Authenticity or Continuity in the Implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention? Scrutinizing Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, 1978–2019

Abstract

Continuity is a key theme in conservation and one that appears in the text of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which requests States Parties to continue to protect, conserve and present properties situated on their territories (Article 26). Despite this fact, it is not put into effect. Instead, the Operational Guidelines for the implementation of this Convention retain authenticity as a benchmark for assessing cultural heritage. This article scrutinizes Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) to prove that continuity is the evidence presented to justify inscription. It reveals that at least 263 properties were inscribed on the World Heritage List not because their values are truthfully and credibly expressed through a variety of attributes as per the Operational Guidelines (Paragraph 82), but because their values and attributes continue to exist. It also reveals that continuity is a recurring concept in other sections of the SOUV, and this holds true for natural properties. Indeed, continuity applies to both cultural and natural heritage, and to tangible and intangible attributes, but this is never admitted in the Operational Guidelines. In terms of future research directions, the article suggests exploring how change within properties affects judgements about authenticity and how guidance on impact assessment can be improved to better achieve the goal of compatible change, concluding that “an effective system of collective protection”, which is the raison-d’être of the Convention, is not one that aims at “conserving the authentic”, but one that aims at “managing continuity and compatible change” in an ever-evolving world.

1. Introduction

States Parties to the World Heritage Convention can include properties situated on their territories in Tentative Lists (national inventories) and subsequently nominate them for inscription on the World Heritage List. The latter is the keystone around which the international system of collective protection revolves [1] (Preamble, Article 11), [2] (Paragraph 52). A State Party can plan when to prepare a nomination file that meets the requirements set out in the Operational Guidelines for the implementation of this Convention [2]. All nominations of cultural, natural, or mixed properties must meet at least one of the selection criteria (i)–(x), the conditions of integrity, and the protection and management requirements. Nominations of cultural and mixed properties must also meet the conditions of authenticity. The files are submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for review, after which they are sent to the appropriate Advisory Body mandated by the Convention for evaluation. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) evaluates nominations of cultural properties, including monuments, groups of buildings, and sites. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) evaluates nominations of natural properties, including natural features, geological and physiological formations, and natural sites. ICOMOS, in consultation with IUCN as appropriate, also evaluates nominations of cultural landscapes, which are considered cultural properties. For mixed properties that are nominated under at least one of the cultural criteria (i)–(vi) and one of the natural criteria (vii)–(x), ICOMOS and IUCN prepare separate evaluation reports, which are then harmonized [2] (Annex 6). If the natural values of a cultural landscape are sufficient to meet at least one natural criterion, it can also be inscribed as a mixed property [3] (pp. 33, 34). Afterwards, the World Heritage Committee (i.e., the most important decision-making body composed of representatives from 21 States Parties) decides whether the nominated properties have met the threshold for international recognition. If so, they are deemed to have Outstanding Universal Value and, as a result, are inscribed on the World Heritage List. The first property was inscribed in 1978. At the time of writing, there are 1121 World Heritage properties: 869 cultural, 213 natural, and 39 mixed.

Many scholars acknowledge that “combining the conservation of nature and culture in one treaty is often considered the most innovative achievement” of UNESCO [4] (p. 67); yet, the implementation of this treaty, i.e., the Convention, maintains a divide between the treatment of cultural heritage and the treatment of natural heritage, especially because authenticity only applies to cultural properties (and to the cultural aspects of mixed properties). ICOMOS pioneers brought the idea of truth into the implementation of the Convention. That truth was considered to depend on four attributes that convey values, namely design, materials, workmanship and setting [5] (Paragraph 9). This explains why authenticity became a benchmark for assessing cultural heritage despite the fact that this notion is neither defined nor mentioned in the text of the Convention [1]. Much ink has been spilled in an attempt to define what authenticity means. By 1994, a coalition in favor of an international re-elaboration of this notion materialized among experts from Canada, Japan, and Norway, who had a mutual interest in wooden architecture conservation yet distinct agendas shaped by their specific local and national contexts [6]. The result of these efforts was the Nara Document on Authenticity [7], which introduced intangible attributes, such as function and spirit, and cultural relativism into the international assessment of authenticity, but not until the 2005 version of the Operational Guidelines [8]. To this day, “an effective system of collective protection” of the cultural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, predicated on scientific knowledge [1] (Preamble), is thought to be one that aims at “conserving the authentic” [9]. However, one may argue that conservation is not actually an activity whose “ultimate goal” is “the pursuit of truth” [10] (pp. 37, 33); rather, its ultimate goal is the “transmission” of heritage “to future generations”—a goal explicitly stated in the text of the Convention [1] (Article 4)—which involves the continuity of values and attributes over time.

Continuity is a “key” theme in conservation [11] (p. 1) and one that appears in the text of the Convention, which requests States Parties “to continue to protect, conserve and present” properties [1] (Article 26). The Operational Guidelines briefly link this theme to “attributes such as spirit and feeling” that “are important indicators […] in communities maintaining tradition and cultural continuity”, and to the categories of heritage routes, heritage canals, historic towns which are still inhabited, and continuing landscapes [2] (Paragraph 83, Annex 3 points 10(ii), 14(ii), 20(ii), 24(ii)). Continuity also appears in evaluation reports but, interestingly, its relevance is not limited to the categories mentioned earlier. An example is ICOMOS’ evaluation of the nomination of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara in 1998: “There has been some in situ reconstruction on the Nara Palace Site. The continuity of traditional architecture in Japan and the substantial amount of data recovered by archaeological excavation has ensured that the reconstructed buildings have a high level of authenticity in design and materials” [12] (p. 38). This sentence is repeated in the World Heritage Resource Manual that explains how to prepare nominations [3] (p. 65) and in the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of the property but, interestingly, the attributes “design and materials” are replaced with “form and design” [13]. Despite this replacement, the spotlight is still placed on continuity of knowledge about architecture and archaeology—which is why the reconstructed buildings retain “form and design”—rather than authenticity. When one scrutinizes this sentence, it is in fact continuity that justifies why reconstruction is an acceptable conservation treatment and why the Nara Palace Site, which is part of the property, qualifies for inscription on the World Heritage List.

Many sources of literature have discussed these concepts in tandem—of which three examples suffice here. In the Proceedings of the International Conference on the Safeguarding of the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage: Towards an Integrated Approach held in Nara in 2004, a participant argues: “Continuity supports and guarantees authenticity. It does not mean however, that no change can be accepted” [14] (p. 168). In a series of articles published in international peer-reviewed journals, an independent researcher proposes replacing authenticity with continuity in the Operational Guidelines not only to nominate reconstructed properties for inscription on the World Heritage List [15,16], but also to nominate all cultural, natural, and mixed properties in future, arguing that this replacement can bridge the culture/nature divide, facilitate the application of people-centered approaches to conservation, and enhance the role of communities [17]. Finally, in a book chapter about “How to be Authentic in the UNESCO World Heritage System”, the author points out: “When one scrutinises what the World Heritage institutions really look for, it is in fact continuity over time, be it continuity of material, form, usage, or some other aspect mentioned in the Venice Charter or the Nara Document. But this is never so clearly stated, and authenticity (as a term) stays in place” [18] (p. 285); however, evidence is needed to prove this point to the reader. The purpose of this article is to provide the evidence.

2. Methodology

This article scrutinizes Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV), which are more reliable than nomination files prepared by States Parties or evaluation reports prepared by ICOMOS because they are official statements adopted by the World Heritage Committee to justify the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List and to guide their “future effective protection and management” [2] (Paragraphs 51, 154, 155).

Every State Party must propose a SOUV in the nomination file to “make clear” why the nominated property is “considered to merit inscription” [2] (Paragraph 132.3). This essential requirement was introduced in the Operational Guidelines in 2005 [8] (Paragraph 51). In 2007, the Committee requested that SOUV be drafted by States Parties for all World Heritage properties that were inscribed between 1978 and 2006. These “retrospective” SOUV are reviewed by the World Heritage Centre and the appropriate Advisory Body [19] then adopted by the Committee and uploaded progressively on the website of the World Heritage Centre [20].

Many properties, especially those that were inscribed in the early years of the implementation of the Convention, do not have SOUV available on the website. Examples include all the cultural World Heritage properties located in Libya—i.e., the Archaeological Site of Cyrene (date of inscription 1982), the Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (1982), the Archaeological Site of Sabratha (1982), the Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (1985), and the Old Town of Ghadamès (1986) [20].

A SOUV is set out in a standard format, composed of four or five sections: (1) a brief synthesis (description of the property), (2) a justification for inscription per criterion, (3) a statement of integrity, (4) a statement of authenticity if the property is cultural or mixed, and (5) a statement that demonstrates the State Party’s long-term commitment to protect and manage the property [2] (Paragraph 155, Annex 5, Annex 10). Cultural and mixed properties must meet one or more of criteria (i)–(vi), which are listed in the Operational Guidelines and repeated below for the reader:

Nominated properties shall therefore:

(i)

represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

(ii)

exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;

(iii)

bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;

(iv)

be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

(v)

be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

(vi)

be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria) [2] (Paragraph 77).

In addition, cultural and mixed properties “may be understood to meet the conditions of authenticity if their cultural values (as recognized in the nomination criteria proposed) are truthfully and credibly expressed through a variety of attributes”, which are listed in the Operational Guidelines and repeated below for the reader:

• form and design;
• materials and substance;
• use and function;
• traditions, techniques and management systems;
• location and setting;
• language, and other forms of intangible heritage;
• spirit and feeling; and
• other internal and external factors [2] (Paragraph 82).

To prepare this article, the author gradually, and thoroughly, read all the SOUV of cultural and mixed properties available on the website of the World Heritage Centre [20] over several weeks until 28 March 2020, and kept a record of the passages that show the relevance of continuity in the sections dedicated to authenticity. This methodology is flexible and allows future researchers to replicate, and build on, the results.

3. Results and Discussion

The results—which prove that continuity is the evidence presented in SOUV to justify inscription and which serve as a record for future researchers—are presented in

Table A1. Continuity in 263 Statements of Outstanding Universal Value of cultural and mixed World Heritage properties. Information taken from the website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ (last accessed on 28 March 2020).

