Report on the ICOMOS Advisory Mission to

“Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”

(Colombia)

12-15 December 2017

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Executive summary and list of recommendations
1. BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION
1.1 Inscription history
1.2 Inscription criteria and Statement of Oustanding Universal Value (OUV)
1.3 Conservation and Authenticity issues raised in the ICOMOS evaluation report
at time of inscription
1.4 Examination of the State of Conservation by the World Heritage Committee
1.5 Justification of the mission (terms of reference, programme and composition
of mission team provided in Annex 1)
2. NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
WORLD HERITAGE PROPERTY
2.1 Protected area legislation
2.1.1 National Legislation
2.1.2 District Legislation
2.2 Boundaries of the property and buffer zone
2.3 Institutional framework
2.4 Management structure
3. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES/THREATS
3.1 New delimitation proposal for the Historic Centre and its buffer zone
3.2 Management effectiveness
3.3 Special Protection and Management Plan
3.4 Conservation Action Plan
3.5 Bocachica Canal
3.6 San Fernando and San José Fortresses
3.7 Aquarela Project
3.8 Hotel Santa Catalina
3.9 Project for pedestrian walkways
4. ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY
4.1 Review whether the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value, on the basis of
which the property was inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the
conditions of integrity and authenticity are being maintained
4.1.1 Impact of the Aquarela Project on OUV
4.1.2 Assessment of the Bocachica Canal and fortress protection projects’
impact on OUV

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5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of findings
5.2 Recommendations for any additional action to be taken by the State Party,
including draft recommendations to the World Heritage Committee
5.2.1 Buffer Zone
5.2.2 Management effectiveness
5.2.3 Special Protection and Management Plan
5.2.4 Conservation Action Plan
5.2.5 Bocachica Canal
5.2.6 San Fernando and San José Fortresses
5.2.7 Aquarela Project
5.2.8 Hotel Santa Catalina and interventions on buildings of the Historic
Centre
5.2.9 Heritage Accessibility
5.2.10 Productive Structures of the Bay
Annex I: Terms of Reference
Annex II: Decisions of the World Heritage Committee
Annex III: Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
Annex IV: Itinerary and programme
Annex V: List of contact details of people met
Annex VI: Maps
Annex VII: Photographs

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The mission would like to express its appreciation to the Ministry of Culture of Colombia and to the
Mayor of Cartagena, and to the authorities and professionals of each institution participating in the
presentations, meetings and visits developed during the visit to the property. This mission would also
like to express its appreciation to the following government entities, agencies, departments, divisions,
organisations, civil society organisations and community organisations:
District of Cartagena de Indias
 Sergio Londoño Zurek, Acting Mayor, Municipality of Cartagena
 Berta Lucía Arnedo, Institute of Cultural Heritage of Cartagena (IPCC), Municipality of
Cartagena
o Alfonso Cabrera Cruz, Head of Heritage Division, IPCC
o Gustavo Pianetta Arias, Head of Legal Office, IPCC
o Z. Boissetorres, Legal Adviser, IPCC
 Irvin Pérez, Secretary of Planning, Municipality of Cartagena
 Jaime Correa Vélez, Adviser, Secretary of Planning, Municipality of Cartagena
 Francisco A. Castillo, Adviser, Secretary of Planning, Municipality of Cartagena
 Claudia Carrillo, Adviser, Secretary of Planning, Municipality of Cartagena
 Ivan Castro R., Manager of Public Spaces, Municipality of Cartagena
 Ximena Avilán D., Manager of the Historic Centre, Municipality of Cartagena
Escuela Taller Cartagena de Indias - ETCAR
 Luis Ricardo Dunoyer, General Director
 Mario Zapateiro A., Director of Works
 Miguel Montes C., Director of Conservation Planning
Tourism Corporation of Cartagena de Indias
 Zully Salazar F., Executive President
 María Carolina Cortez, Competitivity Director
Ministry of Culture
 Alberto Escovar Wilson-White, Director of Cultural Heritage
 Mónica Orduña, Specialist, Directorate of Cultural Heritage
 Claudia Díaz, Coordinator of Intervention Group, Directorate of Cultural Heritage
 Lilyana Mojica Villamarin, Specialist, Protection Group, Directorate of Cultural Heritage
 Celina Rincón, Specialist, Directorate of Cultural Heritage
 Argemiro Cortés Buitrago, Director of International Affairs and Cooperation
 Camilo Tovar, Specialist, International Affairs and Cooperation
Foreign Affairs Ministry
 Santiago Jara, Director of Cultural Affairs, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for
Cooperation with UNESCO
 Francisco Gutiérrez, Coordinator GIT-UNESCO, Directorate of Cultural Affairs
 Laura Leguízamo, Adviser, GIT UNESCO Adviser, Directorate of Cultural Affairs
Finally, the mission would like to thank all the staff, officials, civil servants, representatives of local and
national organisations, and members of AsoCentro for their guidance, information, and for the
successful accomplishment of this mission.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena, “is an eminent example of the
military architecture of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the most extensive of the New
World and one of the most complete” and, together with Havana and San Juan, Puerto Rico
(also inscribed in the World Heritage List), was an essential link in the route of the West
Indies fitting “in the general theme of world exploration and the great commercial maritime
routes”.
The Outstanding Universal Value of the Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments,
Cartegena, resides in its system of military fortifications, the most extensive and one of the
most complete in South America, built to protect the port and the city of Cartagena with its
three characteristic neighbourhoods (San Pedro, San Diego and Getsemaní).
The property was inscribed in 1984 as a cultural site under criteria (iv) and (vi) at the 8th
session of the World Heritage Committee in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Decision CONF
004 IX.A under the name of “Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”.
The World Heritage Committee examined the state of conservation of the property at its 38th
session and by Decision 38 COM 7B.98, Omnibus Decisions (Doha, 2014), taking note with
satisfaction of the measures taken by the State Party to address its previous requests to
mitigate the threats to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
Previously, in Decision 36 COM 7B.98 (recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.107), the World
Heritage Committee had urged the finalization and approval of the Special Protection and
Management Plan for the property. At the same time, the Committee requested the
finalization of the delimitation of the property.
In conformity with its Terms of Reference, the mission visited the property on 12-15
December 2017 to assess its state of conservation. The main aims of the mission were to
provide guidance on the project for the expansion of the Bocachica Canal sector of
Cartagena Bay, particularly with regard to potential impacts on the San Fernando and San
José Fortresses; assess the congruence of overall management and protection
arrangements for the property with the objective of protecting and maintaining the OUV of
the property; provide guidance on the implementation of the Special Protection and
Management Plan, as well as the Conservation Action Plan for all the components of the
property; and assist in the Retrospective Inventory process in order to clarify the boundaries
of the property to include all component parts (See Annex 1: Terms of Reference of the
mission). In addition, the mission was asked to review the detailed plans and advances for
the projects and related works of the multi-tower estate development Aquarela Multifamiliar
under construction near the Castillo San Felipe; assess interventions and monitoring efforts
to improve structural reinforcement and perimeter protection of the San Fernando and San
José Fortresses; and to assess the project of the Hotel Santa Catalina in the Plaza de los
Coches and the project for pedestrian walkways. On the basis of site visits and
documentation provided by the State Party, the mission had to assess the potential impacts
of these projects and related works on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World
Heritage property.

The main findings of the mission:

Firstly, the mission highlights the efforts made by the State Party towards the conservation
and maintenance of the fortresses and walls of Cartagena, and the prudent measures
adopted and the works carried out to mitigate the possible impact caused by the widening
and deepening of the Bocachica Canal on the fortresses of San Fernando and San José.
Likewise, the conservation projects of the tangible and intangible attributes realised in the
framework of the Contract of Bailment entered with ETCAR are highly satisfactory.

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The property still maintains the attributes sustaining its Outstanding Universal Value.
However, the multi-tower project Aquarela Mutifamiliar and the Hotel Santa Catalina project
are evidence of two of the main threats to the property: the effects of real estate pressure
with possible impacts on OUV and difficulties in the management of the property. These
threats emphasize the urgent need to conclude and approve the Special Protection and
Management Plans, delimit buffer zones, and generate a greater synergy between the
national and district levels involved in the management of the property. It is also expected
that the mentioned Plans shall allow for control of the gentrification process which threatens
the authenticity of the property.

Recommendations:
Buffer zone
- Complete and submit urgently to the World Heritage Centre the delineation of the
zones of influence, taking into account that the various components of the property
are parts of a whole single integrated system.
- Consider the visual cone as a fundamental instrument in the definition of the zones of
influence, taking into account, at least, the visuals from the bay to the Historic Centre,
the Santa Felipe castle and La Popa, visuals between the castle and La Popa and of
both components with the rest of the system, and the visuals linking the fortresses
and the structures of the Bay.
- Include the Naval Base in the zone of influence of the Historic Centre1.
- Include productive structures declared Sites of Cultural Interest at the national level
within the zone of influence of the fortresses of the bay.
- Establish the heights allowed for buildings in order to preserve the visuals among the
components of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Management effectiveness and management structure
- Clear the existing overlapping between the several district agents involved in the
management of the property and strengthen the Institute of Heritage and Culture of
Cartagena (IPCC) as the principal management agent.
- Establish and institutionalise permanent channels of agreement among the national
and local authorities responsible for the management of the property, organising an
Executive Committee or a similar body for decision-making and property control as
well as monitoring.
- Strengthen the technical staff of the Institute of Heritage and Culture of Cartagena
(IPCC), incorporating professionals specialised in the conservation of architectural
and urban heritage, complying with at least Agreement 001/2013 that states that the
Division of Cultural Heritage shall have: Project Office, Research, Documentation and
Dissemination Office Control Office and Property Administration Office.
- Strengthen communication and create opportunities for the participation of citizens in
conservation policies and the rehabilitation of the Historic Centre.
Special Protection and Management Plan
- Establish as an urgent priority the finalization of the reviewing, writing and approval of
the three Special Plans of Management and Protection: a) Historic Centre, b) Walls
and San Felipe Castle and c) Fortifications and structures of the Bay, which must be
approved in the present year.

