World Heritage Sites

12 Pages·2007·0.57 MB·English

by  Milan Shrestha

6
World Heritage Sites
T
he Convention concerning the Lumbini World Heritage site is spatially
Protection of World Cultural and limited within a 130 by 150m area
Natural Heritage was adopted by the around the chief archaeological remains
Conference of UNESCO in Paris in that testify the location of the birthplace of
1972. Nepal ratified the Convention on 20 Lord Buddha.
June 1978. In the spring of 1979, the
government requested UNESCO to assist the The Lumbini Development Area (LDA)
Department of Archaeology in preparing the includes Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilvastu),
nomination of Kathmandu Valley to the World Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Sisiniyakot,
Heritage List. The nomination proposed was for Araurakot, Kudan (Kapilvastu), Devadaha
a single World Heritage Site incorporating seven (Rupandehi), Ramgrarn (Nawalparasi), and
monument-zones identified as: the Durbar Lumbini, which are directly or indirectly related to
Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur; the the life and birth of Lord Buddha. LDA is
two Buddhist sanctuaries of Swayambhu and authorised to include other areas as specified by
Boudhanath; the Hindu pilgrimage sites of the Government of Nepal by a notification in the
Pashupati, and the hilltop Hindu sanctuary of Nepal Gazette, a government publication.
Changunarayan.
Description
th
This property was inscribed as the 666
Lumbini, the birth place of World Heritage site by the Word Heritage
Lord Buddha Committee’s (WHC) 21stsession on 6 December
Background 1997 on the basis of criteria (iii)9 and (vi)10.
WHS number 666 and
WDPA Site code 900334 Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was
Location born in 623 BC in the famous gardens of
22 km west of Siddharthanagar (Bhaira- Lumbini, which soon became a place of
hawa) in Rupandehi district (Annex 3) pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian
emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his
Coordinates commemorative pillars there. The site is now
being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage
centre, where the archaeological remains
associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form
Area: Under the 1978 Master Plan for the a central feature.
development of the Lumbini area, the
Government of Nepal acquired an area of The catchment area of Harhawa River is 21
7.7 km2 to restore and develop Lumbini km2. Peak flood discharge is estimated at 160
Garden as a core area, along with a 64.5 m3/s; the master plan estimation of the maximum
km2 additional adjoining area. The rainfall in 24 hours is assumed to be 360 mm.
9bearing a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
10be 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 justify inclusion in the List only in exceptional
circumstances and in conjunction with other criteria cultural or natural);
92Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book
Box 6 World Heritage Selection Criteria
Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were selected on the basis of six cultural and four natural criteria. With the
adoption of the revised Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, only one set
of ten criteria exists.
Selection criteria
i. To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
ii. To 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. To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which
has disappeared;
iv. To 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. To 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. To 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);
vii. To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
viii. To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history, including the record of life, significant
on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic
features;
ix. To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution
and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and
animals;
x. To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity,
including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or
conservation.
Source:http://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/ December 22, 2006
al
w
u
S
N
R
Blue bull antelope(Boselaphus tragacamelus),Lumbini
Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book 93
The river basin is flooded several times each Saccharum bengalensis, Phragmites karka,
year, and each flooding lasts four to five days. and Vetivera zizanoides
The river develops a typical floodplain 100 to (cid:2) Major wetland plants include the Vallisneria,
120m in width, 1 to 2m below the surrounding Hydrilla, Potemogeton (submerged),
grounds along the course of the River. Nymphea, Trapa, Eichornia (floating species),
and Scirpus, Eleochris, Zizania, Typha,
The Telar River flows from east of the sacred Polygonum, Leersia, Ipomea, and Oryza
gardens. Telar is derived from ‘tel’ (oil) as water rufipogon as emergent species; Eichhornia is
from the River is thought to be oily. The River is a a problem species in the wetlands of Lumbini
landmark referred to by Chinese travelers as (cid:2) The remaining tree species in the area include
flowing close to the birthplace of Lord Buddha. groves of mango (Mangifera indica),
In addition to the two major streams, Harhawa tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce), kapok
and Telar rivers, a number of open water bodies (Bombax ceiba), bel (Aegle marmelos), Areca
are in the surrounding lowland plains. nut (Areca catechu), and Sissoo.
