Scythian Culture - Preservation of The Frozen Tombs of The Altai Mountains (UNESCO)

PRESERVATION OF THE FROZEN TOMBS OF THE ALTAI MOUNTAINS
Recommend, in the spirit of the resolution adopted by the workshop “Synergy of Natural and
Cultural Diversity as Basis for Sustainable Development of the Altai Mountainous Region”, held
at UNESCO in Paris, on October 11, 2005, attended by Government of Russian Federation as well
as of the Altai Republic,
that the authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Altai Republic,
take all measures to preserve the World Heritage Value of the Altai Mountains and ensure that
all the activities on the World Heritage Site be undertaken in accordance with the World Heritage
Convention;
start a co-operative process with neighbouring States Parties such as China, Mongolia and
Kazakhstan, to consider a possible transboundary expansion, as recommended by the World
Heritage Committee;
make efforts to submit the request for the inclusion of the Ukok Plateau on the World Heritage List
by extending the nomination of “Golden Mountains of Altai” into a mixed (natural and
cultural) site;
that the other concerned countries, such as China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan;
take necessary steps to submit the site of the Altai Mountains on their respective territories for
inscription on the World Heritage List and to the UNESCO MAB Reserves List for a better preservation
of the Altai Mountain in its integrity;
that the concerned authorities, academics, scholars, institutes and universities;
urgently take all the necessary measures to safeguard and preserve the frozen tombs in
the Altai Mountains, endangered by thawing due to global warming. To this end, the following
technical recommendations were made:
the establishment of an accurate map and a thorough inventory of all archaeological monuments,
as a first step, accompanied by detailed information related to their location, and
description, since the frozen tombs should be considered as part of the unique cultural
landscape of the Altai Mountains. This will be the basis of long-term efforts for preservation
of the frozen tombs endangered by thawing. It is of utmost importance that surveys focus upon
all archaeological remains present in the area. During the selection of areas and monuments
to be protected, all elements of the cultural and archaeological landscape should be taken
into account;
the identification of a compatible methodology for mapping the Altai Mountains. Integration of
maps is most important, and should take into account the norms and particular circumstances
of each country. A discussion between archaeologists and other specialists should be organised,
as there is a crucial need to determine the most appropriate scale of these maps;
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