Property/State Party/Criteria	SOUV: Continuity and Words That Echo This Concept in the Section Dedicated to Authenticity
1. Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley/Afghanistan/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley continue to testify to the different cultural phases of its history. […] the Bamiyan Valley […] continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value in terms of form and materials, location and setting […].
2. Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad/Algeria/criterion (iii)	All the attributes of the property […] form a coherent ensemble and remain intact.
3. M’Zab Valley/Algeria/criteria (ii)(iii)(v)	The maintenance of traditional functions […] has strengthened the viability of the property and contributed towards the maintenance of its integrity.
4. Timgad/Algeria/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	…the conduct of archaeological excavations almost continually […] has enabled the city of Thamugadi to avoid the construction of recent buildings […].
5. Tipasa/Algeria/criteria (iii)(iv)	The town-planning and architectural attributes, the decoration and construction materials, all retain their original aspect that express the values […].
6. Kasba of Algiers/Algeria/criteria (ii)(v)	The attributes of the Outstanding Universal Value […] are maintained. […] The survival of traditional architectural skills […] is a major advantage in support of the Outstanding Universal Value.
7.Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley/Andorra/criterion (v)	The Management Plan […] emphasizes the need to maintain traditional activities such as agriculture […] so that the cultural landscape […] remains a living landscape and conserves the authenticity provided by the continuance of these cultural practices. [in protection and management requirements]
8. Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo/Angola/criteria (iii)(iv)	The authenticity of the property stems from the fact that since its foundation it has continuously maintained its sacred and symbolic function. The guardians of the tradition transmit… […] the customary court […] reinstated […] as a cultural and political link with a living tradition. […] A certain degree of continuity has been maintained in this historic urban fabric […] the main street has retained its ancient trace.
9. Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites/Antigua and Barbuda/criteria (ii)(iv)	The Dockyard is located on its original site and continues to be embedded in the same original setting. The buildings […] retain their original form and design. Most of them even retain their use and function […] The authenticity of the property in terms of materials, craftsmanship and design will benefit from a continuous cooperation amongst conservation architects, architectural historians and archaeologists in the conception of conservation programmes […] many of the fortifications and supporting facilities retain their original materials and their visual interrelations.
10. Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis/Argentina and Brazil/criterion (iv)	The components of the property have maintained the two basic intersecting compositions…[…] The site’s physical authenticity has been maintained through the preservation of the original construction materials and techniques.
11. Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas/Argentina/criteria (iii)	The authenticity of the rock art of the Cueva […] is unquestionable. It has survived several millennia untouched […].
12. Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba/Argentina/criteria (ii)(iv)	All the elements of the property have kept their original typologies […] and spatial characteristics […].
13. Quebrada de Humahuaca/Argentina/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The property […] continues fulfilling its millenary function as a space for communication, exchange and human settlement. […] The Spanish Churches still retain their overall form and particular construction techniques […]. The cores of the main settlements still hold onto their distinctive low-rise form and traditional spatial planning […].
14. Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System/Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The authenticity of the Qhapaq Ñan component sites is very high in that the characteristic features retain their form and design […]. …maintenance measures where necessary are undertaken in traditional techniques and materials. These are predominantly driven by the local populations, who remain knowledgeable in traditional road management techniques and who are the key partners in maintaining the roadbed and associated features. […] Associated intangible values and management practices remain very strong […]. The information sources of spirit and feeling […] are very relevant as many of the communities have strong associations to the Qhapaq Ñan and continue to remain guardians […].
15. Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots/Armenia/criteria (ii)(iii)	The authenticity of the ecclesiastic monuments is reasonable, given that they have been in religious use for many centuries […].
16. Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley/Armenia/criterion (ii)	The Monastery […] is still preserved in its natural setting. The authenticity of the group is high, not least because the property has been in continuous use as a monastery for many centuries.
17. Willandra Lakes Region/Australia/criteria (iii)(viii) [mixed]	Traditional Tribal Groups […] have maintained their links with the land and continue to care for this important place and participate in its management […]. Aboriginal people […] maintain their connection through modern day cultural, social and economic practices.
18. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens/Australia/criterion (ii)	The property […] has retained high authenticity of setting, maintaining its original form […].
19. The Sydney Opera House/Australia/criteria (i)	The Sydney Opera House continues to perform its function as a world-class performing arts centre […] thus retaining its authenticity of use and function.
20. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape/Australia/criteria (iii)(v)	The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has a high degree of authenticity. Gunditjmara traditional knowledge is demonstrated by millennia of oral transmission, through continuity of practice […]. The authenticity […] is evident in the continuing connection of the Gunditjmara to their landscape […]. The Gunditjmara aquaculture system retains the form and functionality it had during the last six millennia in relation to the underlying lava flow, the continued functioning of the water flows and the presence of kooyang. […] reestablishment of continued use of aquaculture complexes have enhanced the condition of the property.
21. Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg/Austria/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The centre of Salzburg has retained its historic townscape and street pattern to a high degree.
22. Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn/Austria/criteria (i)(iv)	…the form that it possessed in 1918 has been faithfully retained, both in the original fabric and decoration and in the restoration following wartime damage.
23. Semmering Railway/Austria/criteria (ii)(iv)	Given that the railway line has been in use continuously since its opening […], specific items have worn out and been replaced […]. However, since railways are by nature evolving socio-technical systems, continuity through change is an essential part of their identity, and these principles have been applied to preserve the property’s authenticity.
24. Wachau Cultural Landscape/Austria/criteria (ii)(iv)	It showcases the fundamental elements of a living cultural landscape inasmuch as it retains an active social role in contemporary society, closely associated with the traditional way of life and its continuous evolutionary process.
25. Historic Centre of Vienna/Austria/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The property has to a remarkable degree retained the architectural elements that demonstrate its continuous interchange of values […]. In addition, […] the Historic Centre of Vienna has retained its role as the music capital of Europe. The historic urban fabric […] is thus informed by this ongoing interchange […]. Vienna’s continuing development requires a very sensitive approach…
26. Fertö /Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape/Austria, Hungary/criterion (v)	The overall landscape […] bear witness to an agricultural land-use and way of life uninterrupted since medieval times. […] Authenticity is also supported by the continued use of local building materials (limestone, reed and wood).
27. Qal’at al-Bahrain—Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun/Bahrain/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	Authenticity is demonstrated by the long occupation sequence […] which is still in situ throughout the undisturbed part of the tell […]. The original ensemble […] still exists and ca be seen today to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the site in terms of form, materials and setting.
28. Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat/Bangladesh/criterion (iv)	Many of the structures continue to be in religious and secular use contributing to the social and communal harmony by the way of retaining the original features of traditional practices.
29. Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison/Barbados/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	Both layouts continue in spite of the town’s transformation from a maritime-mercantile fortified port town to a contemporary cosmopolitan tropical city […]. Within the Garrison, the main individual barracks and administrative buildings […] continue to provide similar functions as they did during the colonial era.
30. La Grand-Place, Brussels/Belgium/criteria (ii)(iv)	The authenticity of the Grand-Place […] is undeniable. Evolving over the centuries and rebuilt after the bombardment of 1695, the Grand-Place has retained its configuration over the last three centuries, virtually unchanged.
31. Belfries of Belgium and France/Belgium, France/criteria (ii)(iv)	…concerning the number of belfries inscribed (56), it is impossible to consider authenticity in material terms, referring only to their initial period of construction; one can instead consider the permanence of their existence and their symbolic value as authentic. The reconstructions […] constitute an element of authenticity of the series.
32. Historic Centre of Brugge/Belgium/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The Historic Centre of Brugge illustrates continuity on an urban site that has been occupied since the early Middle Ages. […] An area of continuous settlement, the Historic Centre of Brugge has retained the original pattern of streets and palaces, canals, and open spaces. […] The transformations that have taken place over time […] have become part of its historic authenticity […].
33. Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex/Belgium/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	This authenticity is reflected in the continuing existence in the same places […] of the same activity […] carried out by the same family […]. the restoration required for the ongoing upkeep of the buildings, and those made necessary by war damage (in 1945), have not affected the authenticity of the ensemble.
34. Royal Palaces of Abomey/Benin/criteria (iii)(iv)	The authenticity of the site is based on the continuous functionality of the palaces. […] traditional building techniques remain references for any intervention that should enable good transmission of this heritage to future generations. All in all, many initiatives have been taken […] with the logic of continuity of the tradition.
35. Historic City of Sucre/Bolivia/criterion (iv)	Its buildings, architecture result of the symbiosis of local and imported styles, have been maintained and conserved in a homogeneous and harmonious manner […].
36. Fuerte de Samaipata/Bolivia/criteria (ii)(iii)	Although it is threatened and subject to natural degradation processes, it maintains its original attributes.
37. Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar/Bosnia and Herzegovina/criterion (vi)	Reconstruction remained faithful to the idea and principles of the original structure, with respect for different historical layers and previous restoration works.
38. Tsodilo/Botswana/crtieria (i)(iii)(vi)	The authenticity of the rock art […] remains as original as the time of its creation. […] The intangible values of the site continue to be practiced thereby authenticating them as sacred and relevant to local communities. This approach ensures their continued evolvement in line with traditional protection systems.
39. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas/Brazil/criteria (i)(iv)	Despite the changes brought on by Congonhas’ urban growth, the Sanctuary remains intact and continues to stand as a focus for pilgrimage throughout the region.
40. Historic Centre of São Luís/Brazil/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The overlay of the various periods […] remain in evidence in the historic centre’s structural elements. […] Traditions, uses, and customs directly linked to Brazilian cultural identity continue to be maintained.
41. Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina/Brazil/criteria (ii)(iv)	The urban complex is exemplified by a special configuration marked by the implementation of structures in continuous fashion […] …continuous appropriation of the related spaces and public roadways […] and the predominantly residential use of the area are the key elements underlying the attributes that confer on the site its singularity and Outstanding Universal Value.
42. Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás/Brazil/criteria (ii)(iv)	The Historic Centre […] bear a rich cultural tradition that includes not only architecture and construction techniques but also music, poetry, gastronomy, and popular events. Many of these traditions continue and form a substantial part of the cultural identity […].
43. Rio de Janeiro/Brazil/criteria (v)(vi)	The Botanical Gardens have retained their original neoclassical design […] and the fortresses keep alive the memory of the Portuguese settlements […]. The landscape designs of Burle Marx […] still confer high social benefits to the city.
44. Paraty and Ilha Grande—Culture and Biodiversity/Brazil/criteria (v)(x) [mixed]	The historic centre of Paraty has kept its original layout and exhibits a high degree of authenticity of form, design, materials and substance. […] The authenticity of functions is also acceptable since it continues to be the ‘living centre’ for local communities […]. Caiçara and Quilombola groups maintain their traditional practices and ways of life.
45. Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites/Burkina Faso/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	The sites bear witness to continuity of production over more than 2700 years, to mastery of the processes of iron smelting and transformation […]. …blacksmith traditions […] are still alive today.
46. SGang Gwaay/Canada/criterion (iii)	The property is an authentic illustration of the evolving Haida culture […]. The property continues to hold significant spiritual value for the Haida and is still used today.
47. Old Town Lunenburg/Canada/criteria (iv)(v)	The original British colonial town plan remains evident […]. …a continuing vernacular architectural tradition is integral to the property’s Outstanding Universal Value […]. Many of the property’s historic uses and functions survive.
48. Rideau Canal/Canada/criteria (i)(iv)	The Rideau Canal has fulfilled its original dynamic function as an operating waterway without interruption since its construction.
49. Pimachiowin Aki/Canada/criteria (iii)(vi)(ix) [mixed]	Sites in this landscape […] remain in use to a degree that the landscape reflects adequate interactions over time, and relates to the ability of the Anishinaabe communities to maintain their traditions […].
50. Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi/Canada/criterion (iii)	The continuing traditional importance and ceremonial use of the property by the Blackfoot people bear witness to the authenticity of its intangible values, its situation and its setting.
51. Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso/Chile/criterion (iii)	The Historic Quarter […] has largely retained the key features of its heyday […]. These essential features […] have been maintained with an eye to continuity of use and function as well as construction techniques. The relationship of the property with the landscape […] has also been maintained.
52. Sewell Mining Town/Chile/criteria (ii)	The industrial sector of the property still operates, thereby assuming its full authenticity of use and function.
53. Mogao Caves/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)	The design, materials, traditions, techniques, spirit, […] still exhibit the characteristics of the periods in which they were created. The continued utilization of the Mogao Caves […] has indeed promoted its historic significance.
54. Mount Taishan/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii) [mixed]	The age-old geological relics, ancient architectural ensembles, stone tablets and inscriptions, and ancient and rare trees all have been carefully protected and maintained.
55. The Great Wall/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The existing elements of the Great Wall retain their original location, material, form, technology and structure. The original layout and composition […] are maintained […].
56. Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa/China/criteria (i)(iv)(vi)	In terms of design, material, technology and layout, the historic ensemble […] has well retained its original form and characteristics since it was built […].
57. Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu/China/criteria (i)(iv)(vi)	The maintenance […] of the property, which was never disrupted […] reflect traditional Chinese conservation intervention methods. The property possesses high authenticity in terms of design of the building complex, building materials used, continuity in construction technology […]. Qufu, as the hometown of Confucius, has always been the most congregated inhabitation of his descendants, and today, the surroundings […] still provide the most important residence […].
58. Lushan National Park/China/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	Restoration and intervention have followed principle of retaining the historic condition of the heritage in terms of design, materials, methods, and techniques. Thus, the property retains its historic authenticity […].
59. Mount Emei Scenic Area/China/criteria (iv)(vi)(x) [mixed]	Mount Emei has benefited from a long-standing and traditional regime of conservation and restoration […]. Today, the conservation of the property continues to be carried out in accordance to […] standards and […] effectively maintains the outstanding values […].
60. Ancient City of Ping Yao/China/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	Through over five centuries of continuous evolution and development, the Ancient City […] has preserved authentically the elements and features that reflect the Han cities […].
61. Classical Gardens of Suzhou/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)	Local traditional gardening techniques and values have been handed down from generation to generation, always adhering to design concepts […]. Garden masters […] consistently used traditional materials and techniques in the repairing and maintenance of these gardens […] …keeping intact the charm of these classical Suzhou gardens.
62. Dazu Rock Carvings/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)	The Dazu Rock Carvings retain the original characteristics and values of the period when the carvings were created […]. Daily maintenance and care have strictly adhered to the principles of ‘retaining the historic condition.’ To date, […] design, materials, technology and layout […] have been maintained. […] …the historical scale, style and features […] retain to the utmost extent […] functions of secular belief, cultural transmission […].
63. Longmen Grottoes/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)	In the continuous evolution of Longmen Grottoes, the aesthetic elements and features of the Chinese cave temples’ art, including the layout, materials, function, traditional technique and location […] have been preserved and passed on. Great efforts have been made to maintain the historical appearance […] and pass on the original Buddhist culture and its spiritual and aesthetic functions, while always adhering to the principle of “Retaining the historic condition”.
64. Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System/China/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	Dujiangyan Irrigation System is not only a living heritage of 2,000 year-old design and engineering ideas; it is also still in use today. The functions, religious traditions and the special religious status of the Taoist temple cluster of Mount Qingcheng are fully preserved while still maintaining traditional building styles.
65. Yungang Grottoes/China/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The location, caves and statues of the Yungang Grottoes have retained their historic appearance. The eaves of wooden pavilions of the caves and the related historical remains have kept the distinctive character of the times when they were created.
66. Historic Centre of Macao/China/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The major monuments in their urban setting testify to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property in terms of form, design, materials and use, supported by […] the fact that many monuments and public squares have retained their original functions, with associated living traditions such as worship and processions still being practiced.
67. Fujian Tulou/China/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The authenticity of the tulou is related to sustaining the tulou themselves and their building traditions as well as the structures and processes associated with their farmed and forested landscape setting.
68. Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces/China/criteria (iii)(v)	The terraced landscape has maintained its […] continuity of landscape function, practices and traditional knowledge, and continuity of rituals, beliefs and customs. […]
69. Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement /China/criteria (ii)(iv)	Both the urban settlement patterns as well as the architectural structures have retained their characteristic layout and stylistic features. […] Kulangsu retains its original location and natural landscape setting and has preserved the atmospheric qualities of an ideal residential settlement with a wide range of public services, which continue to serve their original function. […] The various spatial contexts of the island […] retain their original links and relations […].
70. Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox/Colombia/criteria (iv)(v)	Most of the buildings are still being used for their original purposes. The historic centre has therefore retained its original residential function. […] private owners have considerable pride in their properties, which they maintain in good condition […].
71. Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios/Cuba/criteria (iv)(v)	…the overcrowding common to other historic cities has been avoided, thereby contributing greatly to the retention of the original interiors. The use of centuries-old techniques and building materials has persisted […].
72. Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations/Cuba/criteria (iii)(iv)	Surviving evidence includes […] cisterns and mills used to pulp the berries required for the wet system of coffee production. Plantation owners […] created a distinct regional culture in their music, dance and gastronomy which continues to survive.
73. Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos/Cuba/criteria (ii)(iv)	The historic centre of Cienfuegos continues to function as a vital urban area […]. It has retained its original grid pattern […]. The continuity of its urban form is visible […]. Consistency of use is evident throughout the area, in particular through the retention of port facilities and warehouses that speak to its ongoing value as a commercial port.
74. Historic Centre of Camagüey/Cuba/criteria (iv)(v)	The persistence of the original urban layout, of the architectural types and materials, of the traditional craftsmanship and of uses and spirit allows the historic centre to meet the required conditions of authenticity.
75. Painted Churches in the Troodos Region/Cyprus/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	The religious functions, the environmental, cultural and historical factors that shaped the site are still evident today […].
76. Historic Centre of Prague/Czechia/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The Historic Centre of Prague […] represents an organic urban development over more than a thousand years. […] …some adaptations and changes were made necessary to allow continued use.
77. Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zalená Hora/Czechia/criteria (iv)	The property has retained its function as a place of worship.
78. Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape/Czechia/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is of high authenticity concerning its present form and appearance […]. The Landscape has continued to evolve according to the original planning principles.
79. Holašovice Historic Village/Czechia/criteria (ii)(iv)	The village has kept its original medieval layout, land parceling and its historical appearance. Hence, the authenticity […] is very high.
80. Litomyšl Castle/Czechia/criteria (ii)(iv)	The individual components remain physically integrated with one another in their original state, whilst the complex retains its spatial relationship with its historic urban setting. […] …the organic evolution is presented in its entirety. The current form and appearance […] are defined by the original design.
81. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region/Czechia, Germany/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	The mining landscape has also retained its comprehensive intangible heritage in the form of living traditions […]. Continuous mining activity at certain sites contributed to the conservation of mining structures as well as to their continuous repair and upgrade.
82. Complex of Koguryo Tombs/Korea/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The tombs have remained largely unaltered since the time of their construction and still retain the evidence of outstanding architectural techniques. The wall paintings are […] untouched. […] …attributes expressing their Outstanding Universal Value […] still remain in their original state, guaranteeing their truthfulness.
83. Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church/Denmark/criterion (iii)	The two large Jelling Mounds have retained their original form. […] The continuous use of the cemetery and the present church, through its predecessors, extends more than 1000 years back in time.
84. Roskilde Cathedral/Denmark/criteria (ii)(iv)	Like any major religious structure in continuous use since first built, Roskilde Cathedral has undergone many changes. […] Restoration work on the chapels is being continuously conducted, whilst maintaining a profound respect for their design and materials.
85. Kronborg Castle/Denmark/criterion (iv)	…restoration projects were carried out in order to restore and re-establish the fortified area’s previous size and shape […]. The exterior of Kronborg Castle has always been well maintained […]. Continual restoration of the castle’s facades is carried out […] with respect for the original choices of building materials and designs.
86. Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement/Denmark/criteria (iii)(iv)	The structure and characteristics of the original town plan remain largely unaltered. […] The continuity of the Moravian Church community contributes to safeguarding authenticity in spirit and feeling as well as atmosphere of the property.
87. Aasivissuit–Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground/Denmark/criterion (v)	The continuity of some of the seasonal hunting and migration practices, and the associated Inuit intangible cultural heritage and traditional knowledge contribute to the authenticity of the cultural landscape.
88. City of Quito/Ecuador/criteria (ii)(iv)	In general, the urban plan and its integration into the landscape may be considered as entirely authentic because the original generic form has remained unaltered […]. The preservation of traditional trades, the contributions of craftsmen holders of ancient know-how and the use of local materials […] make it possible to maintain the significant characteristics […].
89. Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca/Ecuador/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The Historic Centre […] has preserved […] the essential aspects of its original character. Its historic centre is inhabited and enjoys an active traditional social life […]. Due to this continued occupation, the town offers a high degree of authenticity.
90. Asmara: A Modernist African City/Eritrea/criteria (ii)(iv)	Asmara […] represents important and early developmental phases of town planning and architectural modernism that are still fully reflected in its layout, urban character and architecture. […] The authenticity of local intangible attributes manifested in language, cultural practices, identity, and sense of place have been retained through Asmara’s evolution […] to a modern African capital.
91. Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn/Estonia/criteria (ii)(iv)	In addition to architectural continuity, Old Town has retained its traditional use as a living city, hosting domestic, commercial and religious functions, and retaining the upper town as the administrative centre of the country.
92. Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela/Ethiopia/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)	The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are still preserved in their natural settings. […] The original function of the site as a pilgrimage place still persists and provides evidence of the continuity of social practices. The intangible heritages associated with church practices are still preserved.
93. Harar Jugol/Ethiopia/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(v)	Harar Jugol […] has retained its traditions, urban fabric, and rich Harari Muslim cultural heritage to the present time. […] …the setting has been retained […].
94. Konso Cultural Landscape/Ethiopia/criteria (iii)(v)	The Konso Cultural Landscape still largely retains its original form and design. The materials […] are original and their conservation continues following traditional practices […]. The terraces continue in their original arrangements, use and function. The walled towns are still inhabited […] and remain organized following the traditional system. The traditionally protected forests are still […] used for ritual and burial and the water reservoirs remain in use […]. Associated traditions, which continue shaping the landscape, such as the ritual […] continues to be actively practiced. […] …the ward (kanta) […] continues the traditional guardianship.
95. Levuka Historical Port Town/Fiji/criteria (ii)(iv)	The main street and the lanes, bridges, footpaths, and steps follow the topography, and have remained substantially unchanged since they were first laid out. Established building uses generally persist.
96. Old Rauma/Finland/criteria (iv)(v)	The town has maintained a genuine local spirit, as well as a characteristic local dialect. Old Rauma has preserved its function as a residential area and commercial centre […].
97. Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt/France/criteria (ii)(iv)	The facades of the Place du Château have retained their original appearance, and the Place de la République and the imperial axis their monumental character. The major public buildings of the Neustadt have retained their original size, their physical quality and their materials. […] The urbanism documents, established with remarkable continuity since the 19th century, have facilitated the conservation of the buildings inside the property’s boundaries, and led to outstanding continuity in the urban landscape.
98. Pyrénées—Mont Perdu/France/France, Spain/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)(vii)(viii) [mixed]	The breeders continue to ensure an extensive pastoralism in perfect accord with the traditional life style of the central Pyrénées. […] The agro-pastoral landscape of today reflects the history of the site. The quality of the property remains unaltered since its inscription.
99. Historic Site of Lyon/France/criteria (ii)(iv)	The site of Lyon presents high authenticity through the permanence of […] the confluence, the coherence of the urban model and urbanity. […] …the city progressively expanded […] …the town planning models and the architectural styles developed and improved over the centuries and continues to evolve without interruption. […] the city has always been characterized by important human occupation, still evident today. The city is typologically and architecturally permeated by its uses […].
100. Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion/France/criteria (iii)(iv)	…the jurisdiction […] remains a dynamic living territory, integrally conserving its wine growing tradition, looking to the future.
101. Bordeaux, Port of the Moon/France/criteria (ii)(iv)	Due to its port, the city of Bordeaux has retained its original functions since its creation, as a city of exchange and commerce.
102. Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars/France/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	The hillsides […] have exported their wine continuously for at least four centuries […]. The Champagne Houses have ensured the safeguarding of their architectural heritage, including the original decor and furniture, to a large extent, and they are still used for activities related to the Champagne enterprise.
103. The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy/France/criteria (iii)(v)	…the Burgundy Climats’ authenticity is reflected in the permanence and liveliness of the millennial vine-and wine culture vocation. The cadastral recording of the vineyard parcels attests to […] the persistence of traditions and ancestral techniques, and farming land management. The continuity of the land use and parcelling is also expressed in the landscape features […]. The appellations of origin […] still serve today as a reference […].
104. Historical Monuments of Mtskheta/Georgia/criteria (iii)(iv)	There have been a number of reconstructions and restorations […]. Notwithstanding, in terms of materials and techniques, the architectural ensemble retains a relatively high level of authenticity […]. Mtskheta has maintained its role as the spiritual and cultural centre of the country.
105. Aachen Cathedral/Germany/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	Form and design, material and substance, use and function […] have remained unchanged.
106. Pilgrimage Church of Wies/Germany/criteria (i)(iii)	Form and design, material and substance, use and function […] have remained unchanged.
107. Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl/Germany/criteria (ii)(iv)	The original overall design of the Castles has been maintained […]. It has preserved its character as a Rococo electoral residence and has, in large part, been spared any subsequent transformations due to continued use and function as a residence and museum.
108. Hanseatic City of Lübeck/Germany/criterion (iv)	Despite the damage it suffered during the Second World War, […] the basic structure of the Old City, […] remains unaltered. Up to the present day, its layout is clearly recognisable […].
109. Town of Bamberg/Germany/criteria (ii)(iv)	The street layouts of the three historic core areas retain their medieval features. […] Since the 1950s, Bamberg has undergone a continuous programme of restoration […] resulting in the uniformly high level of conservation of Bamberg.
110. Cologne Cathedral/Germany/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	Form and design, use and function of Cologne Cathedral have remained unchanged […]. All the work, from the 13th to the 19th century, was carried out with scrupulous respect for the original design, and this tradition was continued in the post-World War II reconstruction.
111. Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar/Germany/criteria (ii)(iv)	As centres, which were continuously inhabited and always the heart of urban life, whose harbour remained intact and of importance for the economy in all epochs, both cities have continuously preserved their use and can therefore be described as authentic with regard to their function.
112. Muskauer Park/Park Mużakowski/Germany, Poland/criteria (i)(iv)	The park’s […] composition retains its original spatial structure […]. …successive owners and gardeners have upheld Prince von Pückler’s original vision and design reflecting the high regard in which his genius continues to be held. […] The recent restoration of the bridges re-establishes a link between the two halves of the property across the river.
113. Naumburg Cathedral/Germany/criteria (i)(ii)	The authenticity of Naumburg Cathedral is demonstrated by the intact materials and form […] which date to the High Middle Ages. […] The building has maintained its original functions, and services are conducted regularly. The location and setting of the cathedral […] is unchanged […].
114. Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions/Ghana/criterion (vi)	As symbols of trade, and particularly the slave trade, they need to continue to reflect the way they were used.
115. The Archaeological Site of Delphi/Greece/criteria(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	Modern visitors arriving along the Holy Road from the Roman Market up to the Stadium can perceive the same feeling as the person who visited the area in the antiquity.
116. Medieval City of Rhodes/Greece/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The medieval city of Rhodes maintains the architectural character and the urban organization of a medieval city as well as its primary building materials.
117. Mount Athos/Greece/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii) [mixed]	Mount Athos has an enormous wealth of historic, artistic and cultural elements preserved by a monastic community that has existed for the last twelve centuries and constitutes a living record of human activities.
118. Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika/Greece/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	All monuments, despite any interventions over the centuries, maintain all elements (architecture and decoration) of their initial phase. […] The restoration and consolidation work as well as landscaping realised until now […] contributed to their maintenance and the enhancement of their authenticity.
119. Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus/Greece/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The Sanctuary’s location and setting has been almost entirely preserved so that visitors are still able to experience the spiritual character of the site.
120. The Archaeological Site of Olympia/Greece/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The sanctuary of Olympia and its surrounding are preserved in almost intact condition, from ancient times till today. In the sacred Altis, Zeus’ sacred forest, the same tree and plant species are found, as in antiquity. […] The values of fair competition and Sacred Truce […] are diachronic and always pertinent. The visitor of today […] can feel the spirituality […] of this Olympian landscape.
121. The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos /Greece/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	The active monastic community of Pátmos, apart from safeguarding the artistic and intellectual treasures of the monastery, continues to rescue old traditions and rituals […]. Moreover, the activities of the Patmiada School since 1713 […] contribute to the survival of authenticity. The material fabric and design features […] have been well maintained […]. The authenticity of the settlement is also ensured by the retention of its morphological features and its building techniques […].
122. Tikal National Park/Guatemala/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)(ix)(x) [mixed]	The conditions of authenticity […] have been largely maintained […] in terms of location and setting as the surroundings of the site have been retained. In terms of form and design, the historic integration of architecture with the geographic setting is still evident and the urban layout is still clearly discernible. There are significant archaeological elements that remain untouched until today which provide evidence of the authentic materials and construction techniques. […] To continue with traditional construction practices, the use of locally available material, of traditional knowledge systems and of skilled craftsmanship will also be important.
123. Historic Centre of Rome […]/Holy See, Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The city, centre of civilization from earliest times, today remains an extremely lively hub for meetings and exchange; it has a rich cultural, social and economic life, as well as being a leading destination for pilgrims and tourists.
124. Vatican City/Holy See/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	The property meets the required conditions of authenticity, since most of its features are still preserved and maintained in their initial form, perform their primary functions […].
125. Maya Site of Copan/Honduras/criteria (iv)(vi)	The Maya Site of Copan has maintained its form and design […].
126. Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment/Hungary/criteria (iv)(vi)	The building complex together with its expanding functions has preserved its continuity […]. […] Monastic life is defined by the Rules written by Saint Benedict almost 1500 years ago […] still a current practice in the monastery. The Benedictine motto of ‘Ora et labora!’ (‘Pray and work!’) is still present […].
127. Hortobágy National Park—the Puszta/Hungary/criteria (iv)(v)	The main elements of historic land-use […] still remain and the cultural landscape has preserved its structure, and functional complexity. […] The safeguarding of pastoral, handicraft and other community traditions […] is ensured by their conscious practice and their transmission.
128. Taj Mahal/India/criterion (i)	The tomb, mosque, guest house, main gate and the overall Taj Mahal complex have maintained the conditions […]. […] Future conservation work will need to follow guidelines that ensure that qualities such as form and design continue […].
129. Sun Temple, Konârak/India/criteria (i)(iii)(vi)	The Sun Temple’s authenticity of form and design is maintained in full through the surviving edifices […]. The various attributes of the Sun Temple […] are maintained in their original forms and materials. Its setting and location are maintained in their original form […]. …the Sun Temple, Konârak repeatedly evokes the strong spirit and feeling associated with the structure, which is manifested today in the living cultural practices […].
130. Group of Monuments at Hampi/India/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)	The attributes […] have been maintained in the property. […] the original setting comprising the river of Tungabhadra and boulders is fully retained. […] Today there is continuity of several religious rituals, associations, traditional skills and occupations within the society that have been maintained. […] several [original functions and traditions] are in continuum forming an integral part of the site like festivals, temple rituals, […]. The Virupaksha temple is in constant worship […].
131. Great Living Chola Temples/India/criteria (ii)(iii)	The temples are still being used […]. The temple complexes […] have remained as the outstanding features in today’s mainly rural context. […] The traditional use of the temple for worship and ritual contribute to the authenticity.
132. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi/India/criteria (ii)(iv)	The authenticity of the Humayun’s Tomb lies in the mausoleum, other structures and the garden retaining its original form and design, materials and setting.
133. Mountain Railways of India/India/criteria (ii)(iv)	Original 4-wheeled carriages and bogie-type carriages are still in use. The vulnerabilities are clearly linked to the fact that these properties are functioning railways which require constant repair […]. However care has been given to ensure that these parts retain the design and quality of the original.
134. Khangchendzonga National Park/India/criteria (iii)(vi)(vii)(x) [mixed]	Although the tangible human-made attributes within the property are restricted […], their continued reverence, maintenance and the associated rituals attest that they bear credible witness to the property’s Outstanding Universal Value.
135. Bam and its Cultural Landscape/Iran/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(v)	The traditional culture for architecture and the city plan have also been preserved, including the continuity in workmanship and know-how for earthen architecture construction. […] The setting has also maintained many of the historical features that speak to the integration of man and environment […]. To retain the authenticity of this relationship, the management of the buffer zone will play a critical role, as well as provisions made for the continuation of historic practices and rituals and the continuous function and use of the area.