1
According to Colombian Law, the buffer zones are called zones of influence (zona de influencia in Spanish).

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 - Generate linking mechanisms among these three plans with the aim of managing the
property as a single, integrated system.
Conservation Action Plan
- Compile an updated inventory of all the assets comprising the property, including the
existing buildings on the plots of the Historic Centre.
- Produce or update a diagnosis which takes into account, among other issues, the
tangible and intangible values of the property, the state of conservation of each single
immovable property, their use, and the socio-economic situation of owners and
residents.
- Complete the diagnosis of the Historic Centre with the graphic survey of all the streets
and public spaces edges profiles in order to establish allowed building heights for
each street or area and other guidelines for new construction or interventions in
existing buildings (whether or not they are monuments).

- Generate a Conservation Action Plan which allows to preserve, conserve and

promote the attributes that sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
- Propose timetables, clearly and efficiently coordinating all issues involved in the
conservation of the property.
- Promote public-private cooperation for conservation works and the rehabilitation of
the Historic Centre, favouring traditional residents, whether institutional or private
ones, having financial difficulties to keep their property and its traditional use.
- Not to allow encompassing plots in the Historic Centre, with the aim of discouraging
changes in use and the concentration of land ownership among social sectors of a
high purchasing power, a phenomenon that tends to repel traditional residents.
- The Tourism Corporation (Corpoturismo) may have a fundamental role establishing
agreements with private companies to sponsor and hold activities related to
conservation, maintenance and traditional use of real estate, whether institutional or
private.
- To carry out awareness campaigns addressed to businessmen and real estate/hotel
agents regarding the need to collaborate with the protection of the property.
- Write a Conservation Action Plan for the walls and fortresses with goals and projects
for the short, medium and long term.
- Include the implementation of cleaning tasks for the San Lazaro and Chambacu
lagoons to eliminate the vegetation accumulated next to the walls, taking into account
that these lagoons, transformed into trenches, were part of the system of
fortifications.
Bocachica Canal
- Continue monitoring the dynamics of water and its effects on the Fortresses of San
Fernando and San José.
San Fernando and San José Fortresses
- Continue monitoring the structures of the Fortresses, applying the current methods.
- Monitor the effects of the high tide on the structure of San José Fortress.
- Also monitor the state of conservation of the maritime protections on a regular basis
so that any change can be detected before it affects the structures of the fortresses.

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Aquarela Project
- Develop, as soon as possible, a Heritage Impact Assessment (following the reference
guide produced by ICOMOS) in order to identify and measure, objectively and
systematically, the potential impacts of the Aquarela Project on the property.
- Continue with the efforts made, and make use of all legal instruments, in order to stop
indefinitely the construction of the project and demolish what has been built, taking
into account the threat it represents to the conservation of the attributes which sustain
Outstanding Universal Value.
Hotel Santa Catalina and interventions on buildings of the historic centre
- Review the building licence, taking into account the visual impact generated by the
upper volume on the top of the roof.

- Complete the diagnosis of the Historic Centre with the graphic survey of all the streets
and public spaces edges profiles in order to establish allowed building heights for
each street or area and other guidelines for new construction or interventions in
existing buildings (whether or not they are monuments).

Heritage Accessibility
- Encourage greater public access to prominent and emblematic buildings in the
Historic Centre that are currently used for private or formal functions, in order to
increase opportunities for the community to enjoy and learn from these buildings of
important heritage value.

Productive Structures of the Bay

- Continue with research, maintenance and conservation work on these structures.
- Agree with Argos Cement Plant, the owner of the site where some furnaces are
located, that they become a sponsor, in order to obtain financial resources that will
enable research and conservation tasks to continue, considering that these structures
are a unique historical background to the productive activity of the current cement
industrial company.

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1. BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION

1.1 Inscription history

The property was inscribed in 1984 as a cultural site under criteria (iv) and (vi) at the 8th
session of the World Heritage Committee in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Decision CONF
004 IX.A under the name of “Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”.

1.2 Inscription criteria and Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)

The Committee inscribed the site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (iv) and
(vi). In 2013, the World Heritage Committee adopted the Retrospective Statement of
Outstanding Universal Value of the property at its 37th session (Phnom Penh, Cambodia), by
Decision 37 COM 8E. (See Annex III). The criteria for the property’s inscription on the World
Heritage List are as follows:
Criterion (iv): Cartagena is an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th,
18th centuries, the most extensive of the New World and one of the most complete.
Criterion (vi): Cartagena, together with Havana, and San Juan, Puerto Rico (already
included on the World Heritage List), was an essential link in the route of the West Indies.
The property fits within the general theme of world exploration and the great commercial
maritime routes.

1.3 Conservation and Authenticity issues raised in the ICOMOS evaluation report at
time of inscription
The 1984 ICOMOS evaluation of the nomination file did not state conservation and
authenticity issues in detail, but implicitly identified contemporary high buildings as a threat,
and consequently pointed out that “aware of the preservation problems raised by the
ensemble of Cartagena (more than 300,000 inhabitants), ICOMOS would recommend,
besides the integral protection of the old city intra-muros and of each of the fortifications, the
creation of a broad area where ordinances would limit the height of contemporary
construction”.

1.4 Examination of the State of Conservation by the World Heritage Committee

The World Heritage Committee has examined the state of conservation of the property
during 6 sessions. The last sessions were the 38th (Doha, 2014) and the 36th sessions
(Saint Peterburg, 2012) (See Annex II).
In 1999, Cartagena was granted International Assistance for the “Integral conservation of
Cloister of San Pedro Claver of Cartagena de Indias” for an amount of 60,000 USD. In 1993,
it received further International Assistance “for the the services of national and international
experts for the preparation of a Master Plan” for its Historical Centre for an amount of 19,000
USD. Previously, other instances of International Assistance were approved by the World
Heritage Committee: 3,300 USD for the contribution to a monitoring exercise in 1991; 5,000
USD to draft legislation for its preservation in 1990; 7,500 USD for additional contributions to
a seminar on the conservation of Cartagena property; and 14,000 USD for specialists to
advise on the protection and restoration of the property.
Upon the request of the Colombian national authorities, an ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring
mission took place from 30 May to 3 June 2003 in order to assess the state of conservation
of the Church of Santo Domingo, and concluded that the interventions had not compromised
the historic value, nor the authenticity and integrity of the property (Decision 27 COM
7B.89).

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In 2014, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report to the World Heritage
Committee for its review at the 38th session.
Since 2008, the World Heritage Committee has requested the finalization and approval of the
Special Protection and Management Plan for the property (Decisions 36 COM 7B.98, 34
COM 7B.107 and 32 COM 7B.120) and that the State Party finalize the delimitation of the
property, including all elements of the fortified system, according to the required formats
(Decisions 36 COM 7B.98, 34 COM 7B.107 and 32 COM 7B.120).

1.5 Justification of the mission (terms of reference, programme and composition of

mission team provided in Annex I)
Within the framework of the follow up to Decision 38 COM 7B.98 adopted by the World
Heritage Committee at its 38th session (Doha, 2014) and Decision 36 COM 7B.98 adopted
at its 36th session (Saint Petersburg, 2012) for the Port, Fortresses and Group of
Monuments, Cartagena, property inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984 under criteria
(iv) and (vi), the ICOMOS Advisory mission shall:
1. Comment on the overall state of conservation of the property;
2. Review the detailed plans and advances for the following projects and related works:
o Multi-tower real estate development Acuarela Multifamiliar under construction
near the Castillo San Felipe
o Interventions and monitoring efforts to improve structural reinforcement and
perimeter protection of the San Fernando and San José Fortresses
o Project of the Hotel Santa Catalina in the Plaza de los Coches
o Project for pedestrian walkways
3. On the basis of site visits and documentation provided, assess the potential impacts
of these projects and related works on the Outstanding Universal Value of the World
Heritage property;
4. Provide guidance on the project for the expansion of the Bocachica Canal sector of the
Cartagena Bay, particularly in regards to potential impacts on the San Fernando and San
José Fortresses;
5. Assess the congruence of overall management and protection arrangements for the
property with the objective of protecting and maintaining the OUV of the property;
6. Provide guidance on the implementation of the Special Protection and Management
Plan, as well as the Conservation Action Plan for all the components of the property;
7. Assist in the Retrospective Inventory process in order to clarify the boundaries of the
property to include all component parts, taking into account the documentation
submitted by State Party in February 2014;
8. Prepare a mission report with a set of recommendations to be provided to the State
Party within two months after the termination of the mission, no later than 15 th February
2018.

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2. NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
WORLD HERITAGE PROPERTY

2.1. Protected area legislation

There are legal bodies at two levels directed towards the protection of the property: the first
at national level, and the second at district level.

2.1.1. National Legislation

National Cultural Heritage is protected by the Political Constitution of Colombia as stated in
Article 72.
The Historic Centre of Cartagena de Indias was declared a National Monument (now a Site
of Cultural Interest, in Spanish: Bien de Interés Cultural BIC,) under the provisions of Law
No. 163 of 1959.
The following fortresses and groups of monuments located outside the Historic Centre were
declared Sites of Cultural Interest by Decree 1911 of 2 November 1995: in the Historic
Periphery, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and side battery system; on the Island of
Manga the Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo; and on the Bay the Fort of Manzanillo, Santa
Cruz Castle, the Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica and its side battery system, the
vestiges of San Luis Castle, the ruins of the Santiago batteries, San Felipe and Cambacu
batteries, the side battery system of Santa Barbara and Angel San Rafael, and the Fort of
San José de Bocachica and the remains of productive structures.
Law No. 397 of 1997 (General Law of Culture) states that a Special Protection and
Management Plan (PEMP for its initials in Spanish) must be written for National Sites of
Cultural Interest.
Law No. 1185 of 2008 states that any intervention which causes changes to or affects a Site
of Cultural Interest must be authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
Decree 763 of 2009 states the responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture regarding the Sites of
Cultural Interest at the national level, and defines the objectives of the Special Protection and
Management Plans.

2.1.2. District Legislation

At a local level, the regulations concerning the interventions to the property are found in the
Plan of Territorial Management (POT or Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial in Spanish) of
Cartagena de Indias, Cultural and Tourist District, approved by Decree 977 of 2001.
The Eighth Part of the POT includes the “Rules for the Historic Centre, zone of influence and
Historic Periphery”.

