UNESCO's Assessment of Marrakech's Heritage Site
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is preparing to assess the conservation status of the Medina of Marrakech during its upcoming 48th session in Busan, South Korea. A newly released draft decision praises Morocco's efforts in restoring the area following the devastating earthquake that struck the country in September 2023. However, the document also raises concerns regarding proposed infrastructure projects and gaps in the technical documentation provided by Moroccan authorities.
Scheduled for review under Agenda Item 7B, this crucial discussion will take place from July 22 to July 24. While the draft resolution has not yet received formal approval from the committee's 21 member states, it notably does not suggest placing Marrakech on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. This decision acknowledges the extensive restoration and recovery initiatives undertaken since the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, which caused significant damage to the historic medina.
Challenges and Progress in Restoration Efforts
The earthquake resulted in widespread destruction, impacting 34 mosques, including the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, which experienced structural damage. Additionally, numerous historical sites such as the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace were affected, prompting an ambitious rehabilitation program. UNESCO reports that while progress has been made in restoring various structures, including city walls and historic gates, there are also significant concerns regarding the governance of the site and the management of tourism, alongside the influence of new development projects within the World Heritage property.
In the draft decision, UNESCO, along with its advisory bodies—the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)—has acknowledged the progress made on restoration projects. However, it also points out shortcomings in the technical information submitted by Moroccan authorities, noting a lack of comprehensive damage assessments and detailed plans for ongoing projects. The draft highlights that while some restoration work has reached substantial completion—65% at the Saadian Tombs and 40% at El Badi Palace—there are inconsistencies in progress across various sites.
Significantly, UNESCO has expressed concerns regarding two proposed underground parking projects within the medina, questioning the potential risks these developments could pose to archaeological remains and the overall integrity of the historic urban landscape. The organization has urged Moroccan authorities to reconsider these plans and to provide a consolidated technical dossier before any irreversible decisions are made. Furthermore, UNESCO is advocating for archaeological surveys and a thorough analysis of the potential impacts these projects may have on traffic, the environment, and the historical context of the medina.
In addition to concerns about infrastructure, UNESCO is calling for a stronger governance framework for the historic medina. The draft emphasizes the need for a unified management authority that would ensure efficient administration and financial backing. Furthermore, it suggests integrating a sustainable tourism strategy into the revised management plan to balance the increasing number of visitors with the preservation of the site and the well-being of its residents.
Lastly, UNESCO has requested that Morocco submit a detailed technical report concerning restoration efforts, as well as an updated assessment of the conservation status of the medina, by December 1, 2027. These recommendations will remain in draft form until they are discussed and voted on by the World Heritage Committee during its session in Busan.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