(cid:2) About 370,000 saplings of over 65 species
The type of soil is clayish, permeability is very
were planted in the area, chiefly Sisoo
low, sodium level is high and available
(Dalbergia sissoo); patches of Sal trees
phosphorus is very low. The soil is firm and
(Shorea robusta) remain in the east and west
alkalinity level is high.
monastic complex, presenting a fine example
Significance of planted Sal trees and avenues of Kadam
st (Anthocephalus cadamba) and bottle brush
The WHC’s 21 session held in Naples, Italy
(Callistemon species) trees along the central
from 1-6 December 1997 noted the following:
canal (Suwal, RN 1999)
“The Committee decided to inscribe this (cid:2) Seventy-two vascular plants have been listed
site on the basis of criteria (iii) and (vi). from the available records: 62 dicots, and 10
As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, monocots (Annex 1.9.20)
the sacred area of Lumbini is one of the
holiest places of one of the world’s great Fauna
religions, and its remains contain (cid:2) There are four nesting sites of the Sarus crane
important evidence about the nature of in Lumbini Gardens: swamp areas adjacent
Buddhist pilgrimage centers from a very to the Vietnam and Tara monasteries; north of
early period. the World Peace stupa (Lumbini Crane
Sanctuary); east of the World Peace stupa
A Delegate of Thailand declared that
(Lumbini Crane Sanctuary); and the circular
apart from Lumbini, there are two other
pond in between Hokke Hotel and Sri Lankan
sites closely associated with Buddha
Pilgrims’ House
which are in the process of preparation
(cid:2) Monitoring of the Sarus crane was initiated in
to be presented as serial
nominations and that he
hoped that the Committee
would consider them in this
context.”
The biological significance of
Lumbini gardens has been
enhanced with the recreation of the
wetlands.
Flora
(cid:2) Habitat inside Lumbini Gardens
is mainly grasslands 58.8%
(400 ha), forest plantation 40%
(270 ha), and open water wal
u
bodies 1.5% (10 ha) S
N
(cid:2) The dominant grass species R
include the Imperata cylindrica, White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)wings, Lumbini
94Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book
1988; there are about 100 birds in and six ha each; construction of an artesian
around 10 km radius of the Gardens; a high well, introduction of wild rice broadcast
count of 88 individual cranes were recorded sowing (60 kg of seeds, 12 ha), creation
during the non-breeding season, along with of fenced tree plantation of 3,000
25 nesting pairs in 2005 saplings of 22 species in a four ha by
(cid:2) Lumbini Gardens has become a shelter for the 2005
Blue bull antelopes (Boselaphus tragocamelus) (cid:3) Construction of an 8m high watch tower
which graze the surrounding fields of reinforced cement concrete, 3m by 3m
in an area on the south-east corner of the
The Blue bulls started colonising Lumbini
Peace stupa
Gardens in the 1990s. By 1995, their
(cid:3) Formation of six users groups with an
numbers had risen to around 200. Local
average of 11 members per group; A
farmers affected by crop depredation are
total of 70 members represent six
thought to have poisoned some of these
settlements in Lumbini, Khudabagar, and
animals between 1996 and 1998 and up
Tenuhawa VDCs (Sources: Suwal and
to 70 dead antelopes were recorded from
Joshi 2003, and Hari Sharan Nepali
the Garden between November and
‘Kazi’ September 2005)
December 1997. The 1997 cold wave
that hit the Terai was also contributory to
(cid:2) A major environmental undertaking of
the high death toll among cranes. Five
Lumbini Development Trust and its
antelopes were translocated to Kusum
predecessor, Lumbini Development
forest area in Banke district in 1998 with
Committee, is the massive reforestation of the
the support of the National Trust for
area in the 1970s
Nature Conservation. Recent records in
(cid:2) At present, over 100 nursery staff maintain
2005 indicate the presence of around 50
the flowerbeds, gardens, tree nursery, and
of these animals in the area.
