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Lumbini: International Scientific Committee Meeting Held in Lumbini from 23 to 25 March 2022. The opening program of the meeting was moderated by Ms Nabha Basnyat Thapa, Project Coordinator, UNESCO. Dr Suresh Suras Shrestha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Damodar Gautam, Director General of Department of Archaeology, Venerable Metteya, Vice Chair, Lumbini Development Trust and Mr Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal remarked on the meeting agendas. Video Message of H.E. Mr Kikuta Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal was also shown in opening session.

In the International Scientific Committee meeting co-chaired by Vice Chair Venerable Metteya, and UNESCO Representative Mr Michael Croft several reports were presented. 

Mr Ram Bahadur Kunwar, Chief of Planning Section, Department of Archaeology presented a report on research, protection and conservation of the archaeological sites and monuments in the Greater Lumbini Area and future plans.

Similarly, Mr Sanurja Shakya, Member Secretary of Lumbini Development Trust presented on State of Conservation of Lumbini World Heritage Site, and recent developments and future plans in Lumbini and the Greater Lumbini Area.

The representative of Thai Peung Thai Foundation presented on Repair work of Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini. The foundation is planning to repair the temple to preserve the Buddha’s birthplace and facilitate the visitors in heritage site.

The meeting also discussed UNESCO/JFIT Lumbini Phase IV. Prof Roland Lin, Project Officer, World Heritage Centre and Ms Nabha Basnyat Thapa presented on background of the UNESCO/JFIT Lumbini Phase IV Project and recent World Heritage Committee Decisions concerning Lumbini World Heritage Site and key activities and implementation strategy. Mr Kai Weise, Expert on Heritage Management spoke on review and implementation of the Integrated Management Plan of Lumbini.

Prof Robin Coningham, the Advisor for Archaeology presented a report on archaeological investigation in the Greater Lumbini Area. While, Prof Yukio Nishimura, Advisor on Planning presented on strategy to protect the Lumbini World Heritage Property and the Greater Lumbini Area and its wider setting.

Mr Gyanin Rai, Chief Administrative Officer of LDT and Member Secretary, Tilaurakot-World Heritage Nomination Steering Committee presented on Progress on Nomination Process of Tilaurakot in World Heritage List

The meeting also discussed on sustainable tourism development in the Buddhist Natal Landscape. Minister of Tourism, Rural and Urban Development of Lumbini Province Hon'ble Mr Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality Mr Man Mohan Chaudhary, Mr Govinda Gyawali, President, Lumbini Hotel Association, Ms Shovawoti Pal, Local Handicraft Entrepreneur, Ms Laxmi Chowdhari Local Food and Homestay Entrepreneur, Mr Maheshpati Mishra, representative of Lumbini Local Tour Guide Association, Chief Abbot of Panditarama Meditation Centre Ven Vivekananda and Mr Eric Dubois, Board Member, Oriental Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance spoke on local perspective on heritage and sustainable tourism development in the Greater Lumbini Area.

After two-day presentations, the Project Steering Committee meeting was conducted. The officials of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust and UNESCO participated the steering committee meeting co-chaired by Venerable Metteyya and Mr Michael Croft. 

 

The ISC meeting in Lumbini came to an end with the closing remarks of Prof Yukio Nishimura and Mr. Michael Croft. The participants also visited archaeological sites Tilaurakot and Chatradei last day.

The meeting concluded with following recommendations.

ARCHAEOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

1. Archaeological and geological investigations must be carried out to understand heritage and archaeological areas before any infrastructure work occurs within the Greater Lumbini Area (GLA), and continue to prepare risk mapping for all heritage and archaeological areas.

Ownership for implementation: The ISC recommends Department of Archaeology (DoA) in association with the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and other willing universities.

2. The ISC welcomes the proposal by the Planning Team of a new property area and buffer zone of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu (the most recent version of the map), and recommends its adoption.

3. The current parking at the Eastern Gate and Western Gate should be closed and new facilities developed close to the Kapilavastu Museum. In addition, recommended circulation route should be confirmed.

Ownership for implementation: LDT

Timeline: As soon as possible, before nomination of Tilaurakot.

