Panama gets shape up deadline from UNESCO
(newsroompanama.com) Panama has nine months to demonstrate that it is working to protect its historic sites.
The message comes from a visiting UNESCO mission at a time when local preservationists have been expressing concerns about developments in Casco Viejo.
The team leader Nuria Sanz delivered a report to Panama’s Institute of Culture stating:
"Panama has deficiencies in its management of its historic sites." The reference was to two areas Portobelo-San Lorenzo and Casco Viejo, both of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
Independent experts, believe that the country is in danger of losing the designation Sanz met with President Ricardo Martinelli to discuss the situation and to urge him to form a national committee focused on protecting the sites.
The visit by the UNESCO mission coincided with government discussions on the expansion of the Cinta Costera, a project that could impact Casco Antiguo, with the possibility of an expressway encircling the historic area.
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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com
Date Retrieved: November 2, 2010.