136. Pasargadae/Iran/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The setting […] has undergone no change over time, and the site is part of an agricultural landscape that continues to be cultivated.
137. Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex/Iran/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	The rich historical sources bear credible witness to the importance of the Tabriz Bazaar over history and to the permanence of its layout. The fabric of the Bazaar still exhibits the design, workmanship, and materials […]. The Bazaar is still a lively and economically active place […].
138. Gonbad-e Qābus/Iran/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The monument retains its form and design, materials, visual dominance in the landscape, and continues as a holy place visited by local people and foreigners […].
139. Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan/Iran/criterion (ii)	One of the most important aspects of authenticity is the function of the Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, both as a mosque, which continues to be used for prayers, and as a component of the Isfahan historic bazaar fabric.
140. Historic City of Yazd/Iran/criteria (iii)(v)	Being a living dynamic city, […] there are still many qualities which allow Yazd to meet conditions of authenticity, including those related to the continuity of its intangible heritage. […] Bazaar is still in function […]. Also a large part of the historic city is still inhabited […].
141. Sceilg Mhichíl/Ireland/criteria (iii)(iv)	Due to the vicissitudes of time, the extreme environment and increased visitor pressure, a programme of conservation works, structural consolidation and repair has been in train […]. The philosophy underpinning this work is that all original features are retained […].
142. White City of Tel-Aviv—the Modern Movement/Israel/criteria (ii)(iv)	…such additions could be perceived as part of traditional continuity, to keep Tel Aviv as a vibrant, living city […].
143. Rock Drawings in Valcamonica/Italy/criteria (iii)(vi)	The physical authenticity of the property is preserved thanks to continuous monitoring, restoration and control […].
144. Historic Centre of Florence/Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The setting of Florence […] has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. […] Unique Florentine handicraft and traditional shops […] are a concrete testimonial to the local past. Thus, they guarantee continuity for an outstanding tradition perpetuating the historical image of the city.
145. Piazza del Duomo, Pisa/Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	The monumental complex of the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa has retained over time the historical and artistic qualities and attributes that convey its Outstanding Universal Value.
146. Venice and its Lagoon/Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)	The assets of the World Heritage property have substantially retained their original character. The urban structure has predominantly maintained the formal and spatial characters […] Similarly, the whole urban system has maintained the same layout […]. The local culture has developed a deep-seated continuity in the use of materials and techniques. […] The other lagoon settlements have also maintained a high level of authenticity, which continues to manifest itself […].
147. Historic Centre of San Gimignano/Italy/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)	San Gimignano’s setting on a height of land continues to dominate the surrounding countryside. […] Specifically, the historic centre has maintained intact spaces, volumes and decorations within the medieval layout […].
148. The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera/Italy/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The rock-cut settlement exhibits evidence of continuous occupation […]. There was some interruption when the entire population of the Sassi was relocated in the 1950s […] to improve sanitation and renovate […]. …the return of people from the 1980s has restored the traditional use and function of the property, and rejuvenated the spirit and feeling of the place.
149. Historic Centre of Naples/Italy/criteria (ii)(iv)	The town plan has […] retained considerable evidence of the Greco-Roman city […]. The typology of the public and private buildings has been well retained […]. There is remarkable continuity in the use of materials […]. The techniques developed for the use of these materials survive to a considerable degree and are used […].
150. Historic Centre of Siena/Italy/criteria(i)(ii)(iv)	…the original urban form of the city […] has been retained […]. …the function of medieval elements remains unchanged […]. Traditional activities continue […].
151. 18th-Century Royal Palace/Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The original appearance is still well preserved […]. Local people keep alive the tradition of regularly visiting the palace and the park and encourage the continuation of craft production of silk in San Leucio.
152. Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua/Italy/criteria (ii)(iii)	The Botanical Garden has been in continuous use for its original purposes ever since it was created […]. It still preserves its original layout […]. …overall it clearly retains the original design and structure.
153. Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands/Italy/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The property is […] a “cultural, evolved organic landscape.” Its authenticity relates to sustaining the traditional farming and […] sustaining the traditional methods and materials and the use of traditional craftsmanship.
154. Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia/Italy/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	…the layout and form of the Roman city survives intact. The area continues to function as a small urban centre […]. The Patriarchal Basilica has retained its religious function.
155. City of Verona/Italy/criteria (ii)(iv)	The original Roman urban form continues to be evident in the existing street pattern and the city’s historic fabric remained intact until World War II. […] Interventions of architectural and urban restoration carried out after World War II […] create continuity by carefully incorporating the destroyed areas into the urban pattern […]. The reconstruction of the Roman bridge, for example, was based on careful documentation and reuse of original materials.
156. Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto/Italy/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(v)	The eight components of the property continue to demonstrate with remarkable homogeneity the late Baroque art and architectural style of south-eastern Sicily in individual buildings and town planning.
157. Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy/Italy/criteria (ii)(iv)	The original symbolic layouts of the chapels […] are still unchanged, retaining authenticity of form, design and setting. […] traditions and authenticity of function have been retained […] as places of Christian pilgrimage, prayer and reflection, the purposes for which they were originally built.
158. Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato/Italy/criteria (iii)(v)	The use of the soils, the built structures and the social organisation of all the stages of the winemaking process […] are an expression of continuity of ancient practices and expertise to form authentic ensembles in each component of the serial property.
159. Blue and John Crow Mountains/Jamaica/criteria (iii)(vi)(x) [mixed]	Continuity of names of specific places and stories associated with them contribute to sustaining their authenticity.
160. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine/Japan/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	As an ancient place of religious or spiritual importance, the setting continues to reflect the scenic harmony of the monuments, sea, and mountain forest and is properly maintained […]. The design […] remains unchanged […].
161. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara/Japan/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	There has been some reconstruction […] at the Nara Palace Site. The continuity of traditional architecture in Japan […] has ensured that the reconstructed buildings have a high level of authenticity in form and design. The State Party is currently addressing how to best maintain that continuity in ongoing reconstruction […].
162. Shrines and Temples of Nikko/Japan/criteria (i)(iv)(vi)	The site continues to function today as a place of religious rituals and other activities which maintain its traditions, both physically and spiritually. [..] Most of the buildings […] remain in their original locations. The setting […] has also been maintained. The mountains and forests retain their sacred meanings, and the shrines and temples of Nikko are in active religious use.
163. Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range/Japan/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	At the three sacred sites, various religious rituals and practices mainly related to Shintoism, Buddhism, and Shugen-dô have been continually carried out. Such activities are still underway even now, and thus a high level of spiritual authenticity is maintained.
164. Um er-Rasas/Jordan/criteria (i)(iv)(vi)	The form, design and materials, location and setting of the ruined and excavated structures continue to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
165. Wadi Rum Protected Area/Jordan/criteria (iii)(v)(vii) [mixed]	…their ability to convey the cultural traditions of the people who made them continues […].
166. Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan”/Jordan/criteria (iii)(vi)	The continuing pilgrimage and veneration of the site is a credible expression of the spirit and feeling attributed to it […]. …a wilderness feeling still exists […].
167. Lamu Old Town/Kenya/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The architecture of Lamu has employed locally available materials and techniques which are still applied to date. The people of Lamu have managed to maintain age-old traditions […]. The town continues to be a significant centre for education […].
168. Kernavė Archaeological Site/Lithuania/criteria (iii)(iv)	The prehistoric and medieval cultural elements […] remain intact […]. The systematic and extensive archaeological investigations […] provide exemplary scientific evidence of […] continuous human adaptation and use […].
169. Chongoni Rock-Art Area/Malawi/criteria (iii)(vi)	The Outstanding Universal Value of the rock art sites is expressed through their actual art – design and materials; their location and setting, the function and the spiritual traditions associated with them, all of which continue to thrive today. The same Chewa Nyau […] can be seen conducting rituals in most villages around Chongoni at all times of the year. The Chewa girls’ initiation ceremony – Chinamwali, continues to the practices […].
170. Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco/Mexico/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(v)	The conditions of authenticity of the Historic Centre […] are largely met considering that the design, materials, workmanship and the relationship between the landscape and heritage buildings […] are either original or maintained to a degree that they keep material and structural consistency. Furthermore, the urban grid of the area continues to match the colonial model […]. Use and function are maintained […].
171. Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro/Mexico/Mexico/criteria (ii)(iv)	It is an historic colonial town that continues to exist […] and retains a very high proportion of old buildings […]. As a significant group of buildings making up a living urban ensemble, its authenticity is of a high order.
172. Historic Fortified Town of Campeche/Mexico/criteria (ii)(iv)	The authenticity of the historical centre is, to a large extent, due to the continuity of a traditional family lifestyle […].
173. Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila/Mexico/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)(vi)	The work in the agricultural field attests the survival of essential elements that have shaped the agave landscape from its creation and the continuity of an ancient cultural process. […] The hefty character of the landscape is the result of the cultivation and domestication of the Agave Azul Tequilana Weber native plant of the region, through a long journey along the time.
174. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape/Mongolia/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	…reflecting the long-standing traditions of Central Asian nomadic pastoralism. The basic use of the land has remained consistent over the centuries […]. The […] continuing intangible and tangible traditions associated with the nomadic life are integral to the property’s continued authenticity.
175. Pyu Ancient Cities/Myanmar/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	The authenticity […] is to be found in the architectural form and design of unaltered and still-standing monumental structures and urban precincts; a continuous tradition of the use and function […]; enduring traditions and techniques […] which continue to be practiced […]; the original location and setting […] remains largely unchanged […] and the spirit and feeling […] until the present day continues […].
176. Bagan/Myanmar/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	The authenticity is demonstrated by the landscape of Buddhist monuments […] and the rich and continuing religious and cultural traditions.
177. Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha/Nepal/criteria (iii)(vi)	The property continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value through its archaeological remains. The delicate balance must be maintained between conserving the archaeological vestiges of the property while providing for the pilgrims.
178. Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao/Netherlands/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The urban fabric and the historic townscape remain relatively unchanged and the various zones in the inner city are still recognizable. Sint Anna Bay continues to operate as an active working harbour. Fort Amsterdam retains an administrative function […]. The urban plan of Punda has been largely retained […]. […] The tradition of colourful building exteriors continues […].
179. Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)/Netherlands/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	The key design features […] have remained intact. […] This continuity is illustrated by the copperplate map […] which corresponds almost perfectly to the current pattern of main roads, waterways and plots of land. […] The functional agricultural use of the polder continues. […] Traditional materials […] are still being used. Moreover, the shape of residences is maintained […].
180. Léon Cathedral/Nicaragua/criteria (ii)(iv)	Authenticity is maintained by the permanence of the original plan, materials functions, social significance and relationships with the urban setting.
181. Sukur Cultural Landscape/Nigeria/criteria (iii)(v)(vi)	The cultural components are still actively present among the community since they are part of their living culture. The stone structures […] still remain the most distinct feature […]. The regular observance of festivals and ceremonies are evidence of cultural continuity.
182. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove/Nigeria/criteria (ii)(iii)(vi)	The sacred nature of places can only be continually reinforced if that sacredness is widely respected. […] …the new sculptures are part of a long and continuing tradition of sculptures created to reflect Yoruba cosmology.
183. Vegaøyan—The Vega Archipelago/Norway/criterion (v)	The cultural landscape […] continues to be managed in a traditional manner, using time-honoured management techniques. […] Bird tenders maintain the more than 1,000-year-old tradition of making houses and nests for the eiders […].
184. Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn/Oman/criteria (iii)(iv)	For centuries, the tombs were used and reused, thus preserving their original function and meaning.
185. Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro/Pakistan/criteria (ii)(iii)	The property continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value through its planning, form and design, materials and location.
186. Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighboring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol/Pakistan/criterion (iv)	The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi has high authenticity of setting as it continues to occupy its original hilltop location. […] Authenticity of materials as well as traditions and techniques of construction is retained […].
187. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon/Palau/criteria (iii)(v)(vii)(ix)(x) [mixed]	The form and materials of village settlements, burial caves and their setting continue to convey the cultural value of the property. […] Oral histories and ongoing cultural traditions in the main island of Palau keep alive the memories of the migration […].
188. Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem/Palestine/criteria (iv)(vi)	Located on the spot believed to be the Birthplace of Jesus Christ for some 2000 years, the Church of the Nativity is one of the most sacred Christian sites in the world since at least the 4th century AD up to the present. The sanctity of the site is maintained by the three churches occupying it.
189. Chavin (Archaeological Site)/Peru/criterion (iii)	The conditions of authenticity […] have been maintained. […] The existing elements at the site […] depict […] the site’s continuous social functions that finally shaped its buildings. […] Archaeological investigations and conservation interventions […] have kept the spaces and structures of the ceremonial compound unchanged.
190. Río Abiseo National Park/Peru/criteria (iii)(vii)(ix)(x) [mixed]	These conditions show that the diversity of archaeological sites within the various altitudes and areas […] still bear witness to the process and the historical continuity of adaptation, evolution and human development […].
191. Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa/Peru/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)	The creation, design, morphology, size and variety of the geoglyphs and lines correspond to the original designs […] and have remained unchanged […] and their significance remains intact even today […] reflecting millenary magical-religious tradition of this activity by pre-Hispanic societies and the historic continuity in Nasca’s Rio Grande river basin.
192. Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa/Peru/criteria (i)(iv)	The planning of the foundational urban layout […] maintains its originality […]. […] Churches maintain their religious use […]. …most buildings have been repaired […] without losing their typology […]. This was accomplished due to […] the continuation of construction traditions (know-how) […].
193. Baroque Churches of the Philippines/Philippines/criteria (ii)(iv)	The efforts by the government geared towards responsible restoration and conservation have resulted in the retention of the original materials and substantial features […]. The use of the Baroque churches as permanent sacred places devoted to acts of divine worship of the Catholic faith continues.
194. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras/Philippines/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras are authentic in form, character, and function as a direct result of the 2000 year-old and continuously maintained regime that balances climatic, […] religious, social, economic, political and other factors. […] the lfugao community has maintained the intactness of the terraces’ traditional management system over this long period of time, ensuring the authenticity of both the original landscape engineering and traditional wet-rice agriculture. […] so long as they all operate […] …the fact that the lfugao community continues to occupy, use and maintain their ancestral lands in the age-old traditional manner ensures appreciation and awareness of the enduring value of these traditional practices which continue to sustain them.
195. Historic Centre of Kraków/Poland/criteria (iv)	The topography of the property and the relationship between the River Vistula and the local hills […] remain legible. […] the urban clarity and functionality of both Kraków and Kazimierz survive to this day […]. The city’s panorama also remains intact, complete with its distinctive historic landmarks […]. …many buildings have remained in use for their intended purposes for generations. […] Modern-day interventions represent a continuation of this historical process.
196. Medieval Town of Toruń/Poland/criteria (ii)(iv)	The authenticity of the urban planning concept linking Toruń with Hanseatic Europe […] provide evidence of the continuity of traditional construction techniques and technologies […] widely used throughout the city and region.
197. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park/Poland/criteria (ii)(iv)	Its original layout has survived virtually intact, and the topographic and symbolic relationships between the natural and built features have been maintained. Individual architectural features survive in their original locations and forms. […] The property continues to serve its original purpose as a pilgrim shrine to this day, representing an uninterrupted continuity of tradition spanning four centuries.
198. Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska/Poland/criteria (iii)(iv)	The wooden churches are examples of the tradition and technologies developed by the medieval guilds. The enduring continuity of workshop traditions ensures the consistent use of the same techniques and materials, thus preventing the loss of the property’s original character.
199. Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge, and Monastery of Serra do Pilar/Portugal/criterion (iv)	The property illustrates over a thousand years of continuous settlement, with successive interventions each leaving their imprints.
200. Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks/Korea/criteria (iv)(vi)	The Janggyeong Panjeon continues to house the 80,000 woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and maintains both their original form and function. […] The form, general layout and architectural detailing of the buildings have been preserved to this day without any major changes or damage.
201. Jongmyo Shrine/Korea/criteria (iv)	The site layout and architecture of Jongmyo have been kept intact in the original form, and the ancestral ritual music and dance have been handed down and continue to be regularly performed.
202. Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty/Korea/criteria (iii)(iv)(vi)	The original function has been continued at all sites and a sacred atmosphere has been largely maintained […].
203. Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea/Korea/criterion (iii)	The authenticity of the serial property is based on the long and continuing uses of the components for Buddhist spiritual practices and rituals, and is based on their location and setting; traditions, techniques and management skills; and intangible heritage. The architectural elements have been carefully maintained […]
204. Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin/Russian Federation/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	The original urban layout of the Kazan Kremlin has remained essentially unchanged from Bulgar times, and has provided the basis for the continuous development of the town in all subsequent periods. […] …changes can now be considered as part of its historical layers. […] The project for construction of a mosque […] can be seen as a sign of the continuity of a spiritual dialogue and balance between different cultures.
205. San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano/San Marino/criterion (iii)	With regard to functions and uses, there is a continuity related to the role of the historic city as capital of the small state. Restoration and reconstruction works […] may be considered as part of the history of the property […].
206. Island of Saint-Louis/Senegal/criteria (ii)(iv)	The current face of Saint-Louis carries the mark of the vision of Governor Faidherbe […]. This remarkable continuity has enabled the Island of Saint-Louis to preserve its authenticity in close correlation with a built environment […].
207. Singapore Botanic Gardens/Singapore/criteria (ii)(iv)	The authenticity of the Singapore Botanic Garden is demonstrated by the continued use as a botanic garden and as a place of scientific research.
208. ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape/South Africa/criteria (v)(vi)	The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape reflects the cultural links that a core group of ǂKhomani San people retained with the land. […] …and the persistence of linguistic memory […]. […] …the continued existence of Bush craft and tracking skills, the persistence of cultural practices like dance […] contribute to maintain the association with the property […].
209. Historic Centre of Cordoba/Spain/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The property maintains conditions of authenticity expressed through the presence of the urban fabric and the historic buildings […] where layout and form has been maintained. Córdoba has grown organically and continuously over two millennia. […] There is a high level of building traditions and techniques […] reflected in the presence of the urban areas […].
210. Mudejar Architecture of Aragon/Spain/criterion (iv)	Mudéjar architecture […] is represented by a series of historic monuments that have been largely conserved […] maintaining the use and functions […]. Moreover, their location in historic settings and urban areas continues unaltered.
211. Poblet Monastery/Spain/criteria (i)(iv)	Monastic life continued in the monastery until […] 1835 […]. …in 1940 monastic life returned to the abbey. […] …the presence of the Cistercian religious community at Poblet […] have ensured an authenticity which, in addition to the architectural aspects, extends to its original spiritual values, functions and use.
212. Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain/Spain/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The majority of the routes themselves follow their historic trajectories, and many retain their historical characteristics […]. The property’s function and use as a pilgrimage route has continued for more than a millennium. The links between the Outstanding Universal Value of the routes and their attributes are therefore truthfully expressed, and the attributes fully convey the value of the property.
213. Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe/Spain/criteria (iv)(vi)	Like any religious establishment that has been in use constantly since its construction, the monastery […] has undergone restorations and reconstruction works. However, the ensemble retains its original form and appearance.
214. San Cristóbal de la Laguna/Spain/criteria (ii)(iv)	San Cristóbal de La Laguna is the result of a type of town dynamics that contain a continuous process of superimposition of historical trends. The town has been evolving since its founding […] and has retained conditions of authenticity in its street pattern, its open spaces, and its monuments, which still preserve a visible time continuity. […] Original facades survive […], providing an authentic historic streetscape […]. San Cristobal de La Laguna retains much of its traditional trade […].
215. Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana/Spain/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	The setting still exhibits a strong continuity with past layouts […]. Traditional skills for the building and repair of the dry-stone structures have been consciously maintained […] to counter the changes brought by social and economic change.
216. Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape/Spain/criteria (iii)(v)	The authenticity of the attributes […] is made manifest in particular by […] troglodyte settlements which largely retain their original form and design […]. The situation and the setting […] have remained without significant change […]. Even the route of the ancient trails, the underground cisterns and the location of former refuges have been maintained in time and space. As a result, the main scenic elements […] have remained virtually unchanged […].
217. Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple/Sri Lanka/criteria (i)(vi)	The overall form and design as well as the materials and substance […] have been retained. No interventions have been carried out to change the overall form and design […]. The interior spaces are still being used by pilgrims […] thus maintaining the original use and function as well as the spirit and feeling […].
218. Hanseatic Town of Visby/Sweden/criteria (iv)(v)	…the limestone warehouses have maintained their dominance […]. […] Subsequent layers of development have conformed to the medieval scale and town layout. The Gotlandic traditional lime production and use for stone, plaster and mortars have remained intact […]. […] its urban continuity is still reflected in a living town with retail, business, residential, educational, cultural and tourist uses.
219. Laponian Area/Sweden/criteria (iii)(v)(vii)(viii)(ix) [mixed]	The authenticity of the property is expressed by and maintained through the continuing Saami practice of reindeer herding and the seasonal movement of the herds […]. The existence […] of reindeer herding is a fundamental condition for the survival of the Saami culture. […] The buildings of the Saami culture are visible evidence of the continuing presence of reindeer herding activities in the area.
220. Naval Port of Karlskrona/Sweden/criteria (ii)(iv)	The Swedish authorities believe that the continued use of this historical environment will provide the best protection, and will assist in maintaining the property’s authenticity.
221. Abbey of St Gall/Switzerland/criteria (ii)(iv)	The property reflects an architectural development spanning several centuries, and bears witness to well-preserved material and original substance, with a continuous religious, cultural and public function.
222. Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair/Switzerland/criteria (iii)	The property fulfills the conditions of authenticity not only with regard to the material substance, but also from the functional perspective: the convent is still a religious centre for Benedictine sisters.
223. Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces/Switzerland/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The terraces are in continuous use and well maintained. They have evolved over several centuries to their present form […].
224. La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning/Switzerland/criteria (iv)	It is given concrete expression in the permanence of the ordered and cumulative street plans of the first half of the 19th century and the continuity of the basic architectonic motifs of the built structure […] until today. The typological and environmental study […] shows […] functional and architectural continuity […].
225. Ancient City of Aleppo/Syrian Arab Republic/criteria (iii)(iv)	Since inscription, the layout of the old city […] has remained unchanged. […] The historic and traditional handicraft and commercial activities continue as a vital component of the city sustaining its traditional urban life.
226. Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns/Thailand/criteria (i)(iii)	Over their long history of almost 1000 years, the buildings […] have been maintained […]. […] The roads, canals, dams and dykes are still in use today […]. The religious establishments in the historic sites continue to be revered and used for worship. Traditional festivals are still maintained on site. The unique Thai language alphabet invented at Sukhothai remains in use today. And the personalities known from Sukhuthai history continue to be respected as the founders of the Thai nation.
227. Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba/Togo/criteria (v)(vi)	…the overall landscape reflects the processes and practices that prevail over many centuries. In order to conserve its authenticity, these traditional practices must be maintained. […] …the essential elements of the Tammari culture mix and persist throughout time and space. Therefore […] expressions of culture and identity persist. […] it is always the original landscape that can be observed today […]. The natural space is also very present […].
228. Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia/Turkey/criteria (i)(iii)(v)(vii) [mixed]	This conditioning of human effort by natural conditions persisted almost unchanged through successive periods and civilizations, influencing the cultural attitudes and technical skills of each succeeding generation.
229. Historic Areas of Istanbul/Turkey/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	The setting and distinctive skyline of the Historic Peninsula continues to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
230. Hattusha: the Hittite Capital/Turkey/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	Careful consideration to the use of restoration materials and techniques is needed to ensure that these conditions continue to be met.
231. Nemrut Dağ/Turkey/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)	It has survived in a moderately well-preserved state. The original ceremonial routes to the Hierotheseion are known and still used for access today.
232. City of Safranbolu/Turkey/criteria (ii)(iv)(v)	…careful monitoring is required to ensure that conditions of authenticity in terms of form and design continue to be met.
233. Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire/Turkey/criteria(i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	…some of the commercial units experienced destruction and reconstruction following fire. Yet, the Khans Area continues the tradesmen culture of the Ottoman era to date, including traditional rituals […]. The Khan’s courtyard plans […] have been effective for khans to sustain their commercial functions until the present. […] The kulliyes remain still focal points meeting the social, cultural and religious needs of the inhabitants […] and continue to reflect the Ottoman characteristics of Bursa. […] It is important for the preservation of the integrity of Cumalıkızık to ensure the continuous presence of the local inhabitants […].
234. Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape/Turkey/criterion (iv)	…the Fortress […] has survived for many centuries and still clearly encircles the innermost core of the historic city. It is still possible to […] recognise their materials, form and design. […] The Hevsel Gardens have also maintained their historical and functional links to the city. […] the documentation of restoration work needs to be improved to continue to demonstrate the authenticity of restored sections.
235. Kunya-Urgench/Turkmenistan/criteria(ii)(iii)	The authenticity of the property has been preserved in the site layout and the use and the function of the site as a religious centre which is still continuing.
236. Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi/Uganda/criteria (i)(iii)(iv)(vi)	The authenticity of the Tombs of the Kings of Buganda at Kasubi is reflected in the continuity of the traditional and cultural practices that are associated with the site. The original burial system of the Kabakas of Buganda is still being maintained. […] The practice of using grass thatched roof resting on structural rings of palm tree fronds is still being maintained as well as the internal elements and finishing materials […]. […] by loss to the fire […] the building’s traditional architectural craftsmanship and the required skills are still available to allow it to be recreated.
237. L’viv—the Ensemble of the Historic Centre/Ukraine/criteria (ii)(v)	Its setting retains its characteristic topography […]. This landscape continues to illustrate the traditional relationship between the defensive castle […] and the town below. Moreover, the urban layout survives in the medieval street pattern, […].
238. Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region/Poland, Ukraine/criteria (iii)(iv)	…continuation of technical knowledge related to techniques and workmanship is an essential requirement for future preservation of authenticity in workmanship and maintenance techniques.
239. Durham Castle and Cathedral/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (ii)(iv)(vi)	The property has remained continually in use as a place of worship, learning and residence. […] The architectural evolution of the Castle has not obscured its Norman layout. […] The siting of the Castle and Cathedral […] has been sustained […].
240. Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(ii)(iii)	…what remains is remarkable in its completeness and concentration. The materials and substance of the archaeology supported by the archaeological archives continue to provide an authentic testimony to prehistoric technological and creative achievement. […] …archaeological research […] continues to uncover new evidence […]. […] The known principal monuments largely remain in situ and many are still dominant features in the rural landscape. […] …they retain spiritual significance for some people […].
241. City of Bath/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	…the Roman Baths can still be appreciated for their original use. The majority of the large stock of Georgian buildings have been continuously inhabited since their construction, and retain a high degree of original fabric.
242. Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)	The property maintains its principle historic uses and functions effectively. The Gothic Westminster Abbey, a working church, continues to be used as a place of daily worship. […] The Palace of Westminster continues to be used as the seat of the United Kingdom’s two-chamber system of democracy. St Margaret’s Church […] remains at heart a medieval parish church […].
243. Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(ii)(vi)	St Martin’s Church has been in continuous use as a place of worship […]. The Cathedral also thrives as a place of learning and pilgrimage […]. The majority of the property therefore maintains its historic use and function. […] The vast Cathedral […] still dominates the city as it has done for five hundred years. […] The coherence and almost perfect homogeneity of its choir, east transept, […] are still evident […].
244. Tower of London/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (ii)(iv)	It remains […] as both an outstanding example of innovative Norman architecture and the most complete survival of a late 11th century fortress palace in Europe. […] The Tower also retains is original relationship with the surrounding physical elements […]. Its form, design and materials remain intact […]. The Tower is no longer in use as a fortress, but its fabric still clearly tells the story of the use and function of the monument over the centuries. The fabric also continues to demonstrate the traditions and techniques that were involved in its construction.
245. Old and New Towns of Edinburgh/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (ii)(iv)	…streets and squares maintain their intactness. The property also continues to retain its historic role as the administrative and cultural capital of Scotland, while remaining a vibrant economic centre.
246. Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda/UK and Northern Ireland/criterion (iv)	St George is one of the few founding cities of a colony that has remained small, containing a high percentage of its early structures, while maintaining a continuity in its character, retaining its use and function to the present day. […] Much of the early masonry construction of these forts remains […].
247. Saltaire/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (ii)(iv)	An intensive programme of sensitive rehabilitation and conservation of the entire complex has meant that its attributes – form and design, materials and substance, and function (in terms of a living community)—continue to thrive and express its Outstanding Universal Value.
248. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)	…Kew Gardens have remained faithful to their initial purpose with botanists continuing to collect specimens and exchange expertise internationally. […] Unlike the works of architecture, in each of the landscaped garden areas, the past, present and future are so closely interwoven […].
249. The Forth Bridge/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(iv)	The Forth Bridge is fully authentic in form and design, which are virtually unaltered; materials and substance, which have undergone only minimal changes; and use and function, which have continued as originally intended.
250. Jodrell Bank Observatory/UK and Northern Ireland/criteria (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)	The location of the property has continued unchanged, and the largely agricultural setting is essentially identical apart from the construction of the Square Kilometre Array building as part of the ongoing scientific use of the Observatory. […] Materials and substance have been mostly retained […]. The property retains its ongoing scientific use.
251. Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara/United Republic of Tanzania/criterion (iii)	The ability of the islands to continue to express truthfully their values has been maintained in terms of design and materials […].
252. Stone Town of Zanzibar/United Republic of Tanzania/criteria (ii)(iii)(vi)	The buildings, their uses, and the layout of the streets continue to express the interchange of human values around the Indian Ocean rim. The materials and the skills of construction used in the town are still widely used […]. […] Traditional materials and construction techniques are still being employed […]. The continuity of traditional uses of most of the buildings in the historic town […] maintains the town as an important administrative and economic centre […]
253. Kondoa Rock-Art Sites/United Republic of Tanzania/criteria (iii)(vi)	What is of special importance about Kondoa is that the rock art exists, largely in its original natural environment, and in the context of a rich living heritage. The places where ancient hunter-gatherers painted rock art […] are still used today by local farmer communities […].
254. Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville/United States of America/criteria (i)(iv)(vi)	“Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville” is substantially authentic in terms of its forms and designs, materials and substance, and locations and settings, as well as, for the University’s Academical Village, its uses and functions. […] The Jeffersonian precinct of the University has been in continuous use for its original purposes since its construction.
255. Taos Pueblo/United States of America/criterion (iv)	Taos Pueblo is authentic in terms of its location and setting, forms and designs, materials and substance, uses and functions as well as spirit and feeling. The Pueblo has been continuously occupied and cared for by the traditional and culturally-based community. […] The community maintains controls to protect its traditions […]. …the old village still serves as the most important focus for intra-village interaction and cultural activities.
256. Papahānaumokuākea/United States of America/criteria (iii)(vi)(viii)(ix)(x) [mixed]	The strong spiritual religious associations of Mokumanamana island are living and relevant.
257. San Antonio Missions/United States of America/criterion (ii)	The missions have evolved over time […]. […] Four of the serial components have retained authenticity in use and function as their church complexes are still used for church services.
258. The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright/United States of America/criterion (ii)	Most of the components of the serial property have remained remarkably unchanged since their construction in their form and design, use and function, materials and substance, spirit and feeling. […] …the changes […] must be understood as a means of retaining their forms and uses.
259. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain/Vanuatu/criteria (iii)(v)(vi)	The authenticity of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain lies in the continuing association of the landscape with the oral traditions of Roi Mata, continuity of chiefly systems of authority and customary respect for the tangible remains of his life evident in the continuing tabu prohibitions on these places.
260. Old Walled City of Shibam/Yemen/criteria (iii)(iv)(v)	The attributes that carry Outstanding Universal Value including the city layout, the city skyline, the city wall, the traditional buildings, and the relationship between the city and its surrounding landscape continue to be maintained.
261. Great Zimbabwe National Monument/Zimbabwe/ criteria (i)(iii)(vi)	It is a non-functional sacred archaeological site that is still being used by contemporary communities for spiritual reasons. […] The divine soapstone figurines […] found within the ruins are testimony to the use of the site as place of worship spanning from the ancient past to the present day.
262. Khami Ruins National Monument/Zimbabwe/criteria (iii)(iv)	It remains an undisturbed, non-functional, archaeological site whilst also still being used by contemporary communities for spiritual purposes. […] …the current population maintains the historic traditions of the site.
263. Matobo Hills/Zimbabwe/criteria (iii)(v)(vi)	The rock paintings survive in situ and are still linked to a landscape that reflects elements of the pastoral and agricultural traditions reflected in painted images. The living traditions and intangible heritage associated with the site and which bind the cultural and natural values together are still thriving.