plantation area; sweepers and cleaners clean
the office premises
(cid:2) Bird species symbolic of the area are the
Sarus crane, Large grey-babbler, Rufous- (cid:2) The other two major organisations involved in
the environmental management of LDA are
tailed lark, Slender-billed vulture, and Red-
the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation
headed vulture
Project (TRPAP), and the IUCN - the World
(cid:2) Current checklists include 26 mammal, 207
Conservation Union
bird, 39 herpeto and 44 fish species (Annex
2.30) (cid:2) The four major activities promoted by TRPAP
are school tree plantation, garbage
Achievements management, biogas promotion, and district-
level participatory tourism development and
(cid:2) The Lumbini Crane Conservation Centre
management planing
(LCCC) is a leading environmental
organisation involved in the Lumbini (cid:2) During the five years from 1995 to 1999,
IUCN launched a series of conservation
development area (LDA). Under a lease
activities including the following:
agreement between Lumbini Development
Trust and the International Crane Foundation (cid:3) Construction of a 1m high and 30m long
earthen dike along the Harahawa River;
in December 1994, LCCC is managing the
this was later replaced by a 1.5m high
Lumbini Sarus Crane Sanctuary in a 100 ha
brick stone and concrete dam 40m in
land leased for 50 years in the northern block
length, 2m in breadth
of LDA
(cid:2) The major activities of LCCC are as follows: (cid:3) A tree nursery at Parsa for plantation in
wetland and grassland areas
(cid:3) Annual counting of Sarus cranes using the
roadside survey method since 1988; (cid:3) Plantation of Sachharum bengalensis and
over 1,200 saplings of native trees
capacity building of local youths in
conservation issues (cid:3) Creation of nature trails and resting
places
(cid:3) Seasonal survey of vultures and storks
using roadside bird survey and sample (cid:3) Successful tissue culture of the symbolic
Maya Devi Temple Peepal tree (Ficus
area survey since 1994; capacity building
religiosa)
of local youths in conservation issues
(cid:3) Establishment of wetlands in five plots of
Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book 95
In 2006, the World Heritage Committee north and the Panchnad and Reu rivers and
(cid:2) Endorsed the recommendations of the a forest road to the south (Annex 3)
reactive monitoring mission jointly
Coordinates
undertaken by the International Council
on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
and the World Heritage Centre in November
2005
(cid:2) Commended the State Party (signatory
Area
government, the Government of Nepal) for
The area of Chitwan National Park was
thorough and action-oriented response to the
initially only 544 km2 in 1973; it was later
mission recommendations as well as for the
extended to 932 km2 in 1977; Recent data
consultative measures undertaken
indicate that the CNP area encompasses
(cid:2) Requested the State Party to implement the 2
1,182km , which is larger by 250 km2 than
recommendations of the reactive monitoring
the to 932 km2 stated in previous
mission, and particularly to:
calculations of the area.
(cid:3) Develop an effective management plan
(cid:3) Refrain from beginning new activities in
Description
Lumbini Gardens prior to completion of
Chitwan National Park was inscribed as the
the management plan th th
284 World Heritage Site by the WHC’s 8
(cid:3) Implement corrective measures on the
session on 2 November 1984 on the basis of
Maya Devi Temple as indicated in the th
criteria (vii), (ix) and (x). The decision of the 8
mission report
Session highlights a potential challenge to the
(cid:3) Survey and monitor ground water levels
Park, and a related precondition thereof:
and movements under and adjacent to
the Maya Devi Temple as well as the “The Committee noted that there was only
marker stone maintained in situunder the a remote possibility that the proposed pulp
temple to ensure the long-term protection mills will be constructed on the Narayani
of archaeological remains of such River but requested that the Nepalese
significance authorities keep it informed of any
(cid:3) Develop non-destructive archaeological developments in this respect which could
strategies to ensure long-term
affect the Park.”
conservation of the vast excavated and
unexcavated areas of archaeological Significance
significance in and around the property
The committee noted:
through adequate documentation and
“At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is
monitoring
one of the few undisturbed areas of the
(cid:3) Invite the international community to Terai region which formerly extended over
provide technical and financial support to
the foothills of India and Nepal, with its very
assist the Government of Nepal in these
rich flora and fauna. One of the last
activities
populations of single-horned Asiatic
rhinoceros live in the Park, which is also
among the last refuges for the Bengal tiger.”