2.2. Boundaries of the property and buffer zone

At the time of inscription in 1984, the ICOMOS evaluation report recommended:
“Aware of the preservation problems raised by the ensemble of Cartagena […], besides the
integral protection of the old city intra-muros and of each of the fortifications, the creation of a
broad area where ordinances would limit the height of contemporary constructions”.
The Committee decision by which the property was inscribed stated the following:
“Noting that the monuments and architectural ensembles included in the List were located
within the unique natural setting of the bay of Cartagena, the Committee also recommended
that the bay be given the best protection possible” (Decision: CONF 004 IX.A, 1984).

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The boundaries and buffer zone of the property were established by Resolution 043 of 1994.
Since 2008, the World Heritage Committee has been requesting that the State Party finalize
the delimitation of the property, including all elements of the fortified system, according to the
required formats (Decisions 36 COM 7B.98, 34 COM 7B.107 and 32 COM 7B.120).
By Resolution 1709, of 15 June 2017, the zone of influence of San Felipe de Barajas Castle
was broadened temporarily while the PEMP meant to protect the sector is approved.

2.3. Institutional framework

According to the laws and regulations, the responsibility of the “Port, Fortresses and Group
of Monuments”, is shared between two agencies: the Ministry of Culture of Colombia and the
Mayor of Cartagena de Indias (Alcaldía Mayor de Cartagena de Indias).
The Ministry of Culture has jurisdiction over National Cultural Heritage, both tangible and
intangible, according to Decree 763/2009. The Ministry of Culture, having prior favourable
concept from the National Council for Cultural Heritage, is entitled to the declaration and
management of Sites of Cultural Interest at the national level (Law 1185/2008). It is also in
charge of approving the Special Protection and Management Plans, and authorizing
interventions on Sites of Cultural Interest, as well as those which are to be carried out in
zones of influence, and public spaces located in urban sectors declared Sites of Cultural
Interest.
The Mayor of Cartagena de Indias, Cultural and Tourist District, is the main local authority
and local site manager according to the Political Constitution of Colombia (Art. 315).

2.4. Management structure

National Level
The Ministry of Culture has a Directorate General of Cultural Heritage (DGCH), which
designs, proposes and enforces the policies, plans, strategies, programmes and projects for
the proper management, recording, inventory, research, conservation, presentation, social
use, promotion and dissemination of cultural heritage. Among other functions, the DGCH
coordinates and proposes both the declaration of Sites of Cultural Interest at national level
and nominations to the World Heritage List. The Directorate General of Cultural Heritage has
a Directorate of World Heritage Sites within its structure.
The National Council of Cultural Heritage, previously National Monuments Council (Consejo
Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural in Spanish, previously Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales)
is a collegiate body in charge of advising the National Government as regards the
safeguarding, protection and management of National Cultural Heritage (Law 1185/2008).
At local level
The Mayor Office of Cartagena de Indias has an Institute of Heritage and Culture, the IPCC
(in Spanish Instituto de Patrimonio y Cultura de Cartagena).
Pursuant to Agreement 001 of 2003 (Arts. 29/31), the IPCC is a public body at the district
level which is in charge of safeguarding the cultural heritage of the District as stated in its
objectives. Among its duties, in accordance with the Ministry of Culture and other national
and regional organizations responsible for the management of culture, it has to “ensure the
conservation and valuing of the cultural heritage of the District” and “promote the
revitalization of the Historic Centre”. It must also “assume the management, control and
sanctions of the actions or interventions on heritage in general and mainly those
corresponding to the interventions and architectural uses of the Historic Centre and Historic
Periphery”. The latter is stated pursuant to POT, in its Eighth Part.

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In turn, the IPCC has a Division for Cultural Heritage, which, among its duties, has to “write
plans and conservation and revitalization programmes and projects for the intervention of
public spaces in the Historic Centre, the zone of influence and the Historic Periphery”, and
“write the inventory and catalogue of Sites of Cultural Interest and keep them updated;
receive and study the documents; submit them for the consideration of the Technical
Committee and follow the proper procedures in the intervention project” (Agreement
001/2003, Art. 38 and 39).
The Technical Committee for Historic and Cultural Heritage is a collegiate body acting as an
“assessor to the District administration for the defense, preservation and recovery of Historic
and Cultural Heritage” (Agreement 001/2003, Arts. 7/10). Among its duties, the Committee
has to “issue a previous concept on any type of intervention on buildings and public spaces
of the Historic Centre and catalogued real assets of the Historic Periphery”, “recommend to
the District Administration the control of interventions and the administration of sanctions to
those violating the constitutional duty to protect cultural heritage” and “promote the proper
enforcement of regulations for the intervention and use of historic and cultural heritage”. It
must also “suggest to the District Government the suitable measures for the protection of
cultural heritage” (Agreement 001/2003, Arts.9 and 10).
The District Council of Cultural Heritage “is an instance of agreement between the State and
Civil Society, in charge of leading and assessing the District Government in the formulation
and enforcement of policies and planning of cultural processes” (Agreement 001/2003, Art.
4).
The Escuela Taller Cartagena de Indias (ETCAR, or Workshop School of Cartagena de
Indias in English) is part of the District System of Culture, and its objective is the “technical
education of the youth through working for the conservation and enhancement of the
heritage built in Cartagena de Indias” (Agreement 001/2003, Art. 19). By means of the
Contract of Bailment 2199/2012, the Ministry of Culture assigned to ETCAR the
administration, custody, dissemination and sustainability of the Sites of Cultural Interest
existing in Cartagena de Indias, which constitute a group of walls and fortresses. To that end,
there is a Steering Committee composed of the Director of Heritage, the General Secretary
of the Ministry of Culture, the Mayor of Cartagena and the legal representative of ETCAR.
Other attending organizations are the Secretary of Planning (District Government of
Cartagena), the Management of the Historic Centre of Cartagena de Indias, created in 2017
as a linking institution of those with responsibilities in the Historic Centre, and the Tourism
Corporation (Corpoturismo), which links institutions of a mixed nature – public and private -
which plan the tourist development of the city.

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3. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES/THREATS
3.1 New delimitation proposal for the Historic Centre and its buffer zone
The Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena, comprises a system with
components which, according to the property’s Retrospective Statement of Outstanding
Universal Value, adopted in 2013, constitute “an eminent example of the military architecture
of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the most extensive of the New World and one of the most
complete” (Criterion (iv)) and “an essential link in the route of the West Indies” together with
Havana, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, which “fits within the general theme of world exploration
and the great commercial maritime routes” (Criterion (vi)).
The elements composing this system are scattered around diverse landscapes, with some
concentrated amidst a consolidated urban landscape, and others within a cultural landscape
denoting a strong presence in nature.
Therefore, the protection of the property requires firstly the delineation of buffer zones, taking
into account this diversity and the strong bonds that the components held historically, linked
both visually and operationally for the purpose of military strategy and the defense of one of
the most important ports of America, and secondly, the application of appropriate controls
within these buffer zones so that inappropriate developments cannot adversely impact on the
OUV of the property.
For this reason, and considering that both types of landscapes where the elements of the
property are located are subject to various threats, in 1984 ICOMOS recommended “the
creation of a broad area where ordinances would limit the height of contemporary
constructions” while the World Heritage Committee decision which inscribed the property on
the World Heritage List stated “Noting that the monuments and architectural ensembles
included on the List were located within the unique natural setting of the Bay of Cartagena,
the Committee also recommended that the bay be given the best protection possible”
(Decision CONF 004 IX.A, 1984).
Although the World Heritage Committee has been requesting to finalize the delineation of the
property since 2008 (Decisions 36 COM 7B.98, 34 COM 7B.107 and 32 COM 7B.120), the
property does not yet show a suitable delimitation of buffer zones for its protection.
The Historic Centre, the walls and San Felipe Castle are located within the consolidated
urban sector, surrounded by high buildings the threat of which was forewarned by ICOMOS
in 1984, and which, over the last twenty years, has grown further in Bocagrande, Cabrero,
Manga and the plains at the foot of San Felipe Castle and La Popa (see Annex VII,
photographs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10).
In the bay landscape, where some fortifications that protected the entrance to the port are
located, constructions have begun to be inserted that, due to their dimensions and
volumetrics, disturb the balanced system of visuals still binding the elements together (see
Annex VII, photographs 6 and 7).
The real estate and economics dynamics in Cartagena pose a threat to its Outstanding
Universal Value if it is not controlled and regulated immediately, defining buffer zones with
clear regulations which forbid high constructions and preserve visual relationships among the
various elements comprising the property.
Faced with a warning over the construction of the Aquarela Project, the Ministry of Culture
broadened the zone of influence of San Felipe de Barajas Castle, according to Resolution
1709 of 15 June 2017, as a temporary measure, amending Resolution 043 of 1994, while the
PEMP that protects the sector is being approved (see Annex VI, Maps).
However, delineating the zones of influence depends on the approval of the three PEMPs
foreseen for the property, which presents another reason for the mission’s recommendation
to finish their writing and approval.

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3.2 Management effectiveness
At the local level, a certain overlapping of functions among the official local agencies is
evidenced. The coordination between the Secretary of Planning and the IPCC is not clear.
The creation of the Historic Centre Management seems to worsen this overlapping instead of
solving the problem. As a result, the IPCC is weakened in its role of the main local agency in
charge of managing the property.
The irregularities in administrative procedures, as a result of which the Aquarela Project
started the construction of one of its towers, evidence this weakness in management, which
is an issue of concern due to the risks it represents to the OUV.
Also, the current organization structure of the IPCC does not allow for the Institute to address
all the functions under its jurisdiction in the management of a complex property like the
Historic Centre.
In 2012, the Ministry of Culture entered a Contract of Bailment with ETCAR, under which
maintenance and conservation works on the fortresses and walls were assigned to ETCAR.
This contract has proved its efficiency in the results obtained so far and in the projects in
progress.
However, there are no institutional mechanisms between the national and local levels, which
allow the generation of instances of joint work in the management of the property.

