In Their Own Words, In Conclusion

We are quoting directly from the "Report of the Seminar on the US World Heritage Tentative List Process" of September 12, 2006, sponsored by IUCN/US and US/ICOMOS:

"After the closing date (April 1, 2007) there will be opportunites for public comment on the draft list (how big of them!). Non-NPS comments will be incorporated and professional reviews will be undertaken (by IUCN/US, US/ICOMOS, George Wright Society and other NGOs), the nature of which will NOT BE FULLY DEFINED UNTIL IT IS KNOWN WHAT APPLICATIONS FOR THE US TENTATIVE LIST HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED. The ultimate decision on which sites to include will be made by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the NPS.

Geotourism is a holistic approach to tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character for the place visited (say, what?)--its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. It incorporates intangible elements, including music and cuisine (care for a SANDwich?), local crafts, living history, arts and the well-being of local residents (well-being is NOT INTANGIBLE).

This is a transition period for the World Heritage Convention. In the past the Convention functioned primarily as a DESIGNATING BODY, with most of the activity revolving around the listing process. The process is evolving into a discussion of ideas SUPPORTING THE CONSERVATION OF EXISTING SITES (isn't the NPS doing its job of preserving the resource?).

The Canadian Experience...reapplication is very high. Support of Stakeholders was critical. In the next phase, in the winter of 2003, meetings were held with provincial governments, national aboriginal organizations, and major international/national NGOs. Documents were circulated requesting comments, on the basis of which a CONFIDENTIAL short list of 18 sites was produced.

In the succeeding phase, LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, key national groups, federal bodies, etc. were consulted using the consultation documents, the Convention and Operational Guidelines (that pesky document that White Sands National Monument failed to follow), and the World Heritage Convention governing processes.

Conclusion....Results show overrepresentation of Europe, historical towns, and religious sites (especially from Christianity), and high-design architecture. For the six-month window, there is a need for a help desk for STAKEHOLDERS TRYING TO PROVIDE INPUT INTO THE TENTATIVE LIST PROCESS; this could possible be achieved using the Internet.

Judging by the questions raised, extensive study will be required over the long term to address policies concerning BUFFER ZONES as well as the "viewscapes" now in the operational guidelines. BOTH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SIGNIFICANT SOURCES OF CAREFUL ANALYSIS AND BOTH HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTROVERSY.

The National Park Service can best fulfill the leadership requirement for the future if it is supported by the stakeholders."

Go for it NPS. Step up to the plate and get the support of the stakeholders. Start by making your plans public and including the Otero County Commissioners. Otero County has ordinances against "flying land use plans under the radar". Are you above the law? NOT. And we need not forget that you are in the service of the citizens who pay your salaries to protect our National Park. If you can't or won't do it, just say so, get a promotion and move on. Otero County has the talent to protect our resources.