Chitwan National Park
Background
The following observations were made at the
WHS Number 284 and time of nomination in 1984:
WDPA site code: 10905 (cid:2) Chitwan is the largest and least disturbed
Location examples of natural Sal hill forests and
Located in the Rapti Dun Valley, central associated communities of the Terai
Nepal, and spread over the districts of (cid:2) The Park is managed to a high standard with
Nawalparasi, Chitwan, and Makawanpur; professional staff and armed guards
boundaries extend 78 km eastward from the (cid:2) Collection of thatch in the reserve is controlled
Dauney Hills on the west bank of the and not seen as having a negative impact
Narayani River to the Hasta and Dhoram (cid:2) The National Park office addresses the issue
rivers; the Park shares natural boundaries of crop damage by wildlife through education
with the Narayani and Rapti rivers to the and awareness programmes
96Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book
(cid:2) Tourism provides a significant economic Description
justification for the Park and facilities The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed as the
st
developed 121 World Heritage Site in 1979 by the WHC’s
(cid:2) The only major threat to the ecosystem is from 3rd session based on criteria (iii), (iv) and (vi) for
the proposed paper/pulp mill upstream along World Heritage sites. At the crossroads of the
the Narayani River great civilisations of Asia, Kathmandu Valley has
(cid:2) The Park’s western border is recommended to seven groups of Hindu and Buddhist monuments
be extended as well as three residential and palace areas of
the historical cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and
Achievements
Bhaktapur, and illustrates Nepali art in its prime.
(cid:2) DNPWC and NTNC, with the cooperation of
UNESCO, IUCN, and the Wildlife Institute of The exceptional architectural design of
India, conducted a planning workshop titled, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur is gradually
‘Enhancing Our Heritage for Monitoring and disappearing, giving way to uncontrolled urban
Managing the Success in World Natural development. In 2003, upon examination of the
Heritage Sites’ on 27-29 November 2001 World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies
(cid:2) DNPWC, with the cooperation of IUCN mission report and assessment of the loss of
Nepal, submitted a periodic report as World Heritage values in the Kathmandu Valley,
required by Article 29 of the World Heritage the WHC at its 28th session in 2004 reflected
Convention in December 2002 whether or not to delete the property from the
th
(cid:2) Following the decision of WHC’s 26 World Heritage list.
session, and the invitation of the the
Government of Nepal, IUCN carried out a Kathmandu Valley is bowl shaped, with rivers
monitoring mission to the site on 16-20 flowing towards the centre and merging with the
December 2002 Bagmati River, which drains out through the
th
(cid:2) In line with the decisions of the WHC’s 26 Chobar Gorge located to the southwest. It is an
session held in Suzhou in 2004, DNPWC that oval shaped, flat-bottomed 1350m long basin
year devised a system of controls on the use with inadequate ventilation. Valley cross-section
of the Kasara Bridge, and the system of is about 20 km from north to south, and 30 km
associated roads to minimise the negative from east to west. The highest hills surrounding
impacts the Valley is Phulchoki (2785m) in the southeast,
(cid:2) Nepal Nature dot Com in cooperation with Shivapuri (2713m) in the north, Chandragiri
DNPWC, IUCN, and WWF, carried out a
(2250m) in the southwest, and Nagarjun
series of observations in CNP and its buffer
(2100m) in the western corner. The surrounding
zone to explore practical solutions to control
hills are covered with shrubs at higher altitudes,
invasive plants in 2004-2006
with slightly to moderately dense forests in some
places.
