, provision of jobs and, in general, to
prove that it is possible to rehabilitate old constructions for new use; 8

- Regarding two other examples i.e. the Plaza Independencia and the Hotel Central which
have violated all regulations, the heritage authorities have not been legally able to halt the
negative transformations on the buildings or revert them, turning these cases into symbols
of a lack of enforcement of regulations and the efficacy of authorities;

-Considering real estate needs, particularly those related to the large numbers of
deteriorated buildings and the acute lack of social housing in the Historic District, only a
limited amount of restoration or rehabilitation works have been either finished or
initiated by the OCA since 2009;

- Real estate speculation and gentrification are progressively increasing in the Historic
District.

-The emergency plan submitted by the State Party in 2009, and requested by the World
Heritage Committee, does not seem to have been further updated and completed;

-The Patronato of Panama Viejo works efficiently, and the majority of its commitments has
been complied with or is in the process to being achieved, and although the Avenida
Cincuentenario´s deviation seems to be a priority of the State Party, it still remains a threat
to the site;

-The projects for the Cinta Costera Phase 2 currently in construction and Phase 3, planned
to either surround or traverse the Historic District through a tunnel, have never been
submitted to the World Heritage Centre for examination by the World Heritage

8 Private investments- as long as they comply with the regulations-are desirable in a historic center where eighty

percent of the properties is privately owned.

24
Committee, and no studies on their physical, social and other impacts have been
undertaken;

Phase 2 has strongly modified the traditional water front of the Terraplén losing the
opportunity to rehabilitate the picturesque maritime character of the area;

Phase 3 signifies a very serious threat to the property .The alternative that surrounds the
District would definitely modify its coastal border, and the alternative of the tunnel, a part
from being expensive, could mean physical risks to the old and quite deteriorated
structures;

-Up to October 2010, the steps achieved to positively counter or alleviate the serious
threats suffered by the property (specifically in the Historic District) have been insufficient
or weak and have not produced substantial improvements;

-The various negative factors identified by previous monitoring missions and underlined by
the World Heritage Committee’s Decisions remain significant threats to the property;
(See 1.3)

-For all the reasons posed in this report, the mission considers that the Outstanding
Universal Values, authenticity and integrity of the property are in Danger.

5.2 Recommendations:

-The World Heritage Committee at its 35th Session in 2011 should consider the
inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger in order to finally
achieve the positive reaction expected from the State Party;

-Considering that the Republic of Panama is currently undergoing an exceptionally

accelerated development process; and having a large number of cultural and natural
World Heritage properties in proportion to its small territory, and the currently
expressed will of the President to comply with all the compromises regarding the World
Heritage Convention, it is possible to use this State Party as a paradigm of good practices
related to heritage and development under the direct sponsorship of the President;

-In order to progressively achieve this condition, a new comprehensive and legally
supported national policy, endorsed at the highest governmental levels, is urgently needed;

-INAC´s proposal for a National World Heritage Committee must be approved and
implemented;

-The proposal for the Historic District as a special territory with the necessary legal status
should be approved and implemented with urgency;

25
 -In addition to the recent agreement signed between Panama Viejo and the Historic
District, as two components of one World Heritage property, the responsible authority
or entity to unify criteria and coordinate actions must be defined;

-The Emergency Plan submitted in 2009 should be updated according to the above stated
objectives, with a clearer and more practical approach to priorities, dates, budgets, etc., as
well as endorsed by the highest levels of the State Party;

- A definitive Master Plan for the Historic District must be concluded and implemented;

-The proposal for the Historic District’s buffer zone must be urgently concluded and
submitted for approval;

-A legal and satisfactory solution for those negative cases, the Hotel Central and PH
Independencia must be established with the support of the highest levels of the State Party
if necessary, in order to avoid the generalized feeling of impunity they produce and the
bad example they represent;

-The Cinta Costera Phase 3 must be immediately halted, and its related projects submitted
to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review. A study of the impacts
of any alternative to the Cinta Costera must also be urgently conducted. The World
Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies should evaluate the projects and studies
together with the Odebrecht Construction Company, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP),
INAC and OCA. 9 If necessary, the World Heritage Centre should designate a highly
specialized expert on these matters as a consultant;

-A capacity building and training programme on World Heritage management addressed

to all involved sectors should be established and systematically applied.