. However, Table A1 is not inserted here because it is more than 15 pages in length. Instead, it is inserted in Appendix A following the Conclusion to avoid disrupting the flow of the main text. As indicated in the instructions for authors, this journal, Heritage, has no restrictions on the length of articles and requires all research data to be openly available in order to maintain integrity and transparency. For this reason, Table A1 is available despite the fact that it exceeds 15 pages.

Of the 869 cultural and 39 mixed properties inscribed on the World Heritage List between 1978 and 2019, there are at least 263 SOUV in which continuity and/or terms that echo this concept clearly appear in the sections dedicated to authenticity. The words “at least” are noteworthy because, as explained in the Methodology section, not all SOUV are available on the website of the World Heritage Centre. Also, many scholars, including Herb Stovel, have noted, “It is meaningless to state that such and such a property is ‘undeniably authentic’” [21] (p. 4) because—as explained by a Greek delegate in the 1998 session of the World Heritage Committee—“The use of the word ‘authenticity’, when not properly specified, is devoid of any valuable meaning” [18] (p. 270); yet, this is the case, for example, in the SOUV of the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam in Afghanistan: “The authenticity […] has never been questioned. The Minaret has always been recognized as a genuine architectural and decorative masterpiece by the experts and an artistic chef-d’oeuvre by the aesthetes […]” [20]. Table A1 does not include SOUV with similar, unspecific, sentences.