Kathmandu Valley
According to the Tree Improvement and
Background
Silvicultural Improvement Project map (2001),
WHS Number 121 and the Valley and its surroundings contain six major
WDPA site code 900068 types of forests. The hilltops are covered with
Location Oak and Blue-pine forests; the lower hills and
The central region of Nepal, Kathmandu valley bottom are covered with Chir pine,
Valley is the political and administrative Schima, Castanopsis, and other broadleaved
capital of the country; the valley is divided forests as follows:
into the three districts: Bhaktapur, 4131- Temperate Mountain Oak forest
Kathmandu, and Lalitpur (Annex 3) 4221- Mixed Blue Pine-Oak forest
4231- Lower Temperate Oak forest
Coordinates 4235- East Himalayan Oak-Laurel forest
5021- Chir Pine and Broadleaved forest
5033- Schima- Castanopsis forest
Kathmandu Valley is known for floral and
faunal explorations initiated as early as 1793
Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book 97
(Boxes 6 and7). A total of 9,512 species of birds
Box 8. History of Ornithology in
have been recorded in the Valley including
Reference to Kathmandu Valley
specimens documented by Brian Houghton
Hodgson. This is one of the largest single The history of ornithology in Nepal was initiated by WJ
collections of birds in Asia, and consists of 672 Kirkpatrick in 1793. Documentation of particular
species, of which over 124 were previously significance was first carried out by Brian Houghton
unknown to science at the time of classification. Hodgson during his stay in Kathmandu between 1820
Most of the specimens were collected from and 1843. Nepali artist Raj Man Singh is credited for
Kathmandu Valley and the encircling hills, since the paintings of birds and animals for the scientific
Hodgson’s movement was restricted to the 518 works of Hodgson. John Scully first described the
km2 of the Valley. His collections also included specific status of birds in the Kathmandu valley in
903 specimens of mammals from 124 species, 1876-1877. These works were continued by Frank
of which 87 were resident in Nepal and the Bailey during 1935-38, and Dillon Ripley during
remaining 37 from Tibet and India; and 84 1947-49. Biswswomany Biswas and Walter Koelz
reptiles, amphibians and fish, of which the great collected bird specimens in the Kathmandu valley in
majority were from Nepal (Cocker, M and 1947. Desiree Proud published papers on birds from
Inskipp, C. 1988). Gandak-Koshi, and the Kathmandu valley including
from 1948-1961. HS Nepali ‘Kazi’ has been
Significance
continuing focused study of birds since 1945 till today.
Cultural heritage is illustrated by seven Both Robert Flemings Senior, and and Robert
groups of monuments and buildings which Flemings Junior continued the research, and first
display the full range of historic and artistic published the Nepali bird book in 1976.
achievements for which Kathmandu Valley is
Source: Nepali, HS and Suwal, Rajendra (Compilers)
Bird Checklist: Shivapuri National Park 2005
Box 7. History of Floral Explorations in
Reference to the Kathmandu Valley renown worldwide. The seven groups include the
Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka
Francis Buchanan, later Hamilton (1802-03), and
(Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur; the Buddhist
Nathaniel Wallich (1820-21), conducted scientific
stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath; and
floral explorations in the valley. They discovered
the Hindu temples of Pashupati and
several species here that were then new to science.
Changunarayan.
Similarly, Captain Lal Dhoj, and Khadananda
Sharma carried out a botanical survey of east Nepal
Of the seven monumental zones,
in the 1930s.
Swayambhu, Pashupati, and Changunarayan
Institutional efforts in floral survey in Nepal were are located in natural settings with immense
launched in 1960 by establishing the Department of biodiversity. Other areas of natural significance
Medicinal Plants under the Ministry of Forests and in the Valley are Gokarna, Bajrabarahi, Ranibari,
Soil Conservation. The adjoining areas of Shivapuri Sallaghari, Bansbari on the valley floor, and
were covered in the Langtang-Birgunj cross-sectional Suryavinayak, Nagarkot, Telkot, Shivapuri,
vegetation survey conducted with the support of the Kakani, Nagarjun, Chandaragiri, Hatiban,
Department in 1971 (Kanai, Shakya and Shrestha in Godavari and Phulchoki along the valley rim.