3.3 Special Protection and Management Plan

The completion and approval of the Special Protection and Management Plan for the
property has been requested by the World Heritage Committee since 2008 (Decisions 36
COM 7B.98, 34 COM 7B.107, 32 COM 7B.120).
The Colombian General Law of Culture (Law N° 397/1997, art. 11 subsection 3) states that,
for Sites of Cultural Interest, a special plan must be devised regarding management and
protection (PEMP) on the part of the responsible authority. The PEMP is a management
instrument by which necessary actions to be taken are established, with the aim of assuring
the protection, conservation and sustainability of the Sites of Cultural Interest (Decree
1080/2015). It must state the area affected, the zone of influence, the level of intervention
allowed, and the conditions of management. It also includes a dissemination plan assuring
community support for the conservation of the property, in coordination with the
corresponding territorial institutions.
Even though the “Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena” constitute a single
property inscribed on the World Heritage List, according to Colombian legislation there is no
provision for the writing of a single Management Plan but instead for three Special Plans of
Management and Protection (PEMPs) considering the location of the elements constituting
the property inscribed on the World Heritage List and the local or national jurisdiction in
charge of writing the Plan. These PEMPs are:
a. Special Plan of Management and Protection for the Historic Centre.
b. Special Plan of Management and Protection for the walls and San Felipe de
Barajas Castle.
c. Special Plan of Management and Protection for the fortresses and architectural
structures of the Bay.
Special Plan of Management and Protection for the Historic Centre
Even though in 2012 there was already a PEMP project for the Historic Centre, the political
instability of the local site manager and the rapid succession of different Mayors of
Cartagena has hindered its revision, consultation and finalization. This situation, even though
it was expressed by the State Party in its 2014 SOC report, has not changed over the last
few years, delaying the completion of this PEMP. During the mission, it was understood that

15
the Mayor of Cartagena, through various bodies (Secretary of Planning and IPCC among
others), is reviewing the PEMP project. This process is not estimated to finish before June
2018. After this date, it is to be submitted to the national authorities for the consideration of
the National Council of Heritage and subsequent approval by the Ministry of Culture.
The mission did not receive any information on the diagnosis or other progress made.
The Ministry of Culture does not take part in the revision of the PEMP. However, so as to
speed up this process, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (Dirección General de
Patrimonio Cultural) has offered to contribute to the Mayor specialists in several fields: urban
law, mobility, urban economics, technicians for the updating of plot records and
cartographers specialized in digital systems.
Special Plan of Management and Protection for the walls and San Felipe de Barajas Castle
(PEMPMUR)
The PEMPMUR has the aim of: setting the criteria of intervention, starting from the study of
the current state and proposing a line of intervention; identifying uses and vocations of use
on the basis of a diagnosis of the intangible heritage and its actors; and, coordinating the
PEMP with the Historic Centre, delineating the zone of influence and observing the urban
norm.
Its writing is the responsibility of the General Directorate of the Cultural Heritage of the
Ministry of Culture. It is estimated that in May 2018 it will be submitted to the National Council
of Heritage for consideration and later submitted to the Minister of Culture for approval.
The PEMPMUR addresses management and standards of intervention as well. As to
management, it proposes corrective and preventive actions regarding conservation, and
writes dissemination plans, programmes and projects. It defines the area affected and the
zone of influence and levels of intervention allowed in each of them. In order to determine the
zone of influence, the PEMPMUR draws a visual cone of protection, using the San Felipe
Castle as a vertex, in the direction of the Historic Centre.
Between April and August 2017, a diagnosis of the property was made, considering several
issues: historical background, material state of conservation, intangible heritage,
infrastructure, social perception of the property, economy (temporary uses), conservation of
collections linked to the property, risk management (threats and vulnerabilities),
environmental conditions (mainly considering the increase in sea level), plot and urban legal
situation. An urban inventory indicating the heights of construction in each plot was also
compiled.
The general diagnosis has identified the trend towards tourist use above local uses, as well
as the effect on residents’ social dynamics, circulation of inhabitants and erosion of
neighbourhood attributes and characteristics, resulting in a special and social segregation
existing between the heritage and tourist city and that of the local residents; barriers that
make the enjoyment of the fortresses difficult and create conflict among the several types of
use. As to conservation, the concentration of certain pathologies within the walls and the
castle, and the lack of a management programme for the collection of movable property, has
been detected (source: DPC).
Special Plan of Management and Protection for the fortresses and architectutal structures of
the Bay.
This Plan aims at defining strategies for the management and protection of the system that is
constituted of the fortresses and architectural structures located on the Islands of
Tierrabomba and Draga: Fort of San Fernando, Fort-Battery of San José, Fort of San
Francisco and its side battery system Santiago and San Juan Francisco de Regis, vestiges
of San Luis Castle, batteries of Santa Barbara and Angel San Rafael, and ruins of the
batteries of San Felipe and Chamba inscribed on the World Heritage List. It also includes
other structures declared Sites of Cultural Interest at national level: the battery of Ingleses
and productive structures such as lime furnaces, tile furnaces (tejares) and wells.

16
Its writing is the responsibility of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of
Culture. The stage of consultation with other agents has not started, and it is estimated that it
will not be submitted to the National Council until 2019. Taking into account the real estate
pressures that threaten the area, the mission recommends to finalize the process and
approval of the PEMP in the present year.

3.4 Conservation Action Plan

Historic Centre
During the Advisory mission, the IPCC informed the mission about the programme “Heritage,
identity and memory” which is part of the Development Plan of Cartagena de Indias 2016-
2019 “having as an aim to formulate and implement policies, programmes, plans and
projects to protect, disseminate and safeguard the material and immaterial cultural heritage
and its social appropriation to strengthen the identity and memory of the District of Cartagena
de Indias”. For its development during the four-year period, the program was allocated 4,406
million Colombian pesos, which accounts for 0.001 % of a total amount of 4,062,132 million
allocated to the Development Plan.
The programme involves three sub-programmes: “Tangible and intangible heritage”;
“Population Context: diversity and interculture”; and “Cartagena researches and
disseminates its cultural heritage”. In this framework, the IPCC develops campaigns,
pedagogical projects and communication on heritage regulations, enforces and promotes the
social recognition of conservation actions, leads pedagogical campaigns on advertisements
and façades, and provides advice on how to improve visual decontamination. It has written a
Handbook of Rules for commercial signalling in the Historic Centre, and Guidelines for the
submission of projects to the Heritage Technical Committee. It has created a website to
provide advice on heritage and current regulations. It is also developing intensive work on
intangible heritage with Food Festivals, which offer traditional cuisine dishes, and public
celebrations.
The presentation that the IPCC offered the mission identified a series of challenges around
issues such as the condition of Cartagena as a global city; gentrification and the need to
define strategies for the permanent residence of traditional inhabitants; the need to generate
tax incentives for residents; the need for stronger regulations for better coordination between
institutions; the lack of knowledge of the regulations on the part of foreigners; limited budget
at the local and national levels; the effects of climate change; the strengthening of a heritage
culture; the narrative of the city; and the social appropriation of heritage.
There are plans of the Historic Centre dating from 2000 with plot information on typology,
uses and categories of intervention, corresponding to the List of Plot Regulations (Listado de
Reglamentación Predial) contained in Chapter 14 of the POT. However, the mission did not
obtain information on an updated inventory of the real estate property of the Historic Centre
containing planimetric surveys and photograpic records, and a description of the state of
conservation, situation, use and socio-economic status of their owners.
No information was obtained regarding a Conservation Plan of the Historic Centre which
takes into account, in addition to public spaces, the real estate property constituting it,
whether public or private, of a monumental, commercial, domestic use or other.
Walls and Fortresses
As regards the walls and fortresses, at the end of each year ETCAR writes and submits a
Master Plan specifying the activities for the coming year. The Plan includes activities of
maintenance, washing, cleaning and consolidation of specific materials in some real assets,
as well as maintenance, fumigation and improvement tasks on the environment and green
areas. These activities have a preventive character and their frequency and continuity help to
maintain the buildings in a good condition.

17
Applying this methodology, tasks of planning, and conservation and dissemination for the
material and immaterial heritage are carried out, such as:
- The opening of an Interpretation Centre for the fortifications of Cartagena de Indias at
the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
- The construction of toilets in the same castle, using old tunnels and caves.
- A conservation laboratory for the materials obtained from underwater excavations
was set up at the San Fernando de Bocachica fortress (See Annex VII: photograph
28).
- Training courses on boat-building, on-site restoration, new-build masonry and
painting, and traditional cuisine, addressed to young afrodescendants from the
islands, are offered in the same fortress (See Annex VII: photograph 27).
- The bastion of San Miguel de Chambacu has been furnished with public toilets where
archaeological remains have also been incorporated satisfactorily (See Annex VII:
photograph 29).
- The bastion of Santa Barbara has been equipped so that it is devoted to traditional
cuisine events in which the residents of Getsemani neighbourhood will participate
(See Annex VII: photograph 30).
- In the Historic Centre, ETCAR is restoring a house (Casa del Inquisidor) which has
been assigned to the Ministry of Culture and where, among other offices, a restaurant
will be set up where students from such schools may practise (see Annex VII,
photograph 14).
Productive structures of the Bay
Under the Contract of Bailment between ETCAR and the Ministry of Culture, tasks of
maintenance are performed on the productive structures of the bay, some of which were
devoted to lime and tile furnaces during the colonial period. These structures have been
declared Sites of Cultural Interest at the national level and their meaning is directly related to
the significant atrributes of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List, considering that
the materials they produced were used in the construction of the system of fortresses and
real estate of the Historic Centre (See Annex VII: photograph 33).

3.5 Bocachica Canal

In 2014, with the aim of allowing the entrance of larger vessels into the port of Cartagena, the
National Highway Authority, INVIAS (Instituto Nacional de Vías) through the National
Development Finance Agency (Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional, FDN) submitted to the
Ministry of Culture requests for widening the access canals in the sectors of Bocachica and
Manzanillo.
The Director of Heritage, by Resolutions 1385/2014 and 1459/2014, authorised the study,
design and project of dredging in front of the fortresses of San Fernando and San José with
the aim of deepening it to 20.50 metres and widening it to 140 metres. The authorization was
subject on the condition that, prior to the execution of works, a project of coast protection for
both fortresses was submitted.
Likewise, the Director of Heritage, by Resolution 1435/2014 and 1459/2014, authorised the
study, design and project of intervention for widening and deepening the canal in the zone of
influence of the fort of Manzanillo, with the aim of increasing its depth of 14 metres and rated
width of approximately 131 metres, to a depth of 17.50 metres and a rated width of 140
metres, understanding that the works did not affect the conditions of conservation and
protection of the fort of Manzanillo.

