Georgia’s efforts to return Mtskheta to UNESCO World Heritage List

The Georgian Government has declared a freeze on any type of construction and privatisation in Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns of Georgia, until the end of next year so the town can return to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Country officials said if the organsation’s recommendations were taken into account Mtskheta would "definitely” return to the important list in 2016. 

The Government intended to discuss the rules about construction in Mtskheta at today’s Governmental meeting.

Culture Minister Mikheil Giorgadze said it was "essential” to fulfil the UNESCO recommendations, which aimed to help preserve the ancient town. 

"Introducing special regulations was UNESCO’s demand that envisages finalising the general plans for the town development,” he said. 

"The plans should be completed through agreement with UNESCO and if we adhere to the recommendations the town will definitely be returned to the World Heritage List.”

The moratorium concerned the town and the nearby landscape, Giorgadze confirmed.

If Georgia adhered to UNESCO’s recommendations, the country’s historical monuments of Mtskheta will be given another chance to return to the UNESCO World Heritage List after being relegated to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2009.