3.1. Keywords

Table A1 identifies the 263 properties as well as the States Parties, the criteria, and the relevant passages where continuity underpins one or more condition(s) or attribute(s) of authenticity, especially through the keywords: continuity, continuation, continuance, continual, continually, continuously, continuous, continuing, continue, and continuum. It is also evident through the keywords: always, active, age-old, constantly, consistently, daily, enduring, exist, existing, in existence, evolve, evolutionary, handed down from generation to generation, hold onto, keep, long-term, long-standing, living, lively, life, everyday life, long occupation, longevity, maintenance, maintain, moving, millennia, ongoing, omnipresent, over time, for many centuries, over thousands of years, persist, persistence, permanent, presence, present time, passed on, progressively, prevail, perform, perpetuating, predominantly, regularly, repeatedly, routine, retention, retain, remain, re-establish, return, successive, succeeding generation, sustain, survival, still, throughout time, today, transmit, transmission, the same, thrive, until now, uninterrupted, undisturbed, unmodified, unaltered, untouched, unchanged, and viability, among others. For instance, to “maintain”, “retain”, “sustain” or “keep” a function or another attribute means that the attribute continues to exist. Contrary to what the reader may expect, continuity is not only relevant to living heritage or dynamic properties, such as inhabited historic towns or continuing cultural landscapes, but also to more static properties, such as monuments and archaeological sites that continue to keep their design, materials, location, or other attributes.

3.2. Examples

Examples from Table A1 are presented below to quickly show the reader the applicability of continuity per criterion:

• (i): n°19, The Sydney Opera House in Australia, “The Sydney Opera House continues to perform its function as a world-class performing arts centre […] thus retaining its authenticity of use and function.”
• (ii): n°139, Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan in Iran: “One of the most important aspects of authenticity is the function of the Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, both as a mosque, which continues to be used for prayers, and as a component of the Isfahan historic bazaar fabric.”
• (iii): n°203, Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea: “The authenticity of the serial property is based on the long and continuing uses of the components for Buddhist spiritual practices and rituals, and is based on their location and setting; traditions, techniques and management skills; and intangible heritage. The architectural elements have been carefully maintained […].”
• (iv): n°246, Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: “St George is one of the few founding cities of a colony that has remained small, containing a high percentage of its early structures, while maintaining a continuity in its character, retaining its use and function to the present day. […] Much of the early masonry construction of these forts remains […].”
• (v): n°87, Aasivissuit–Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground in Denmark: “The continuity of some of the seasonal hunting and migration practices, and the associated Inuit intangible cultural heritage and traditional knowledge contribute to the authenticity of the cultural landscape.”
• (vi): n°114, Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions in Ghana: “As symbols of trade, and particularly the slave trade, they need to continue to reflect the way they were used.” [20] (emphasis added in bold and color).

For a combination of criteria, six other examples from Table A1 are presented below:

• (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi): n°1, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan: “The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley continue to testify to the different cultural phases of its history. […] the Bamiyan Valley […] continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value in terms of form and materials, location and setting […].”
• (ii)(iv)(vi): n°25, Historic Centre of Vienna in Austria: “The property has to a remarkable degree retained the architectural elements that demonstrate its continuous interchange of values […]. In addition, […] the Historic Centre of Vienna has retained its role as the music capital of Europe. The historic urban fabric […] is thus informed by this ongoing interchange […]. Vienna’s continuing development requires a very sensitive approach […].”
• (ii)(iv)(vi): n°32, Historic Centre of Brugge in Belgium: “The Historic Centre of Brugge illustrates continuity on an urban site that has been occupied since the early Middle Ages. […] An area of continuous settlement, the Historic Centre of Brugge has retained the original pattern of streets and palaces, canals, and open spaces. […] The transformations that have taken place over time […] have become part of its historic authenticity […].”
• (ii)(iii): n°185, Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro in Pakistan: “The property continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value through its planning, form and design, materials and location.”
• (iii)(vii)(ix)(x) [mixed property]: n°190, Río Abiseo National Park in Peru: “These conditions show that the diversity of archaeological sites within the various altitudes and areas […] still bear witness to the process and the historical continuity of adaptation, evolution and human development […].”
• (iii)(v)(vi): n°259, Chief Roi Mata’s Domain in Vanuatu: “The authenticity of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain lies in the continuing association of the landscape with the oral traditions of Roi Mata, continuity of chiefly systems of authority and customary respect for the tangible remains of his life evident in the continuing tabu prohibitions on these places.” [20] (emphasis added in bold and color).

3.3. Analysis

These properties were inscribed on the World Heritage List not because their values, recognized in the criteria, “are truthfully and credibly expressed through a variety of attributes” as per the Operational Guidelines [2] (Paragraph 82), but because their values and attributes continue to exist.