18
Between the months of December 2014 and January 2015, the National Government
undertook the widening and deepening of the canal in the sector of Bocachica, and, between
the months of June and August 2015, in the area of Manzanillo.
The canal works have not affected the state of conservation of San Fernando and San José
Fortresses, although they should have been undertaken after the finalization of the fortress
protection project. As the works do not affect the buildings either physically or visually, the
mission considers that the canal works do not affect the conservation of the OUV of the
property.

3.6 San Fernando and San José Fortresses

In 2014, studies were performed to identify and evaluate the measures required to eliminate
or mitigate the possible impact that the deepening and widening of the canal might have on
the physical integrity and authenticity of the fortresses, including proposals for general
intervention, structural intervention and/or reinforcement, and of maritime protection and
maintenance.
By means of Resolution 2831/2014, the Director of Heritage of the Ministry of Culture
authorised the project of intervention for the maritime protection of the fortresses of San
Fernando and San José, having understood that it allowed structural stability to be assured.
The project involved dredging for the construction of protection, by means of rocks and
perimeter dams, at both fortresses. By Resolution 163/2015, the Director of Heritage
authorised the amendment of the maritime protection project of the fortresses San Fernando
and San José de Bocachica, concerning the construction of a perimeter dam for the fortress
of San Fernando and the broadening and linkage of the existing dams at the battery of San
José.
Maritime protection works for both fortresses were carried out between August 2015 and July
2016. The works that were implemented protect the fortresses by decreasing the dynamic
strength caused by the circulation of vessels in the water as they enter the bay. According to
the follow-up of these works, the vibrations recorded are lower than the threshold set at 18.8
mm/s.
Maritime protections do not alter or modify the architectural values of the fortresses, they do
not affect their integrity or authenticity and they do not generate any visual impact.
As these works do not provide protection for unusually high tides, special monitoring
procedures should be undertaken to analyze tide effects on San José Fortress.

3.7 Aquarela Project

This is a group comprising five 31 and 32-storey towers, developed in an area resulting from
the accumulation of several plots located in an urban sector traditionally occupied by 2-storey
buildings, and where the Plan of Territorial Management (POT) limits the allowed height to 4
storeys. The excessive height was authorised by Urban Curator N° 1, invoking a Circular of
10 December 2013 by the District Secretary of Planning, which allowed the maximum use of
real estate for the development of a number of houses of a Social Interest (the category with
which the Aquarela Project was authorised).
Clearly, the area where it is located should be part of the buffer zone required by the World
Heritage Committee since 2008, but at the moment when construction works began, the San
Felipe de Barajas Castle only had a zone of influence of 200 metres around it. Consequently,
at the moment of consultation, the IPCC issued an opinion on 4 May 2015, stating that the
site was not located in the zone of influence of San Felipe Castle.
When works began, the Minister of Culture informed the Mayor of Cartagena of the concern
of the Cultural Heritage National Council about the height of the buildings projected and

19
about how close the buildings are together and to San Felipe Castle. Simultaneously, the
Ministry started to analyse the legal actions that could be taken to protect the property.
Obtaining the favourable opinion of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, the Minister of
Culture issued Resolution 1709 of 15 June 2017, amending Resolution 043/1994 and
widening temporarily the zone of influence of the castle while its PEMP is being approved
(see Annex VI, Maps).
Subsequently, the Minister of Culture implemented a Popular Action requesting to legally
declare that the Aquarela Project violates the collective rights protected by Art. 88 of the
Political Constitution of Colombia, requiring an immediate halt to construction works.
On its part, the Alcaldía de Cartagena, through the Overseeing Committee (Comité de
Veeduría) of the Secretary of Planning, argued that the authorizations for construction
invoked by the owner of the Aquarela Project are not valid since they infringe a series of
district and national regulations: the project is located in the Environmental Protection Zone
of the Historic Periphery (Resolution 43/1994, Art. 4, of the Ministry of Culture) and within the
visual axis of priority protection stated by the Synthesis of Diagnosis contained within the
Plan of Territorial Management-POT (Art. 3), it does not observe the type of residential
activity allowed by the POT (Art. 476) nor its four-storey restriction, and it is not located in a
zone available for construction of social interest homes. Finally, the Circular dated 2013
invoked by the Urban Curator is not applicable as it refers to areas where there are no
regulations setting building parameters.
At present, construction is temporarily suspended by an order issued by the Administrative
Tenth Court of the Circuit of Cartagena (Juzgado Décimo Administrativo del Circuito de
Cartagena) which triggered the Popular Action appealed by the Ministry of Culture.
The tower under construction has reached the height of 20 floors and, although incomplete,
puts in evidence the visual impact that it would produce on the landscape. Thus, the
complete Aquarela Project, with its five towers of between 31 and 32 storeys would disturb
and destroy the historical visual and symbolic existing relationship between the castle and its
surrounding area, jeopardizing one of the attributes supporting the Outstanding Universal
Value of the property.

3.8 Hotel Santa Catalina

Work on the Hotel Santa Catalina raises doubts regarding the pertinency of the intervention
project’s approval, considering the historic-architectural values of the real estate being
worked upon and its location in the urban space of the Plaza de los Coches. It is worth
highlighting that this hotel is found in an extremely sensitive urban location, at the Portal de
los Dulces, compromising the visual from the main door of Cartagena at the Torre del Reloj
and the Plaza de los Coches.
The IPCC provided historic background information indicating that the existing buildings in
the three plots comprising the site where the hotel is being built had already been
substantially modified more than 40 years ago, leaving only the façades standing on the
Plaza de los Coches and the street of Candilejo. At that time, the height and slope of the tile
roof of the first building built at the Plaza de los Coches may have already been reached.
Such tile roof would have originally been flat, judging by its pinnacle cornice.This background
history was supported by old photographic records (see Annex VII, photograph 8).
The Technical Committee approved the project of intervention, including the restructuring of
what is built with the insertion of a patio that existed some time ago, and the change of roof
on the Portal de los Dulces. During the process of construction, there were unauthorised
transgressions, forcing the IPCC to request and obtain its halt through a court order.
However, once the observations formulated by the Committee were addressed, the
suspension was lifted by the judge.

20
The IPCC provided the mission with the intervention plans approved by the Technical
Committee, where the insertion of a volume on top of the roof can be observed, which has a
visual impact on the space of the Plaza de los Coches (see Annex VII, photographs 9-10).
The approval of interventions in buildings within the property should consider not only the
effects on the intervened building but also its visual impact on the public space. In that
sense, both permanent and temporary constructions should be controlled.

3.9 Project for pedestrian walkways

With agreement from the World Heritage Centre, the State Party organised a competition for
the design of pedestrian pathways linking the walls, as well as access stairs and ramps.
During the mission, the Heritage Director stated that, for the time being, the execution of the
winning project had been put on hold and access was being solved by incorporating stairs
built by ETCAR.
The visual inspection following the route around the walls made it clear that such stairs –
which are utilitarian in design - have become integrated to the group in a discreet, efficient
and sufficient manner (see Annex VII, photographs 31 and 32).

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4. ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY

4.1 Review whether the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value, on the basis of
which the property was inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the conditions of
integrity and authenticity are being maintained
The “Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”, preserves the values for which
it was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The conservation of the walls, fortresses,
religious monuments and the houses contribute to maintaining the integrity of the urban
space.
However, the mission observes with concern the threat posed to the visual integrity of the
property: the pressure of real estate, with towering buildings which have been constructed in
different areas over the last twenty years (Manga, El Cabrero, link with Bocagrande),
disturbing the visual connection among the components of the system comprised of the city
and its fortresses. The possible disaffectation of the Naval Base must represent a warning
about the destination of its lands, on which maintaining the visuals of the Historic Centre from
the Bay will depend.
In Cartagena, visual connections are some of the attributes supporting the OUV, taking into
account that they were part of the strategy with which defence measures were triggered
when faced with external aggression. Even though the regulations of 1994 defined some
visual cones to protect the relationship between the Historic Centre and San Felipe Castle,
the real estate pressure and building development over the last twenty years have been
isolating them, and the relationship between the various components of the property and
their surroundings has been disturbed. Therefore, the definition of the buffer zone and the
reviewing and updating of the ordinances has become an urgent issue.
The fortresses of the bay still retain a harmonious relationship with the landscape, the
integrity of which can still be protected, although there is a noticeable insertion of certain
isolated elements without considering such values.
The authenticity of the property is threatened by intense tourism-related activities, which
affect the balance of the traditional mix of uses of the Historic Centre, where civil and
religious institutional activities, as well as commercial and residential activities, coexisted in
harmony and contributed to the identity of the site enclosed by the walls. Such loss of
balance is evidenced in the improvement of material conservation in some real estate and
urban sectors, but also, on the other hand, in a loss of intangible values related to their
residential, institutional or commercial traditional use.
The transformation of convents and homes into luxury hotels or boutique hotels, the
substitution of simple commercial stores by major brand stores, the use of public space –
streets and squares - for not-always traditional public celebrations, means that the Historic
Centre is on the verge of being saturated with types of use that threaten its authenticity.
On the contrary, a different situation is observed in Getsemani, which keeps authenticity
values in its uses and also its neighbour practices, while material conservation is hindered by
the socioeconomic conditions of many of its residents (see Annex VII, photographs 17 and
18).
Real estate pressure, and the intensity of the use resulting from tourism and the
phenomenon of gentrification, have become the main threats to the integrity and authenticity
of the property and, therefore, the District authorities, together with the National State
authorities, must take urgent measures to stop the threat and denaturalization of the values
that enabled the property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

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4.1.1 Impact of the Aquarela Project on OUV
The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments,
Cartagena, took into account that the property “boasts the most extensive and one of the
most complete systems of military fortifications in South America“. The same statement
declares that this outstanding example of military architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th
centuries had the aim of protecting one of the most important ports of the Caribbean and
South America. Together with the ports of Havana and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cartagena
“was an essential link in the route of the West Indies and thus an important chapter in the
history of world exploration and the great commercial maritime routes”.
Thus, the city, port, walls and fortresses used to represent a unique and relevant system,
whose efficiency depended on the interaction, in visual and operating terms, of each
structure of defense. Within such a system, the imposing structure of San Felipe de Barajas
Castle (1657) stood in a strategic and dominant position to protect the land roads to reach
Cartagena (“World Heritage in Colombia”, 2013, p. 23). The Statement of Outstanding
Universal Value highlights the importance of “the formidable Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
on the rocky crag that dominates the city to the east and protects access to the isthmus of
Cabrero”.
Consequently, the visual perception of San Felipe Castle and its historical relationship with
its surroundings are loaded with significant and symbolic values. Visual perception is
fundamental, whether from the waterbodies of the bay, or in their relationship with the
Historic Centre and the hill, Cerro de la Popa.
Thus, the Aquarela Project, located at the foot of San Felipe de Barajas Castle, with its five
towers of between 31 and 32 storeys each would disturb and destroy the historical visual and
symbolic existing relationship between the castle and its surrounding area, jeopardizing one
of the attributes supporting the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
The tower that is under construction has reached the height of twenty floors, which is an
objective and demonstrable evidence of the risk that the Aquarela Project represents for
Cartagena in its condition of property inscribed on the World Heritage List (see Annex VII,
photographs 3, 4 and 5).