4. It is critical to continue to monitor the state of conservation of the archaeological remains, and the level of water underneath the Maya Devi Temple in relation to the level of rain.

Ownership for implementation: LDT (capacity of LDT to be strenghtened).

Timeline: every day

5. ISC recommends carrying out practical actions for the conservation of archaeological remains in Lumbini and to reduce water penetration inside the Mayadevi Temple, as per the Advisor for Conservation’s conservation guidelines, and welcomes the Lumbini Development Trust’s proposal to continue interdisciplinary research on how the archaeological remains inside the Mayadevi Temple can be better conserved and to convene an interdisciplinary technical meeting and undertake research and analysis to focus on the protection of the heritage within the shelter.

Ownership for implementation: LDT/DOA/UNESCO/ISC.

Timeline: To be held within 2022

6. The ISC strongly encourages the Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust to accelerate the removal of infrastructure which impacts negatively on heritage and archaeological areas, such as roads, power lines, buildings in the vicinity of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, and the two story Lumbini Development Trust Office which lies on the moat besides the Western Gate of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu should be removed and relocated. Such mistakes should not be repeated.

Ownership for implementation: LDT & Local/Provincial/Central Government.

Timeline: As soon as possible, before nomination

7. No intrusive activities to be undertaken within property area and buffer zone without first completing a heritage impact assessment. if approved by the Department of Archaeology, it is to be accompanied by joint archaeological watching brief comprising staff from both the department of archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust.

Ownership for implementation: LDT & DOA.

Timeline: Immediately - 24/03/2022

8. The relocation of farming from the archaeological site of Chatradei, within the proposed buffer zone of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, is welcomed by the members and the concerned authority is encouraged to develop a programme of investigation and protection in parallel with that of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu.

Ownership for implementation: DOA

Timeline: Currently in progress from 01/03/2022.

9. Land acquisition by the Government of Nepal is very welcomed by the ISC members.

Ownership for implementation: DOA

Timeline: Ongoing

10. The Department of Archaeology’s plans to upgrade the Kapilavastu Museum at Tilaurakot into a Provincial Directorate of Archaeology with a wider heritage and archaeological site protection jurisdiction are welcomed.

Ownership for implementation: DOA

Timeline: In progress

11. ISC recommends to Lumbini Development Trust to strengthen its Archaeology section, which will be responsible for all matters related to conservation and management of the Lumbini World Heritage property, with the support of the Department of Archaeology.

Ownership for implementation: LDT & DOA

Timeline: Within 2023

12. The Department of Archaeology seeks technical assistance from Durham’s UNESCO chair for the preparation of archaeological risk maps of selected sites and monuments using geophysical survey within the Greater Lumbini Area.

13. The ISC encourages the Lumbini Buddhist University to establish a centre/institute of archaeology within the Greater Lumbini Area with the LDT, DoAand partners.

14. The ISC requests for each owner to prepare an action plan and resource allocation linked to each action with an explicit timeline for delivery.

MANAGEMENT

15. The ISC urges the Government of Nepal to update, particularly in respect to the changes in the government structure, the Integrated Management Framework for the Lumbini World Heritage Site, latest by end of May 2022, and officially adopt the document as being of highest priority.

16. The ISC urges the Government of Nepal to declare the Lumbini World HeritageSite as a Protected Monument Zone in accordance with the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956.

17. The ISC notes with satisfaction the declaration of the Tilaurkakot-Kapilavastu heritage property as a Protected Monument Zone by the Government of Nepal and urges the Government of Nepal to declare the Tentative World Heritage Site of Ramagrama as a Protected Monument Zone in accordance with the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956.

18. The ISC welcomes with satisfaction the team members of the joint UNESCO World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Lumbini World Heritage Property and their active participation in the 2022 ISC Meeting.

19. Integrated Management Frameworks should be separately generated for the sites of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu and Ramagrama.

20. The Government of Nepal’s progress on the preparation of the nomination of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu is positively noted by the ISC.

