Dear Napoleon,

The hotel has not been built as yet, but there are some persons in the society that are challenging the decision of the hotel's height. They concerns are that the country will lose its status, if such a hotel is allowed to be built.

Hi Angela,

We had a similar situation back here in Palawan. Hotels are not necessarily obstructions to the operations of Natural Heritage Sites. It compliments the existing sites for tourism. However, its possible impact to the Heritage Site should be assessed in order to address the concerns of opposing sides. You have to convince stakeholders that the hotel will be an advantage to the Natural Heritage Site rather than a disadvantage.

In our case, we did some assessments and presented the results to government decision body.

Hi Angela,

Development of facilities are inevitable due to grow in tourism and influx of visitors to the natural heritage site. Natural heritage site is delicate and rich with biodiversity, hence it is critical to consider the carry capacity of the natural site and undertake impact assessment study prior to development.

Besides that, development should take place outside the core zone of the natural heritage site to prevent unintended encroachment of development into the delicate natural heritage site which could affect the inscription of World Heritage Site. 

Hi Angela,

As the type of World Heritage site hasn't been noted, it is difficult to provide a full justification to the question. Lets say that the site is an urban world heritage site. UNESCO haven't provided any recommendations or documents which discuss the impacts of high rise buildings in urban landscapes, which therefore initiates the first problem regarding what is and what isn't allowed provided by the international advisory bodies, as there is no clear guidelines and each case is different depending on the city. The second issue is in regards to the human/heritage dilemma, as the number one stakeholder here would be the local communities. Is it the right thing to do to prevent a regenerative scheme into the local area to preserve the historic buildings of the city (which you commented on was in need of a facelift). The situation sounds like it does require some regenerative scheme to the urban area, however it does need to be an organic development, and one which negotiates between preserving the historic landscape, but also understanding that urban areas require change benefit the communities and prevent a form of museumification. 

Hi Angela,

The suggested assessments mentioned above should not be limited to environment only, but also the social and governance aspects. As observed there are some entities/persons who question the height of the building, and this will also involve the policies of UNESCO as stated by Cameron.

Thanks every one,

Very valuable comments made. Many major cities around the world do have hotels for its visitors. Unfortunately, we in Barbados do believe that hotels should be on the outskirts of the city.

The building of this hotel is at the proposal stage. Some citizens are for the hotel, but to reduce it to less floors, even if two blocks could be built as a side by side project. Other citizens are seeing it as a major boost that will give the city a face lift.

It is the elite minority citizens who are against such a building in the city and would rather it to be built in the upscale west and south coast of the country. When our Central Bank was to be constructed to a 7-floor building, there were so many objections made at the time, because the highest in the city was just 5 floors. Today that building is one of the most outstanding looking buildings in the city and by extension the country.

I did analysed the World Heritage UNESCO laws and recognised the stipulation which states that any country wishing to construct any project for the development of tourism, must make representation to that body for permission to do so.

Yes Angela, ultimately legality will prevail. That is why crafting of these legal documents/policies is very critical. We must consider its equity among stakeholders varied interests.

In your case, the existing policies shall be exercised and legal procedure should be sought.

Please continue your good work for the sustainable development of your country. Good Luck!

Ben

Thank you so much Ben.

Hi,

I agree with Benjamin....look into the policies for heritage zones...in absence of any such policy any related policy in countries of the EU must also be reviewed. The development/construction of this hotel has to match the heritage theme and should actually be complimentary to the site. A proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) has to be conducted prior to actual start of the project and measures taken.

A trade-off analysis between the employment  potential and heritage value will help take a reasonable decision.

Amitabh

Hi,

I quite agree with Benjamin and Amitabh and want to add by citing that Kaabbah and Holy Prophet's Masjid - the holy masjids/sites in Makkah and Medina for Muslims, have been further developed with complimentary outer surrounding but grand edifice. Further development around Kaabbah has only brought more and appreciating beauty (aesthetics) to it, makes performance of hajji rites less strenuous, easy and comfortable without any pang of anxiety in a friendly environment. it also offers other life-made easy services and amenities. However, we should note that it is a religious site that attracts the Muslim adherents who enthusiastically throng it for the purpose of Allah (swt) worship , it could be applicable to  site for tourism or other purposes. Kindly accept from me best wish as you proceed onward.

 Thanks

Mikail O. Olaniran    

Most of replies to the question have covered the legal and socio-economic aspects. I just could mention that Heritage (if we talk about built heritage) value is constructed in reference to a certain period of time. The physical integrity of individual buildings is often debated as much as the whole area as a skyline/ landscape. Preserving the volume of constructions is also a concern that might be heightened in the case of a project aiming to disrupt this harmony. UNESCO guidelines are quite straightforward on this, but if the project is outside the protected zone, they are not applicable.

All the best!

Thank you so much Frederic.

It very much depends on the topography of the city. If it is in a way that it hides those towers from the heritage sites, there would be no problem in that sense.