9
Brazilian Odebrecht Company has recently expressed its will to collaborate with UNESCO on this project.

26
 6. ANNEXES:
Annex 1. Report of the WHC/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the
Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama, 11 – 17 March
2009, at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents/.

REPORT ON THE WHC/ICOMOS REACTIVE MONITORING MISSION TO THE

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and the Historic District of Panama
(Panama) 11 – 17 March 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1 BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION

Inscription history
Criteria and World Heritage values
Examination of the State of Conservation by the World Heritage Committee and
its Bureau
Justification of the mission (terms of reference, programme and composition of
mission team provided in Annex)

2 NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE

WORLD HERITAGE PROPERTY

Protected area legislation

Institutional framework
Management structure
Response to the recognition of values under international treaties and
programmes (World Heritage, Biosphere Reserve designation)

3 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES

Management
Factors affecting the property

4 ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE SITE

Review whether the values on the basis of which the property was inscribed on
the World Heritage List are being maintained

5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6 ANNEXES (Terms of reference, Itinerary and programme, Composition of

mission team, Maps, Photographs)

27
Annex 2.
Terms of Reference, Programme and Composition of Mission team

2.1 Terms of Reference

Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Archaeological

Site of Panamá Viejo and the Historic District of Panamá, Panama.
27 - 31 October 2010

In accordance to Decision 34 COM 7B.113 from the World Heritage Committee,

the reactive monitoring mission will address the following tasks:

1. Undertake a programme of visits in order to assess the state of interventions at the

historic monuments, current management arrangements, planned development projects
and the state of conservation of the property and evaluate progress made in addressing
the various threats to the site with particular focus on the assessment of:

a. The establishment of a buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic
District and the definition of regulatory measures;
b. The approval of legislative proposals to enhance the protection of the
property and its regulatory measures;
c. The establishment of one permanent management authority to ensure
the adequacy and efficiency of the management arrangements;
d. The definition of policies for the preservation of the historic area, and the
established criteria for rehabilitation works as well as guidelines for new
developments which could potentially impact the property;
e. Progress made in securing technical and financial resources to implement
actions that threaten the property’s Outstanding Universal Value;
f. The state of advance in the construction of the Cinta Costera freeway, if
any, and to analyze technical projects and alternatives with appropriate
technical staff;
g. A review of progress made in the preparation of the retrospective
inventory of the site, and the draft retrospective statement of
Outstanding Universal Value;
h. An examination of the proposed demolition of the former crafts market,
which was viewed as impacting the visual integrity of Panama Viejo, and
the planned use of this space;
i. Review foreseen projects related to the accessibility and developments of
the archaeological site of Panama Viejo.
j. Discuss the corrective measures and related Desire State of
Conservation in case the site will be proposed for inscription of the WH
List in Danger.

28
 2. To produce a common mission report (WHC/LAC and ICOMOS). The date for
its finalization will be agreed during the mission.

Please refer to the following link for documents relating to the Archaeological Site of
Panamá Viejo and the Historic District of Panamá:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790/documents

Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá

(Panamá) (C 790bis)

Decision: 34 COM 7B.113

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-10/34.COM/7B.Add,

2. Recalling Decision 33 COM 7B.141, adopted at its 33rd session (Seville, 2009),

3. Takes note of the Emergency Plan submitted by the State Party and urges it to:

a) Establish the buffer zone for Panama Viejo and the Historic District,
including the definition of regulatory measures, and submit the information
to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for consideration
and review,

b) Approve the legislative proposal to enhance the protection and the

regulatory measures of the property and to establish one permanent
management authority to ensure the adequacy and efficiency of the
management arrangements,

c) Define policies for the preservation of the historic area, including criteria for
rehabilitation and new developments that could potentially impact the
property,

d) Secure the required technical and financial resources to implement actions

to address pressing concerns that threaten the Outstanding Universal Value,
integrity and authenticity of the property;

4. Requests the State Party to halt the Cinta Costera Project and to submit, in
accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the necessary
technical studies and impact assessments for consideration and review by the
World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies prior to approval and
implementation;