21. The ISC welcomes with satisfaction the adoption of the official HIA procedures by the Government of Nepal.

22. In line with the official HIA procedures that has been adopted by the Government of Nepal, Heritage Impact Assessments should be conducted by LDT and Department of Archaeology before every new development project. In heritage risk zones, including the entire Sacred Garden area, Heritage Impact Assessments should be conducted by LDT and DoA, before every new development project (including construction of roads, drains, walls, gardens/parks and carparks, etc.). In other heritage zones, such as the remaining Kenzo Tange Project Area, a simple impact assessment shall be carried out jointly by DOA and LDT. Impact assessments shall be done prior to approval and issuing of tender.

23. If machinery must be used at the sites protected as heritage areas and archaeological sites within the Greater Lumbini Area, it should be preceded by a Heritage Impact assessment and subsequently accompanied by joint archaeological watching briefs by the DOA and LDT.

24. The Government of Nepal is encouraged to design a proactive plan for the management of newly acquired land of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, which may include the potential of traditional farming techniques and livestock grazing in areas designated ‘low risk’.

25. In view of the successful coordination role played by the ISC, members encourage UNESCO Kathmandu to investigate ways for the meetings to be continued and ensure participation of local governments.Sustainable Development and Tourism

26. Better information flow and communication should be ensured between the Lumbini Development Trust, the Department of Archaeology, UNESCO, Provincial Government, Local Government and concern tourism stakeholders.

27. The ISC welcomes the on-going effort of the Government of Nepal in developing a clear strategy and concrete further actions to protect the Greater Lumbini Area and its wider setting, including but not limited to Tilaurakot and Ramagrama, including the preparation of a heritage led Master Plan for Greater Lumbini Area.

28. Any new master plan for Lumbini or the surrounding area should consider the Government of Nepal approved Lumbini Master Plan.

29. The ISC expresses concern about the World Peace City Master Plan for Lumbini and its potential impacts, and requests to conduct a comprehensive HIA before implementation.

30. The ISC welcomes the on-going effort of the Government of Nepal’s promoting the Buddhist Circuits of Nepal and Nepal’s collaboration with the World Bank’s on-going programme of Buddhist Circuit in South Asia.

31. The sustained community engagement, museum development and the championing of local crafts at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu is acknowledged and encouraged to continue at the Greater Lumbini Area.

32. The ISC encourages a greater mobilization of educational institutions, such as the Lumbini Buddhist University, Tribhuwan University and other schools and universities offering relevant courses including vocational programs.

33. Support development of additional tourism activities surrounding Lumbini such as cultural and natural heritage to increase length of stay and revenue generation with attention to enhance spiritual atmosphere.

34. Develop Visitor and Information Management Plan informed by market study, recreational/site planning and management.

35. Technical support to establish Lumbini village model to promote ancient local civilization. Environment

36. The natural surroundings of the Lumbini area should be protected – against the threats of encroachment, space, noise, air, river and soil pollution, sand and gravel mining, large infrastructure developments, uncontrolled urbanization. Define and identify areas of importance and the authorities.

Ownership for implementation: DoA, LDT, Divisional Forest Office, Municipalities and Wards, Community Forest Users Group, Lake or Water Users Group, River Conservation Groups

Timeline: 1- 5 years

37. The natural landscapes within the Greater Lumbini Area should be considered for community stewardship approach. [Provincial Government and Municipalities, President Chure Conservation Committee

Ownership of implementation: DoA, LDT, Province Government, Municipalities to have a way forward including Department of Environment and National Lake Development and Conservation Committee, Department of Irrigations.

Timeline: One to five years

38. Sources of air, noise and groundwater pollution should be monitored and controlled and existing regulations enforced by the government, and industries that do not follow environmental guidelines should be relocated. No new industrial factories should be approved by the government nor existing ones expanded within the Lumbini Protected Zone. Sharing environmental data among the stakeholders is a priority Department of Environment.

Ownership for implementation: LDT, DoA, Province Government, Municipalities (Environment Friendly Local Governance), Department of Environment, Chief District Office, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Education

39. Specific bylaws and planning regulations, including those on environmental protection, should be prepared and implemented at heritage and archaeological sites within the Greater Lumbini Area. Identify the ownership of the property and see ways of the protection, management and restoration.

Ownership for implementation: Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust, Municipalities, Provincial Government and Department of Environment

Timeline: One to five years