4.1.2 Assessment of the Bocachica Canal and fortress protection projects’ impact on
OUV
As it does not have a physical or visual impact on the landscape nor the fortresses, this
mission considers that the widening and deepening of the Bocachica Canal does not affect
the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. The channel maintains the previous route,
updating access to the port for modern vessels. In addition, the location of the port and its
activities on one side of the vast bay does not compromise the integrity or authenticity of the
property.
Furthermore, maritime protections do not alter or modify the architectural values of San
Fernando and San José fortresses, they do not affect their integrity or authenticity, and they
do not generate any visual impact.

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5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of findings

The main focus of the Advisory mission was to consider the assessments of potential
impacts of the Bocachica Canal on the San Fernando and San José Fortresses and to
evaluate the overall state of conservation of the property.
As regards Bocachica Canal, the mission finds that, according to the information provided by
the State Party, the maritime protections efficiently mitigate potential impacts on the San
Fernando and San José Fortresses. Furthermore, having no negative impact, the updating of
the canal so that it continues to fulfil its function of giving access to the bay, contributes to
supporting the activities of the Puerto de Cartagena in its economic importance and,
therefore, also in its significant value held through its history (Annex VII, photographs 21 and
22).
As it has been pointed out above, during the mission it could be observed that the main
threats to the integrity and authenticity of the property are posed by real estate pressure, the
intensive use resulting from tourism, and the phenomenon of gentrification.
The main weaknesses concern the management of the property, the absence of buffer
zones, and the lack of finalised, adopted and implemented PEMPs as well as clear and
effective regulations of application.
Funding plans and projects related to the conservation of heritage should not be an
inconvenience, as in Cartagena de Indias there is an unusual intensity of cash flow invested
in entrepreneurship enhanced by the condition of World Heritage status of the Port,
Fortresses and Group of Monuments.

5.2 Recommendations for any additional action to be taken by the State Party,
including draft recommendations to the World Heritage Committee
Following the findings of the mission and the general conclusions, this mission proposes the
following recommendations to ensure the adequate protection of the property.

5.2.1 Buffer zone

Although the World Heritage Committee has been requesting the State Party to finalize the
delineation of the property since 2008 (Decisions 36 COM 7B.98, 34 COM 7B.107 and 32
COM 7B.120), the property does not yet have suitable buffer zones for its protection. Real
estate pressures and other threats make this lack of buffer zone seriously critical. Regarding
the boundaries of the buffer zone, this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Complete and submit urgently to the World Heritage Centre the delineation of the
zones of influence, taking into account that the various components of the property
are parts of a whole single integrated system.
- Consider the visual cone as a fundamental instrument in the definition of the zones of
influence, taking into account, at least, the visuals from the bay to the Historic Centre,
the Santa Felipe castle and La Popa, visuals between the castle and La Popa and of
both components with the rest of the system, and the visuals linking the fortresses
and the structures of the Bay.
- Include the Naval Base in the zone of influence of the Historic Centre.
- Include productive structures declared Sites of Cultural Interest at the national level
within the zone of influence of the fortresses of the bay.
- Establish the heights allowed for buildings to preserve the visuals among the
components of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List.

24
5.2.2 Management effectiveness
Faced with the challenges of managing the property while surrounded by strong threats
emerging mainly from sectors of a high economic power, and for the proper operation of
“Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”, an updated, clear, appropriate and
effective management is vital. Controlling and mitigating these threats requires not only clear
regulations but also consolidated agencies with a strong political support.
However, during the mission it could be noticed that there is an overlapping of local
organizations in the management of the property, dispersion in the decision-making process,
lack of technical and financial resources which allow efficiency in management, and
difficulties in reaching agreement between the local and national decision-making levels.
Therefore, regarding the framework and institutional structure for the management of “Port,
Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena”, this mission highlights the need to clarify
and reinforce the management structures.
Regarding the management of the property this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Clear the existing overlapping among the several district agents involved in the
management of the property and strengthen the Institute of Heritage and Culture of
Cartagena (IPCC) as the principal management agent.
- Establish and institutionalise permanent channels of agreement among the national
and local authorities responsible for the management of the property, organising an
Executive Committee or a similar body for decision-making and property control as
well as monitoring.
Regarding the Management Structure, this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Strengthen the technical staff of the Institute of Heritage and Culture of Cartagena
(IPCC), incorporating professionals specialised in the conservation of architectural
and urban heritage, complying with at least Agreement 001/2013 that states that the
Division of Cultural Heritage shall have: Project Office, Research, Documentation and
Dissemination Office Control Office and Property Administration Office.
Regarding the community participation this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Strengthen the communication and create opportunities for the participation of the
citizens in conservation policies and the rehabilitation of the Historic Centre.

5.2.3 Special Protection and Management Plan

Regarding the Special Protection and Management Plan this mission recommends the State
Party to:
- Establish as an urgent priority the finalization of the reviewing, writing and approval of
the three Special Plans of Management and Protection: a) Historic Centre, b) Walls
and San Felipe Castle and c) Fortifications and structures of the Bay, which must be
approved in the present year.
- Generate linking mechanisms among these three plans with the aim of managing the
property as a single, integrated system.

5.2.4 Conservation Action Plan

The mission was not informed of the existence of a Conservation Action Plan for the
attributes supporting the OUV of the property located in the Historic Centre, whereas for
walls and fortresses, ETCAR-Fortalezas prepares an annual Action Plan.
Thus, regarding the Conservation Action Plan of the Historic Centre this mission
recommends the State Party to:

25
 - Compile an updated inventory of all the assets comprising the property, including the
existing buildings on the plots of the Historic Centre.
- Produce or update a diagnosis which takes into account, among other issues, the
tangible and intangible values of the property, the state of conservation of each single
immovable property, their use, and the socio-economic situation of owners and
residents.
- Complete the diagnosis of the Historic Centre with the graphic survey of all the streets
and public spaces edges profiles in order to establish allowed building heights for
each street or area and other guidelines for new construction or interventions in
existing buildings (whether or not they are monuments).

- Generate a Conservation Action Plan which allows to preserve, conserve and

promote the attributes that sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
- Propose timetables, clearly and efficiently coordinating all issues involved in the
conservation of the property.
Regarding the Conservation Action Plan for the walls and fortresses, this mission
recommends the State Party to:
- Write a Conservation Action Plan with goals and projects for the short, medium and
long term.
- Include the implementation of cleaning tasks for the San Lazaro and Chambacu
lagoons to eliminate the vegetation accumulated next to the walls, taking into account
that these lagoons, transformed into trenches, were part of the system of
fortifications.
Regarding the phenomenon of gentrification of the Historic Centre, this mission recommends
the State Party to:
- Promote public-private cooperation for conservation works and rehabilitation of the
Historic Centre, favouring traditional residents, whether institutional or private ones,
having financial difficulties to keep their property and its traditional use.
- Not allow encompassing plots in the Historic Centre, with the aim of discouraging
changes in use and the concentration of land ownership among social sectors of a
high purchasing power, a phenomenon that tends to repel traditional residents.2
Regarding funding sources for conservation plans and projects this mission recommends the
State Party:
- The Tourism Corporation (Corpoturismo) may have a fundamental role establishing
agreements with private companies to sponsor and hold activities related to
conservation, maintenance and traditional use of real estate, whether institutional or
private.
- To carry out awareness campaigns addressed to businessmen and real estate/hotel
agents regarding the need to collaborate with the protection of the property.

2
Currently, when a project comprises several (two or more) “units of intervention”, functional integration is
allowed as long as the typological autonomy of the original unity of each unit intervened, as well as the
permanence of the dividing walls, is ensured (POT, 425). This regulation safeguards the physical conservation of
the property, but has negative effects as it encourages possible changes in use and allows the concentration of
several lots in the hands of a single owner.

26
5.2.5 Bocachica Canal
Regarding the canal to access the Bay, this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Continue monitoring the dynamics of water and its effects on the Fortresses San
Fernando and San José.

5.2.6. San Fernando and San José Fortresses

Regarding the fortresses of San Fernando and San José de Bocachica, this mission
recommends the State Party to:
- Continue monitoring the structures of the Fortresses, applying the current methods.
- Monitor the effects of the high tide on the structure of San José Fortress.
- Also monitor the state of conservation of the maritime protections on a regular basis
so that any change can be detected before it affects the structures of fortresses.

5.2.7 Aquarela Project

Regarding the Aquarela Project, this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Develop, as soon as possible, a Heritage Impact Assessment (following the reference
guide produced by ICOMOS), in order to identify and measure, objectively and
systematically, the potential impacts of the Aquarela Project on the property.
- Continue with the efforts made, and make use of all legal instruments, in order to stop
indefinitely the construction of the project and demolish what has been built, taking
into account the threat it represents to the conservation of the attributes which sustain
the Outstanding Universal Value.

5.2.8 Hotel Santa Catalina and interventions on buildings of the Historic Centre
On the basis of the approval of the Hotel Santa Catalina project, which allowed the
construction of an upper volume on the top of the roof, compromising the visuals from Plaza
de los Coches, this mission recommends the State Party to:

- Review the building licence, taking into account the visual impact generated by the
upper volume on the top of the roof.

- Complete the diagnosis of the Historic Centre with the graphic survey of all the streets
and public spaces edges profiles in order to establish allowed building heights for
each street or area and other guidelines for new construction or interventions in
existing buildings (whether or not they are monuments).

5.2.9 Heritage Accessibility

Related to the issue of gentrification and threats to the property’s authenticity, the mission
noted concerning examples of building uses in the Historic Centre that have resulted in
restricted public access to these historically significant spaces with important heritage value.