5. Also requests the State Party to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/Advisory
Bodies reactive monitoring mission in 2010 to assess the state of interventions at

29
 the historic monuments, current management arrangements, planned development
projects and the state of conservation of the property;

6. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre by 1
February 2011, a report on the above-mentioned issue, for examination by the
World Heritage Committee at its 35th session in 2011, with a view to
considering, in the absence of substantial progress, the possible
inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

2.2 Mission Programme

Programme for the WHC/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to Panama

Viejo and the Historic District of Panama, 27 – 31 October 2010

Wednesday 27 October
Arrival of the Mission Team to Tucumán Airport.
8.00 PM. Dinner/ Meeting with Mrs. Maruja Herrera, Director General of INAC and
staff to coordinate and adjust the working plan - Hotel Bristol

Thursday 28 October 28
9:00 AM. Visit to Panama Viejo
10.30 AM -12M. Meeting with:
- Ms. María Eugenia Herrera, Director General INAC
- Mr. Federico Suárez, Minister of Public Works (MOP)
- Mr. Salomon Shaman, Minister of Tourism
- Ms. Lucy Molina, Minister of Education
- Mr. Darío Cadavid, Director OCA
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch at Salón La Gaviota Salón La Gaviota, Palacio de las Garzas,
Historic District

2PM -3PM. Meeting with His Excellency Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera, Mr. Dario Cadavid, Ms.
Jania Guardia.
Palacio de las Garzas
3:00 PM-4.00PM. Meeting with Mr. Juan Carlos Varela Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera, Mr. Dario Cadavid, Ms.
Jania Guardia, Jaime Zarate.
Palacio de las Garzas
4.30 PM- 6.00PM.
Meeting with local organizations, residents, civil society and ICOMOS National
Committee.
Inmobiliaria San Felipe
8.00 PM. Dinner at Mrs. Lilliana Meredith´s Residence in the Historic District

30
 Friday 29 October
9.00 AM -11.00 AM - Tour by helicopter to Portobelo- San Lorenzo World Heritage
Site and the Bay of Panama. Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera
and Mr. Raúl Castro
12.00 M-2.00 PM - Lunch at Miraflores Restaurant, Panama Canal.
Ms. Nuria Sanz, Ms. Isabel Rigol, Ms. Maria Eugenia Herrera and Mr. Raúl Castro and
ICOMOS National Committee.
2.00 PM – 5.00PM. - Reports on the current situation of Panama Viejo/Historic District
Sites and Portobelo /San Lorenzo Sites.
Mr. Ernesto Boyd, Ms. Julieta Arango, Ms. Judith Jaén, Mr. Darío Cadavid,Mrs. Sandra
Cerrud, Mrs. Almyr Alba, Mrs. Isabel Rigol , Mr. Raul Castro, Mr. Jaime Zarate.
Meeting Room.National Heritage Directorate. Reina Torres de Arauz Museum .Llanos
de Curundú
8.00 PM. Dinner - Manolo Caracol Restaurant

Saturday 30 October
10.30 AM - Final Working meeting at INAC for conclusions
12.30 PM- 2.00 PM Lunch
2.00 PM-3. 00 PM - Visit to the Cathedral.
3.00 PM- 4.00 PM. Meeting with Odebrecht Company, Odebrecht Headquarters
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Tour of the Historic District
6.00 PM-7.00 PM - Meeting with Mr. Jaime Ford, Vice Minister of Housing (MIVI)
8:00 PM - Dinner.

Sunday 31 October
Departure

2.2 List of Contacts.

LIST OF CONTACTS – 2010 REACTIVE MONITORING MISSION

Meeting ‐ Conjunto Monumental de Panamá Viejo ‐ 28 October 2010 
Name  Intitution  Post  Phone   Email 
Patronato Panamá 
Julieta de Arango  Viejo  Directora Ejecutiva  226‐1526  jdearango@panamaviejo.org
Patrimonio 
Histórico de 
Sandra Cerrud  Panamá  Asesora Legal  501‐4711  scerrud@hotmail.com
Patronato Panamá 
Francisco Linares  Viejo  Director   305‐5464  flinares@unesa.com
Patronato Panamá  Conservación 
Silvia Arroyo  Viejo  Preventiva  226‐8915  arroyo@panamaviejo.org
Patronato Panamá 
Félix Durán   Viejo  Director Arquitectura  226‐8915  fdwran@panamaviejo.org

