The UNESCO Expert Council recommends a postponement for the inclusion of the Minoan Cultural Site of Crete, which includes the palaces of Knossos, Phaestos, Malia, Zakros, and Kydonia, on the World Heritage List. According to the official evaluation document (WHC/24/45.COM/INF.8B1), the Greek nomination file is being “referred back” in order to make significant corrections and strengthen it in critical areas, such as management, documentation, and protection.
Although the proposal is recognized as being of particular cultural value, as it refers to one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in Europe, the Council considers that the documentation of its universal significance (Outstanding Universal Value – OUV) needs further strengthening, while highlighting weaknesses concerning:
The institutional protection regime, in particular for the Palace of Kydonia in Chania, does not have a clearly demarcated protection zone like the other palaces.
The absence of an integrated management plan, with a common vision and strategies for all the monuments in the proposal. The Council explicitly calls for the integration of issues such as the impacts of climate change, visitor management, urban development, and natural disaster protection policies.
The need to review the boundaries and buffer zones in order to accurately reflect the geomorphology and authenticity values of the landscapes.
The clarification of the authenticity and integrity of the monuments, especially in the case of Knossos, where interventions by Arthur Evans create difficulty in separating the primary material from the reconstructions.
The Council notes that the proposal of Greece has solid foundations and potential for inclusion in the List; however, additional time is needed to strengthen it with the necessary documentation and management tools. The referral does not amount to rejection, but offers the opportunity for the candidate country to resubmit the improved proposal at a future meeting of the Committee.
The final decision will be taken during the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee, to be held in Durban, South Africa, from 21 to 31 July 2025.