Ohashi, H. ed. 1975).
There were notable works that resulted in compilation An estimated 550 species of birds are found
of local floras relevant to this location. They are: inside Kathmandu Valley. Phulchoki, 20 km
1968 Notes on the Flora of Raj Nikunj (Gokarna southeast of the Valley, alone is the home of 265
forest) species; Godavari, at the bottom of Phulchoki
1969 Flora of Phulchoki and Godawari hill, has a total of 100 species. Other sites inside
1974 Flora of Nagarjun the Valley are Nagarjun, Shivapuri and the
1984 Flora of Kathmandu valley wetlands along the banks of Bishnumati,
Hanumante, Manohara, and Bagmati rivers, as
Source:Shakya, PR (compiler) Flowering Plant Checklist:
well as lakes and ponds like Taudaha and
Shivapuri National Park. Kathmandu: Nepal Nature dot
Nagdaha.
Com 2005
98Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book
Major wildlife species found in the forests (cid:2) In 2006, WHC resolved to maintain the
and marginal lands of the Valley include the Kathmandu Valley on the List of World
common leopard (Panthera pardus), wild boar Heritage in Danger upon examination of the
(Sus scrofa), Himalayan black bear (Ursus state of conservation reports of properties
thibetanus), pangolin (Manis species), Barking inscribed on the List of World Heritage in
deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Ghoral (Naemorhedus Danger (UNESCO 2006)
goral), Chittal (Axis axis), Rhesus monkey
(Macaca mulatto), Asamese monkey (Macaca
Swayambhu Monument Zone
assamensis), and Langur (Semnopithecus
entellus). Background
WHS Number 121 and WDPA
Some significant bird species found in the Site code 900068
Valley are the Slender-billed scimitar babbler Location
(Xiphirhynchus superciliaris), White-gorgetted The western fringe of the capital city of
flycatcher (Ficedula monileger), Barred cuckoo- Kathmandu Valley (Annex 3)
dove (Macropygia unchall), Oriental turtledove
Coordinates
(Streptopelia orientalis), Spotted dove
(Streptopelia chinensis), Golden-throated barbet
(Megalaima fraklinii), Peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrinus), Dark kites (Milvus migrans), Dark-
throated thrush (Turdus ruficollis), Scaly thrush
Description
(Zoothera dauma), Nepal kalij pheasant
The monument zone, as gazette notified in
(Lophura leucomelanos), Golden oriole (Oriolus
1978, delineates the entire hill sanctuary
oriolus), Wedge-tailed green pigeon (Treron
including the circumambulatory path as
sphenura), Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis),
protected areas. This hill automatically became
Long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Speckleted
the type locality for 27 flowering species
wood pigeon (Columba hodgsonii), Long-tailed
introduced to plant science by Francis Buchanan-
broad billed (Psarisomus dalhousiae), Black
Hamilton as early on as 1802. The monument
tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), and dunlin
zone, as defined in the nomination documents,
(Calidris alpine).
repeats the delineation of the gazette notified
Achievements monument zone.
(cid:2) The Department of Archeology gazetted the
Following earlier discussions about the
latest amendments to the monument zone
identification of a buffer zone around the hill
boundaries in November 1998 (UNESCO
sanctuary, the Swayambhu Conservation Master
2004)
Plan proposes to incorporate the square of
(cid:2) The Pashupati Area Development Trust was
Bhuinkhel into the monument zone. This will
established by an Act of Parliament with
delineate a buffer zone extending 150m toward
absolute authority towards the Pashupati
the north, and identify a special review zone with
Monument Zone. Community-level commi-
special height restrictions and design guidelines
ttees have been set up in most of the
for new constructions (Sangachhe, SB 1997).