- The State Party’s efforts to improve accessibility to these buildings should be

encouraged, in order to strengthen opportunities for the community to experience and
learn about these spaces with high heritage value.

27
5.2.10 Productive Structures of the Bay
The remains of architectural structures located around the bay have been declared Sites of
Cultural Interest at the national level. Their research and maintenance is the responsibility of
ETCAR under the Contract of Bailment. Its significance and importance is highlighted in
relation to the property declared World Heritage, since they correspond to establishments
producing materials –lime, tiles- which were used in the construction of the city of Cartagena
and its walls.
Thus, this mission recommends the State Party to:
- Continue with research, maintenance and conservation work on these structures.
- Agree with Argos Cement Plant, the owner of the site where some furnaces are
located, that they become a sponsor, in order to obtain financial resources that will
enable research and conservation tasks to continue, considering that these structures
are a unique historical background to the productive activity of the current cement
industrial company.

28
ANNEX I: TERMS OF REFERENCE

ICOMOS Advisory mission to the

PORT, FORTRESSES AND GROUP OF MONUMENTS, CARTAGENA [COLOMBIA]
From 12th to 15th December 2017
Within the framework of the follow up to Decision 38 COM 7B.98 adopted by the World
Heritage Committee at its 38th session (Doha, 2014) and Decision 36 COM 7B.98 adopted
at its 36th session (Saint Petersburg, 2012) for the Port, Fortresses and Group of
Monuments, Cartagena, property inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984 under criteria
(iv) and (vi), the ICOMOS Advisory mission shall:
1. Comment on the overall state of conservation of the property;
2. Review the detailed plans and advances for the following projects and related works:
o Multi-tower real estate development Acuarela Multifamiliar under
construction near the Castillo San Felipe
o Interventions and monitoring efforts to improve structural reinforcement and
perimeter protection of the San Fernando and San José Fortresses
o Project of the Hotel Santa Catalina in the Plaza de los Coches
o Project for pedestrian walkways
3. On the basis of site visits and documentation provided, assess the potential impacts
of these projects and related works on the Outstanding Universal Value of the World
Heritage property;
4. Provide guidance on the project for the expansion of the Bocachica Canal sector of
the Cartagena Bay, particularly in regards to potential impacts on the San Fernando and
San José Fortresses;
5. Assess the congruence of overall management and protection arrangements for the
property with the objective of protecting and maintaining the OUV of the property;
6. Provide guidance on the implementation of the Special Protection and Management
Plan, as well as the Conservation Action Plan for all the components of the property;
7. Assist in the Retrospective Inventory process in order to clarify the boundaries of
the property to include all component parts, taking into account the documentation
submitted by State Party in February 2014;
8. Prepare a mission report with a set of recommendations to be provided to the State
Party within two months after the termination of the mission, no later than 15 th February
2018.

29
ANNEX II: DECISIONS OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE

ICOMOS Advisory mission to the

PORT, FORTRESSES AND GROUP OF MONUMENTS, CARTAGENA [COLOMBIA]
From 12th to 15th December 2017

Decision 38 COM 7B.98, Omnibus Decisions

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-14/38.COM/7B.Add,
2. Takes note with satisfaction of the measures taken by the States Parties concerned
to address its previous requests to mitigate the threats on the Outstanding Universal Value of
the following World Heritage properties:
Town of Luang Prabang (Lao People's Democratic Republic),
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments (Russian Federation),
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (Barbados),
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena (Colombia),
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (Mexico),
Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay),
Royal Palaces of Abomey (Benin),
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (Ethiopia),
Aapravasi Ghat (Mauritius);
3. Encourages the States Parties concerned to pursue their efforts to ensure the
conservation of World Heritage properties;
4. Reminds the States Parties concerned to inform the World Heritage Centre in due
course about any major development project that may negatively impact the Outstanding
Universal Value of a property, before any irreversible decisions are made, in line with
Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.

Decision 36 COM 7B.98

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-12/36.COM/7B.Add,
2. Recalling Decision 34 COM 7B.107, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),
3. Notes the finalization of the Special Protection and Management Plan for the
property, and urges the State Party to finalize its approval process as soon as possible, and
to secure the required resources to guarantee the sustained implementation of the provisions
made; and requests the State Party to provide copies of this Plan to the World Heritage
Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review;

30
4. Acknowledges the development of the conservation action plan for the ensemble of
walls and the fortified city, and also requests the State Party to begin the implementation of
identified priority measures;
5. Reiterates its request to the State Party finalize the delimitation of the property,
including all elements of the fortified system according to the required formats, and to
submit it to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for their consideration and
review;
6. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2014, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the
implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th
session in 2014.

31
ANNEX III: RETROSPECTIVE STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL
VALUE

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena

Situated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in
South America. A system of zones divides the city into three neighbourhoods: San Pedro,
with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces; San Diego, where merchants and the
middle class lived; and Gethsemani, the 'popular quarter'.

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief Synthesis
Situated on the northern coast of Colombia on a sheltered bay facing the Caribbean Sea, the
city of Cartagena de Indias boasts the most extensive and one of the most complete systems
of military fortifications in South America. Due to the city’s strategic location, this eminent
example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries was also one of the
most important ports of the Caribbean. The port of Cartagena – together with Havana and
San Juan, Puerto Rico – was an essential link in the route of the West Indies and thus an
important chapter in the history of world exploration and the great commercial maritime
routes. On the narrow streets of the colonial walled city can be found civil, religious and
residential monuments of beauty and consequence.
Cartagena was for several centuries a focal point of confrontation among the principal
European powers vying for control of the “New World.” Defensive fortifications were built by
the Spanish in 1586 and were strengthened and extended to their current dimensions in the
18th century, taking full advantage of the natural defences offered by the numerous bayside
channels and passes. The initial system of fortifications included the urban enclosure wall,
the bastioned harbour of San Matías at the entry to the pass of Bocagrande, and the tower of
San Felipe del Boquerón. All of the harbour’s natural passes were eventually dominated by
fortresses: San Luis and San José, San Fernando, San Rafael and Santa Bárbara at
Bocachica (the southwest pass); Santa Cruz, San Juan de Manzanillo and San Sebastián de
Pastelillo around the interior of the bay; and the formidable Castillo San Felipe de Barajas on
the rocky crag that dominates the city to the east and protects access to the isthmus of
Cabrero. Within the protective security of the city’s defensive walls are the historic centre’s
three neighbourhoods: Centro, the location of the Cathedral of Cartagena, the Convent of
San Pedro Claver, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Government Palace and many fine
residences of the wealthy; San Diego (or Santo Toribio), where merchants and craftsmen of
the middle class lived; and Getsemaní, the suburban quarter once inhabited by the artisans
and slaves who fuelled much of the economic activity of the city.
Criterion (iv) : Cartagena is an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th,
17th, and 18th centuries, the most extensive of the New World and one of the most
complete.
Criterion (vi) : Cartagena, together with Havana and San Juan, Puerto Rico (already
inscribed in the World Heritage List), was an essential link in the route of the West Indies.
The property fits within the general theme of world exploration and the great commercial
maritime routes.
Integrity
Within the boundaries of the Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena, are
located all the buildings, structures and spaces necessary to express its Outstanding
Universal Value. The 192.32-ha property is of sufficient size to adequately ensure the
complete representation of the features and processes that convey the property’s
significance, and it does not suffer from adverse effects of development and/or neglect.

Authenticity
The components that make up the Port, Fortifications and Group of Monuments, Cartagena,
are authentic in terms of location and setting, forms and designs, and materials and
substance. The property constitutes an exceptional example of Spanish military architecture
of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and the existing fortification works remain authentic
examples of some of the most important military engineers of this period, including Juan
Bautista (Giovanni Battista) Antonelli, Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor, Antonio de Arévalo,
Ignacio Sala and Juan Bautista MacEvan.
Several changes have occurred over time to the port and monuments of this living city and its
surroundings, especially related to development and increasing tourism. Renovation and
infrastructure projects have been developed or are in the process of development in the city,
among them a new urban transportation system known as “Transcaribe.” These changes
have the potential to threaten the property’s authenticity. Changes in uses because of the
impact of tourism could also have a negative impact on the authenticity of functions and of
the spirit of the place. Dredging works in Bocachica channel constitute a risk factor for the
fortifications.

Protection and management requirements

The ownership of the Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena, is shared
among private individuals, institutions, the Roman Catholic Church and national and local
government authorities. The historic centre was declared a National Monument under the
provisions of Law No. 163 of 1959. Other legal instruments for the protection of the property
include Law No. 32 of 1924 (conservation and enhancement of the monuments of
Cartagena); Law No. 11 of 1932 (Commission on Historic Monuments and Tourism); Law No.
5 of 1940 (Law on National Monuments); Law No. 49 of 1945; Decree 264 of 1963 (which
regulates Law No. 163 of 1959); Law No. 397 of 1999 (General Law on Culture); and Law
No. 1185 of 2008 (interventions require prior authorization of the Ministry of Culture). At the
local level, Decree 977 of 2001 approved the Plan of Territorial Management (Plan de
Ordenamiento Territorial, POT), which has a section dedicated to the historic centre.
Organizations concerned with the management of the property include, at the national level,
the Ministry of Culture, the Direction of Heritage, the Group on Protection of Properties of
Cultural Interest, and the National Monuments Council; and, at the local level, the Secretary
of Planning (District Government of Cartagena), the Institute on Heritage and Culture of
Cartagena (IPCC), the Society on Public Improvement, and the Corporation of the Historic
Centre of Cartagena. At the local level there is a certain overlapping of functions between
official and non-governmental agencies, which sometimes results in a rather complicated
system of management. There is a 304.09-ha buffer zone (“Zone of Influence”).
Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require completing,
approving, adopting and implementing the Special Protection and Management Plan (PEMP)
of Cartagena’s Historic Centre; completing the delimitation of all elements of the fortification
system; undertaking the identified priority measures for the conservation of the ensemble of
walls and the fortified city; defining and implementing a systematic plan of interventions and
monitoring for the defensive walls and neighbouring fortifications; giving the unique natural
setting of the bay of Cartagena the best protection possible, and creating a broad area where

34
ordinances would limit the height of contemporary construction; strengthening residential and
tourist-related activities, changing inappropriate use in buildings and developing strategic
projects in the historic centre and its “Zone of Influence;” and ensuring that interventions,
including those related to the Bocachica channel dredging and “Transcaribe” projects, do not
compromise the Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity of the property. A
clarification of missions and functions and a more articulated work among the diverse social
actors (official and non-governmental groups) would be desirable, to enhance the dialogue
and common work among them.

