Casco Heritage warning downplayed

THE DIRECTOR of Panama’s Culture Institute (Inac) María Eugenia Herrera on Monday, April 28, downplayed the possibility that Casco Viejo could be removed from the Unesco list of World Heritage sites.

The removal was recommended in a report prepared by a Unesco mission of experts who visited Panama in November last year, when the construction of the viaduct that now wraps round the old city, complete with muti-colored lights was well advanced.

"Panama has excellent relations with Unesco at this time. We have delivered all the necessary documentation," Herrrera told La Prensa.

The report – which is available on the Unesco web sit – refers to the negative impact of the third phase of the Cinta Costera.
Only a small part of Casco Viejo would be considered a World Heritage site, with some "attributes of outstanding universal value" remaining.