monument zones: the Federation of
Swayambhu Management and Conservation,
Significance
Bhouda Area Development and Conservation
Committee, ‘Bhouda ‘Ghyang Guthi’ (Trust), (cid:2) The Swayambhu area is a type locality for 27
flowering plants discovered by Francis
and Changunarayan Community Develop-
Buchanan-Hamilton in 1802-03. Of these
ment Committee (UNESCO 2004)
species, most have disappeared from the type
(cid:2) In 2006, the World Heritage Committee
locality due to forest depletion, reforestation,
(WHC) approved the proposed modification
and regeneration (Shrestha, TB 1992).
to the boundaries of the seven monument
zones in Kathmandu Valley as a minor (cid:2) The dominating tree species of the
Swayambhu forests are primarily pine (Pinus
modification in consideration that this reflects
roxburghii), and chilaune (Schima wallichi)
the remaining outstanding universal values
Pyrus pashia (Indian wild pear) forests are
justified for criteria (iii), (iv) and (vi) from the
also being identified.
time of its inscription (UNESCO 2006)
Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book 99
(cid:2) Records of 109 vascular plants: six Technology; it serves as the CITES scientific
gymnosperms, 98 dicots, and five monocots authority for fauna in Nepal.
(Annex 1.9.21) (cid:2) A Swayambhu Environment Garden (1 ha)
(cid:2) Bird species symbolic of the Swayambhu has been established under the aegis of the
hillock are the Peregrine falcon (Falco Natural History Museum. The garden consists
peregrinus), Dark kites (Milvus migrans), of 31 species of medicinal plants from various
Dark-throated thrush (Turdus ruficollis), and parts of Nepal (Annex) (CENEED 2005).
Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis) (cid:2) Monoculture plantation of pine was initiated
(cid:2) Of the total 64 species of birds reported from in 1959 on the southwestern slope of the hill,
this area, 49 are resident birds, three and later also on the south and southeast
migrants, ten visitors (eight summer visitors, slopes.
and two winter visitors), and one is resident (cid:2) Soil conservation activities were also initiated
and winter visitor, the (common kestrel, (Falco in 1977 to safeguard the slopes from
tinnunculus) landslides.
(cid:2) Three species of birds that are under NRDB (cid:2) Cleaning-up activities have been launched
Susceptible category are the Slaty-headed over the past several years by NGOs and
parakeet (Psittacula himalayana), Rose-ring volunteers.
parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and Spotted (cid:2) Recent attractions added to the area include
owlet (Athene brama); the Slaty-headed recreation facilities
parakeet (Psittacula himalayanaI) is included
in CITES category II, and the Cattle egret
(Bubulcus ibis) in CITES category III Pashupati Monument Zone
(cid:2) Swayambhu Hill is popularly known as Background
‘Monkey Hill’ among tourists for the presence WHS Number 121 and
of around 300 Rhesus macaques (Macaca WDPA site code 900068
mulatta) (Johnson et al. 1988). The macaques Location
sampled from Swayambhu area are
Eastern fringe of the capital city of
seropositive for antibodies to the measles
Kathmandu Valley beside the international
virus (Johnes-Engel et al. 2004).
airport (Annex 3)
(cid:2) Current checklists include species of six
mammals and 64 birds (Annex 2.31). Of Coordinates
them, the Indian palm-squirrel (Funambulus
palmarum) was introduced in 1990.
Achievements
(cid:2) The most significant achievement of the area Description
is the establishment of the Natural History
The monument zone, as defined in the World
Museum of Nepal in 1975.
Heritage nomination documents, encloses an
(cid:2) Mr Hari Sharan Nepal Kazi presented nearly
area which includes the ancient Newar
900 specimens of over 650 species of birds in
settlement of Pashupati/Deopatan, and
Nepal, and a unique specimen of a two-
Mrigasthali forest, with the sanctuaries of
headed rat snake for the establishment of the
Guhyeswari, Visvarupa, and Gorakhnath. The
museum (Nepali HS ‘Kazi’ 2006). Later,
northern boundary is formed by the Bagmati
Fleming, RL Jr. and others also presented bird
River towards the west, including the temple of
specimens to the museum .