35
ANNEX IV: ITINERARY AND PROGRAMME

ICOMOS Advisory mission to the

PORT, FORTRESSES AND GROUP OF MONUMENTS, CARTAGENA [COLOMBIA]
From 12th to 15th December 2017
Luis María Calvo (representative of ICOMOS Internacional)

MARTES 12 DE DICIEMBRE – BOGOTÁ D.C.

Hora Lugar y actividad Asistentes

Ministerio de Cultura Delegados MinCultura
14:00– 17:00 Presentación de proyectos y procesos en Cartagena de Indias Cancillería
ICOMOS
20 :46 – Vuelo Bogotá – Cartagena
22 :10
22 :10 Arribo y alojamiento en Cartagena

MIERCOLES 13 DE DICIEMBRE – CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

Hora Lugar y actividad Asistentes

09:00– 12:00 Hotel Intercontinental Delegados MinCultura

 Informe de gestión sobre protección del Centro Histórico de
Cancillería
Cartagena.
(a cargo del Instituto de Patrimonio y Cultura de Cartagena) ICOMOS
12:30 – 14:00 Almuerzo Alcaldía de Cartagena
Hotel Intercontinental Escuela Taller de Cartagena de Indias
14:00 – 17:30 Informe sobre avance del Plan Especial de Manejo y Protección del
Centro Histórico de Cartagena (a cargo de la Secretaría de
Planeación)
Entorno de Aquarela
16:30 – 17:30
Visita al entorno del proyecto Aquarela
Castillo de San Felipe
16:30 – 17:30
Visita proyecto de vivienda multifamiliar y entorno del Castillo

JUEVES 14 DE DICIEMBRE – CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

Hora Lugar y actividad Asistentes

Isla de Tierra Bomba Delegados MinCultura
Visita al proyecto de expansión del Canal de Bocachica
Corregimiento de Tierra Bomba (Tejar de San Bernabé) Cancillería
09:00– 13,30 Corregimiento de caño del oro (hornos gemelos, Leprocomio) ICOMOS
Corregimiento de Bocachica (Batería del Angel, Pozo Carex, Fuerte Escuela Taller de Cartagena de Indias
de San José, Batería de Santiago, Batería de San Felipe y Fuerte
de San Fernando).
14:30 – 16 :00 Almuerzo

16:00 – 16 :30 Regreso a Cartagena

Reunión con AsoCentro (Asociación de vecinos y residentes del Delegados MinCultura
Centro Histórico
16 :30- 17 :45 ICOMOS
Miembros de AsoCentro

38
VIERNES 15 DE DICIEMBRE – CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

Hora Lugar y actividad Asistentes

Centro Histórico Alcalde de Cartagena

Recorrido por el Centro Histórico de Cartagena Funcionarios de la Alcaldía de Cartagena
09:00– 12:00 Delegados MinCultura
Cancillería
ICOMOS
12:00 – 14:00 Almuerzo
Escuela Taller de Cartagena de Indias
Barrio de Getsemaní
14:00 – 16:00
Recorrido por el Barrio Getsemaní
Alcaldía de Cartagena
16 :00 – 17,00
Reunión de Cierre de Misión

39
ANNEX V: LIST OF CONTACT DETAILS OF PEOPLE MET

ICOMOS Advisory mission to the

PORT, FORTRESSES AND GROUP OF MONUMENTS, CARTAGENA [COLOMBIA]
From 12th to 15th December 2017

Alberto Escovar Director de Patrimonio Dirección de Patrimonio- [email protected]

Ministerio de Cultura
Mónica Orduña Contratista Dirección de Patrimonio [email protected]
Ministerio de Cultura
Claudia Díaz Coordinadora Grupo Dirección de Patrimono [email protected]
Intervención Ministerio de Cultura
Lilyana Mojica Grupo Protección Dirección de Patrimonio [email protected]
Villamarin Ministerio de Cultura
Celina Rincón Contratista Dirección de Patrimonio [email protected]
Ministerio de Cultura
Santiago Jara Dirección de Asuntos Ministerio de Relaciones [email protected]
Culturales Exteriores
Camilo Tovar Contratista Relaciones Internacionales [email protected]
Ministerio de Cultura
Francisco Gutiérrez Coordinador GIT- Ministerio de Relaciones [email protected].
UNESCO Exteriores
Laura Leguízamo Asesora GIT UNESCO Ministerio de Relaciones Laura.leguizamo@cancillería.gov.co
Exteriores
Berta Lucía Arnedo Directora Instituto de Patrimonio [email protected]
Cultural de Cartagena
Alfonso Cabrera Cruz Jefe División de Instituto de Patrimonio
Patrimonio Cultural de Cartagena
Gustavo Pianetta Jefe Oficina Jurídica Instituto de Patrimonio [email protected]
Arias Cultural de Cartagena
Z. Boissetorres Asesor jurídico División Instituto de Patrimonio [email protected]
de Patrimonio Cultural de Cartagena
Irvin Pérez Secretario de Alcaldía de Cartagena de [email protected]
Planeación Indias
Jaime Correa Vélez Asesor Secretaría de Secretaría de Planeación [email protected]
Planeación Alcaldía de Cartagena de
Indias
Francisco A. Castillo Asesor Secretaría de Secretaría de Planeación [email protected]
Planeación
Alcaldía de de Cartagena
de Indias
Claudia Carrillo Asesora Secretaría de Secretaría de Planeación [email protected]
Planeación Alcaldía de de Cartagena
de Indias
Ximena Avilán D. Gerente Centro Gerencia de Centro [email protected]
Histórico Histórico
Alcaldía de Cartagena de
Indias
Luis Ricardo Dunoyer Director general Escuela Taller- [email protected]
Fortificaciones
Mario Zapateiro A. Director de Obras Escuela Taller- [email protected]
Fortificaciones
Miguel Montes C. Director de Puesta en Escuela Taller [email protected]
Valor
Zully Salazar F. Presidenta ejecutiva Corporación de Turismo [email protected]
Cartagena de Indias
María Carolina Cortez Dirección Corporación de Turismo [email protected]
Competitividad Cartagena de Indias
Ivan Castro R. Gerente Espacios Gerencia de Espacios [email protected]
Públicos – delegado Verdes - Alcaldía de
Comité de Patrimonio Cartagena de Indias
Carlos Carmona S. Director Valorización [email protected]

42
ANNEX VI: MAPS

ICOMOS Advisory mission to the

PORT, FORTRESSES AND GROUP OF MONUMENTS, CARTAGENA [COLOMBIA]

From 12th to 15th December 2017

Map of the zone of influence of San Felipe de Barajas Castle according to Resolution 1709 of 15 June
2017 which amended Resolution 043 of 1994 while the PEMP that protects the sector is being
approved

43
ANNEX VII: PHOTOGRAPHS

Photograph 1: The Historic Centre besieged by high buildings. View from Plaza de los
Coches towards the port and Bocagrande

Photograph 2: The Historic Centre besieged by high buildings. View from one of the streets
intra-walls.

44
Photographs 3 and 4: San Felipe Castle besieged by the Aquarela Project. View from the
San Miguel de Champacú bastion.

45
Photograph 5: San Felipe Castle besieged by the Aquarela Project. View from the Historic
Centre

46
Photographs 6 and 7: View of San Fernando fortress from San José fortress in Bocachica.
On the left can be seen some buildings that visually impact the environment.

47
Photograph 8: The Portal de los Dulces between 1871 and 1873. The second and third
buildings from the left correspond to the current Hotel Santa Catalina. The original roofs of
both buildings can be seen (historical photograph provided by the IPCC).

48
Photographs 9 and 10: The current work on the Hotel Santa Catalina building. The addition
of a top floor is visible from the Plaza de los Coches.

49
Photograph 11: San Pedro Claver, one of the few religious complexes of the Historic Centre
that conserves its original use.

Photograph 12: The convent of Santo Domingo has been converted into a cultural space
accessible by the public.

50
Photograph 13: One of the most emblematic and important historic buildings in Cartagena,
that is currently used for private functions.

Photograph 14: Typical house of the Historic Centre recovered by the Ministry of Culture to
create a cultural and gastronomic space open to the community

51
Photographs 15 and 16: The Historic Centre, neighborhood of the Cathedral, presents a
good state of conservation but also an intense tourist use and a process of gentrification that
threatens its authenticity.

52
Photographs 17 and 18: The Historic Centre, Getsemaní neighborhood, presents a regular
state of conservation but its use still maintains its authenticity.

53
Photographs 19 and 20: The walls are the object of a satisfactory job of conservation and
maintenance carried out by ETCAR. However, the mangrove vegetation in the canal should
be eliminated.

54
Photograph 21: View of the access channel to the Bay of Cartagena between the fortresses
of San Fernando and San José de Bocachica (Photograph Port Society Press of
Cartagena).

Photograph 22: View of the access channel from the fortress of San Fernando de Bocachica
while a Panamax vessel passes. In the foreground, a dark line in the water indicates the
maritime protection of the fortress. In the background, the fortress of San José can be seen.

55
Photographs 23 and 24: The fortress of San José de Bocachica during the visit made by the
mission at the time of an unusually high tide that completely overwhelmed it.

56
Photographs 25 and 26: The fortress of San José de Bocachica during the visit made by the
mission at the time of an unusually high tide that completely overwhelmed it.

57
Photographs 27 and 28: The fortress of San Fernando de Bocachica with students from
ETCAR making a model as part of their training in rimmed carpentry and the laboratory set
up to carry out conservation works on objects recovered in underwater investigations.

58
Photograph 29: Bathrooms in the bastion of San Miguel de Champacú in which
archaeological remains of ancient walls have been integrated.

Photograph 30: The bastion of Santa Bárbara has been conditioned to carry out
gastronomic activities with the participation of residents of the Getsemaní neighborhood.

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Photographs 31 and 32: Ladders made and installed by ETCAR to allow access to
the walls

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Photograph 33: Lime furnace in the vicinity of the Bay

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