Accordingly, the expression “material authenticity” in related literature [22] (p. 152) actually means continuity of tangible attributes, such as materials and form, and “functional authenticity” [22] (p. 152) actually means continuity of function, which is an intangible attribute. One may argue, therefore, that the Nara Document on Authenticity [7], mentioned in the Introduction, actually served “to de-emphasize the material continuity that was privileging European-style stone monuments” [23] (p. 254) and to encompass structures made of less durable materials, such as wood, in other regions where immaterial continuity is equally or more important, for example in Japan—hence the addition of intangible attributes, such as function, use, language, feeling and spirit in the Operational Guidelines [2] (Paragraph 82).

In fact, continuity is not only a recurring concept in the section dedicated to authenticity in the SOUV, but also in the other sections, namely brief synthesis, criteria, integrity, protection and management requirements. This holds true for some natural properties. To support this claim, the SOUV of Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System (cultural property) and the SOUV of Los Alerces National Park (natural property) are given as examples in

Table A2. Continuity in all the sections of two Statements of Outstanding Universal Value. Information taken from the website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ (last accessed on 28 March 2020)

Property/State Party/Criteria	Continuity and Words That Echo This Concept in the SOUV: Brief Synthesis, CRITERIA, Integrity, Authenticity (for Cultural Heritage), Protection and Management Requirements
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System/Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru/criteria (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi) [cultural property]	…an extraordinary road network […] used over several centuries […]. Several local communities who remain traditional guardians and custodians of Qhapaq Ñan segments continue to safeguard associated intangible cultural traditions including languages. (brief synthesis) Several communities, who remain custodians of components of this vast Inca communication network, are living reminders of the exchange of cultural values and language. (criterion ii). As a testimony to the Inca Empire, it illustrates thousands of years of cultural evolution and was an omnipresent symbol of the Empire’s strength […]. This testimony influences the communities along the Qhapaq Ñan until today […]. (criterion iii). The Qhapaq Ñan […] created a continuous and functioning communication and trade system with exceptional technological and engineering skills… (criterion iv) The Qhapaq Ñan continues today to provide communities with a sense of identity and to enable their cultural practices, cultural expressions and traditional skills to continue to be transmitted from generation to generation. […] This cosmovision applies to all aspects of everyday life. Today, Qhapaq Ñan is directly associated with the intangible values shared by the communities […] such as traditional trade, ritual practices, […] which are living traditions and beliefs essential to the cultural identity of the communities concerned. The Andean Road System continues to serve its original functions of integration, communication, exchange and flow of goods and knowledge, and […] keeps its pertinence and importance throughout the centuries… (criterion vi) To ensure that the distinct relations between different sites in terms of continuity despite their fragmentation can be well understood by future visitors, it is recommended that appropriate maps or a GIS system be developed… (integrity) The authenticity of the Qhapaq Ñan component sites is very high in that the characteristic features retain their form and design […]. …maintenance measures where necessary are undertaken in traditional techniques and materials. These are predominantly driven by the local populations, who remain knowledgeable in traditional road management techniques and who are the key partners in maintaining the roadbed and associated features. […] Associated intangible values and management practices remain very strong […]. The information sources of spirit and feeling […] are very relevant as many of the communities have strong associations to the Qhapaq Ñan and continue to remain guardians… (authenticity) …traditional management systems […] have been in existence for centuries… (protection and management)
Los Alerces National Park/Argentina/criteria (vii)(x) [natural property]	The landscape in this region is moulded by successive glaciations creating a scenically spectacular variety of geomorphic features […]. The property is dominated by the presence of Patagonian Forest […]. The property is vital for the protection of some of the last portions of continuous Patagonian Forest in almost a pristine state and it is the habitat for […] the longest-living population of Alerce trees […] (brief synthesis) The Los Alerces National Park retains a high degree of naturalness […]. (criterion vii) The globally threatened Alerce tree is the second longest living tree species in the world (>3,600 years). […] the Alerce forest in the property […] contributes to the long-term viability of the species’ natural populations. (criterion x) …some of the forests in the property have a very high degree of natural protection […] combined with a longstanding formal conservation history and are therefore exceptionally intact. The property […] is of sufficient size to sustain its Outstanding Universal Value. […] (integrity) Any ongoing routine maintenance […] should be subject to rigorous environmental impact assessment […]. (protection and management)

, which is available in Appendix A. This goes to show that continuity applies to both cultural and natural heritage, and to tangible and intangible attributes, but this is never stated outright in the Operational Guidelines.

Although there is general agreement in scholarly literature that values and attributes are not fixed because they are “subjectively assigned by people and their views may change over time” [24] (p. 57), the Operational Guidelines insist that all properties, whether cultural, mixed, or natural, must continue to convey OUV to remain on the World Heritage List. This explains why States Parties must demonstrate their commitment to sustain OUV post-inscription through protection and management [2] (Paragraphs 53, 96, 97, 155). If a State Party wishes to change the inscription criteria of a property, it must “submit this request as if it were a new nomination” [2] (Paragraph 166). Once the re-nomination is evaluated and approved, the property must continue to convey the amended OUV. This detail suggests that continuity has greater practical utility in protection and management than authenticity. In fact, this is confirmed in the text of the Convention itself, which requests States Parties “to continue to protect, conserve and present” properties (emphasis added) [1] (Article 26).

3.4. Implications

Contrary to what is implied in the Operational Guidelines, continuity is not a characteristic specific to living heritage or dynamic properties, such as historic towns which are still inhabited or heritage routes [2] (Annex 3). It is in fact a qualifying condition that is used in the SOUV to justify the inscription of cultural properties that belong to other heritage categories as shown in Table A1.

Authenticity appears to be redundant. Continuity should replace authenticity in the Operational Guidelines for this reason, in addition to reasons voiced in previous studies, mentioned in the Introduction [15,16,17]. ICOMOS was actually willing to replace authenticity with another requirement. In the Report on the World Heritage Global Strategy Natural and Cultural Heritage Expert Meeting held in Amsterdam in 1998, Carmen Anon, speaking on behalf of ICOMOS, “agreed with IUCN that the ‘test of authenticity’ could be replaced by ‘conditions of integrity’” [25] (p. 3). Bing Lucas, speaking on behalf of IUCN, had “referred to the need for a parallel level of effort to ensure the continuing integrity of World Heritage sites” whether cultural or natural [25] (p. 3). Despite this agreement, authenticity remained a benchmark for assessing cultural heritage; as for integrity, it became a requirement for the nomination of cultural properties from 2005 onwards [2] (Paragraphs 87–89).

Replacing authenticity with continuity not only has the potential to bridge the culture/nature divide in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention as argued previously [17], it can also strengthen synergies between this Convention and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in which the notion of authenticity was deliberately ousted from the entire text whereas the notion of continuity was explicitly included in the definition of intangible cultural heritage [26] (Article 2). In response to this definition, one may argue that tangible cultural heritage can also provide communities with a sense of identity and (material) continuity, for example when the character and integrity of a property, such as a historic town, are maintained over time; moreover, it can also be re-created to meet the needs of communities, which is often the case after destructive events, such as armed conflict or war [27]. One may add that the safeguarding of heritage, be it tangible or intangible, cultural or natural, and its transmission to future generations are processes that involve continuity over time.

Therefore, unlike authenticity, which applies to the cultural and tangible but not the natural and intangible heritage according to the implementation of the two Conventions, continuity applies to all heritage. It can break these artificial barriers and dichotomies to unify the treatment of heritage. Treating heritage as one integrated whole is important because it allows for the recognition of a more holistic range of values and interlinkages.

The World Heritage Leadership Programme in particular may find this research helpful [28]. Its leading experts are seeking a paradigm shift in heritage conservation practice—from the conventional expert-driven approach that focuses on protecting the physical fabric of cultural heritage to maintain material authenticity in conformity with the Venice Charter [29]—towards an integrated people-centered approach to both cultural and natural heritage that focuses on “managing continuity (and change)” to ensure the “well-being” of society and heritage as a whole in conformity with contemporary views on sustainability [30] (p. 10). It would be less difficult to achieve this paradigm shift once experts and other actors in the World Heritage system realize that continuity underpins many SOUV.

3.5. Future Research Directions

Change within properties can affect judgements about authenticity and, therefore, decisions as to whether they qualify for inscription on the World Heritage List. In reading the SOUV available on the website of the World Heritage Centre, it became apparent that the concept of “compatibility” is used to justify change, e.g., interventions such as restoration. Compatibility is in fact a qualifying condition. Ten examples, taken from the sections dedicated to authenticity, are included below to support this claim and to instigate future research on the authenticity–continuity–change nexus:

• (ii)(iv)(vi): The Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic: “The restoration interventions carried out remain evident. As far as possible, the consolidation techniques used were made using materials compatible with the original structure.”
• (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi): Acropolis, Athens in Greece: “the restorations are fully compatible with the original parts of the monuments.”
• (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi): Delos in Greece: “the methods and materials employed are compatible […] in accordance to international standards. Therefore, there are no changes in the authentic character of the site during the last 130 years.”
• (ii)(iii): Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos in Greece: “All materials used were previously analysed in specialized laboratories in order to examine their compatibility to the ancient ones.”
• (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi): Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns in Greece: “The interventions that took place during the 1950′s were mild and compatible to the original building system.”
• (i)(iii)(vi): Persepolis in Iran: “Restoration work has carefully respected the authenticity of the monuments, utilizing traditional technology and materials in harmony with the ensemble.”
• (iii)(v)(ix)(x): Ahwar of Southern Iraq in Iraq: “More recent conservation of the site has been done using compatible material as much as possible.”
• (i)(ii)(iii)(iv): Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque in Mexico: “care needs to be exercised to define the extent of interventions and the use of compatible materials.”
• (ii)(iv): Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) in Morocco: “Many monuments have been rehabilitated giving them a new compatible function.”
• (ii)(iv): Derwent Valley Mills in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: “Restoration work […] has been carried out […] and every effort has been made to ensure that compatible materials are used.” [20] (emphasis added in color).

Similar to continuity, compatibility is a key theme in conservation and an expression of sustainability. It implies that change “must integrate harmoniously with the whole” as noted in the Venice Charter [29] (Article 12), and have no or minimal adverse impact on attributes of cultural significance as noted in the Burra Charter [31] (Article 1.11). ICOMOS expects change such as restoration, reconstruction, or new development projects to be compatible, and this holds true for change proposed post-inscription. However, ICOMOS does not have explicit guidelines in place to direct projects proposed in cultural World Heritage properties and their buffer zones. In its guidance on heritage impact assessments, ICOMOS briefly states: “The compatibility of the scale, pattern, use, etc. should be tested according to the attributes of the property that convey OUV and other assets. Issues such as sight lines, architectural type, volumes and surface appearances, settlement form, functional uses and persistence through time etc might be relevant” [32] (Paragraph 5.11). Future researchers can work on improving this guidance to better achieve the goal of compatible change, which would be useful to ICOMOS, IUCN, ICCROM, and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre that have been exploring, within the framework of the World Heritage Leadership Programme, how impact assessment can be applied to both cultural and natural World Heritage [33].

4. Conclusions

The results and discussion provide evidence to prove a point raised in the Introduction to this article [18] (p. 285), but with an important addition, written in bold: “When one scrutinises what the World Heritage institutions really look for, it is in fact continuity over time or compatible change, be it continuity or compatibility of material, form, usage, or some other aspect mentioned in the Venice Charter or the Nara Document. But this is never so clearly stated, and authenticity (as a term) stays in place.” [17] (p. 10, emphasis included). Accordingly, “an effective system of collective protection” [1] (Preamble), which is the raison-d’être of the World Heritage Convention, is not one that aims at “conserving the authentic” [9], but one that aims at “managing continuity and compatible change”—not only to meet the needs of current generations, but also to eventually transmit heritage, whether cultural or natural, tangible or intangible, to future generations. This re-interpretation of the Convention allows us to treat heritage as one integrated whole and paves the way for the paradigm shift in conservation practice that the World Heritage Leadership Programme is seeking.