Rajajesvari but excluding the ritual forest of
(cid:2) The Museum houses an estimated 55,000
Bhandarkhal. This monument zone has been
biological specimens: over 40,000 zoological
gazette notified in accordance with the Pashupati
specimens (invertebrates and vertebrates),
Area Development Trust Act. The boundary lines
over 9,000 botanical specimens (flowering
of the Pashupati development area have been
and nonflowering plants), 100 skeletons,
redefined and cover the area of the World
some skins, fossils, rocks, and minerals,
Heritage nomination document of 1979
plastic and clay models, and wildlife trophies
(Sangachhe, SB 1997).
(Shah, KB 2005)
(cid:2) The Museum is linked with Tribhuvan
University’s Institute of Science and
100 Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book
Significance Changunarayan Monument
(cid:2) Stretching across both banks of the Bagmati Zone
River, the area consists of 50.27 ha of forests
Background
distributed in three main plots, namely,
WHS Number 121 and
Shleshmantak (Candy fruit Coerespondias
WDPA site code 900068
axilaris) in the eastern part, Bhandarkhal in
Location
the western part, and Umakund and Bankali
The northeastern part of Kathmandu Valley,
in the central part. These forests are also type
about 10 km north of Bhaktapur City, and
locality for early botanical explorations in
towering over the international airport
Nepal.
(Annex 3)
(cid:2) Seventy-four vascular plants have been listed
from available records: three gymnosperms,
Coordinates
35 dicots, and 36 monocots (Annex 1.9.22)
(cid:2) The area is well known for a sizeable
population (200) of Rhesus macaque
(Macaca mulatta).
(cid:2) Bird species symbolic of the area are the
Steppe eagle, Long-legged buzzard, Description
Speckleted wood pigeon, Oriental turtle dove, One of the oldest temples in Kathmandu
and Scaly thrush. Valley, Changunarayan Temple is located near
(cid:2) Current checklists include nine mammals and Changu village. The temple is believed to have
63 birds (Annex 2.32). been constructed in the 3rd century.
Changunarayan is the name of the Hindu diety,
Achievements Lord Vishnu. A stone slab discovered in the
(cid:2) Following the memorandum of vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th century, and
understanding signed between Nepal Trust is the oldest such stone inscription discovered in
for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and the Nepal.
Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) in
August 2004, 32 ungulate species have been The monument zone, as defined in the World
translocated from NTNC Central Zoo to the Heritage nomination documents of 1979,
newly developed Mrigabatika within the delineates an area that covers the entire hilltop of
Pashupati Development Area. Of the total the sanctuary. The monument zone, as gazette-
numbers, 23 are female and nine are male. notified in 1984, is smaller. Recently the
Translocated species consist of the Barking Kathmandu Valley Religious and Cultural Sites
deer, Spotted deer, and blackbuck. NTNC Development Project identified a boundary which
Central Zoo provided technical assistance for is smaller than the area defined in the World
the animal translocation, while the financial Heritage nomination documents.
cost of the translocation was borne by PADT.
Prior to the translocation, a two-week animal This hill sanctuary is of momentous historic
care training programme was organised at and artistic significance and merits particular
the Central Zoo for four PADT staff assigned care and attention. The temple precinct and the
to look after the translocated animals adjoining village are still largely untouched by
(KMTNC 2005). major changes and encroachments, but recent
(cid:2) The Guheshwori wastewater treatment plant work to improve the approach through repair
(5ha) located at the banks of the Bagmati and maintenance has included plans for a larger
River on the northeastern part of the parking lot with shopping facilities near the
Pashupati area consists mainly of grit temple vicinity. Drainage remains another major
chambers for screening, an aeration tank with challenge, and measures need to be taken to
activated sludge, and a settling tank. It treats prevent contamination of the pond at the
the wastewater generated by households, entrance of the village. Additions to the temple
industries, and other institutions in Gokarna, infrastructure have been controlled by conditions
Chabahil, Bhoudda, and Jorpati (KMC that any additional paving in the temple precinct
2002). itself must comply with and continue the original
design (Sangachhe, SB 1997).