UNESCO's Director-General at Pompeii and Herculaneum

This news article has been published on the UNESCO website following a visit by their Director-General to the Vesuvian sites over the last couple of days.



The Director-General congratulates the Italian authorities for progress achieved in the conservation of the iconic World Heritage site of the Archaeological Areas of Pompei and Herculaneum.

During her visit to Naples on the occasion of the World Urban Forum organized by UN-HABITAT, the Director-General, Irina Bokova, commended the Italian authorities, and in particular the Municipal authorities and Superintendency of Region for the positive emergency conservation achievements at the World Heritage archaeological complex of Pompei, following the collapse of walls in 2010 and 2011.

She expressed appreciation for the recruitment of 21 new and qualified technical staff to strengthen maintenance and management at the property, as well as progress accomplished by putting in place much-needed drainage, hydrological and restoration works, which have been initiated under UNESCO's supervision in 44 domus on the property.

"Preventive conservation, maintenance and restoration efforts are key to ensure sustainable conservation of cultural heritage", she said.

The strengthening of cooperation and coordination between the various stakeholders involved in the conservation of the property - the Government of Italy, the Region and the Municipal authorities under UNESCO's leadership -- has proved especially valuable in making effective progress in the preservation of the archeological areas.

The authorities informed the Director-General about their intention to submit a preliminary report on the state of conservation before the end of the year in compliance with the decision of the World Heritage Committee.

The report will also provide necessary information on updating and the implementation of the Management Plan, integrating information on the expansion of the buffer zone, risk management measures and an emergency interventions plan that documents needs and addresses the pressure of tourism. 

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The Director-General also visited the World Heritage properties of Herculaneum, where she expressed satisfaction for the Herculaneum Conservation Project management system as a successful public-private partnership for the conservation of the archaeological property. 

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