31
 322‐2311 
Mario Lewis  Fundación Rilemo  Director  6676‐0455  mlewis@cwpanama.net
Autoridad de 
Turismo Panama  526‐7000 
Fernando de León  (ATP)  Viceministro  6612‐4992  fdeleon@atp.gob.pa
501‐4929  marujaherrera42@hotmail.co
María E. Herrera  INAC  Directora General  6615‐3435  m
Patronato Panamá  269‐6267 
Ernesto A. Boyd  Viejo  Presidente  6694‐3660  eaboyds@metrobanksa.com
(0033)620.80.17.
Nuria Sanz  UNESCO/WHC  Directora LAC/WHC  40  n.sanz@unesco.org

Isabel Rigol  ICOMOS  Consultora  537‐2032960  irigol@cubarte.cult.cu

Site Managers Meeting ‐ DNPH/INAC ‐ 29 October 2010 
Name  Intitution  Post  Phone   Email 
Oficina del Casco 
Ricardo Espíno  Antiguo (OCA)       respino@cascoantiguo.gob.pa
Oficina del Casco 
Juan Madrid  Antiguo (OCA)        jmadrid@cascoantiguo.gob.pa
Maria Cristina  Oficina del Casco 
Otero  Antiguo (OCA)        motero@cascoantiguo.gob.pa
Patronato Panamá 
Julieta de Arango  Viejo  Directora Ejecutiva  226‐1526  jdearango@panamaviejo.org
dcadavid@cascoantiguo.gob.p
Dario M. Cadavid  Oficina del Casco  a 
R.   Antiguo (OCA)        dcadavid@hotmail.com
Patronato Panamá 
Viejo 
Yelitza Norse  SL        ynorse@mitpan.com
Jaing J. Zárate  DNPH‐INAC        izarate@inac.gob.pa
Autoridad de 
Turismo Panama 
Ailene De Icaza  (ATP)        adeicaza@atp.gob.pa
Patronato 
Portobello y San  jjean@portobeloysanlorenzo.
Judit Jaén  Lorenzo        org
Patronato 
Portobello y San 
Rodolfo Suñé  Lorenzo        rsuneppsl@gmail.com
Oficina del Casco 
Jania Guardia  Antiguo (OCA)        jguardia@cascoantiguo.gob.pa
Oficina del Casco 
Luis Ponce Gif  Antiguo (OCA)        lponce@cascoantiguo.gob.pa
Almyr M. Alba  INAC  Coordinator General     aalba2664@gmail.com

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 501‐4929  marujaherrera42@hotmail.co
María E. Herrera  INAC  Directora General  6615‐3435  m
(0033)620.80.17
Nuria Sanz  UNESCO/WHC  Directora LAC/WHC  .40  n.sanz@unesco.org
Others 
Name  Intitution  Post  Phone   Email 
Mitsila Espino  MOP     667‐18771  mespino@mop.gob.pa
Salo Shamah  ATP     6616‐7670  salosha@atp.gob.pa
Federico Suarez  MOP     507‐9400  fsuarez@mop.gob.pa
Inmobiliaria San 
César A. Tribaldos  Felipe     6070‐5761  ctribal2@empeisen.com
Inmobiliaria San 
Adolfo Linares  Felipe        alindres@talial.com
Inmobiliaria San 
   Felipe          
Jaime J. Zanate           izanate@inac.gob.pa
Iván Mcbowln           info@historicalprojects.com
Inmobiliaria San 
Carlos A. Mock D.  Felipe        cmock@sanfelipe.com.pa
Ramiro Salceda  STC        rs@salcedacarballeda.com
Salzburg  joel@salzburgdevelopment.co
Joel Jelderks  Development        m
K.C Hardin           kc@conservatoriosa.com
Elda Sanson        2137‐7777  elda@activentas.com
Raul Castro  INAC        rcastro@inac.gob.pa

Annex 3 Photographs

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