BI-Rheinpassagen interveniert auf der 43. Welterbekonferenz in Baku für ein leises, klimafreundliches und zukunftsfähiges Welterbe Oberes Mittelrheintal
Stephan Dömpke von World Heritage Watch hat unsere Intervention vorgetragen, herzlichen Dank dafür.
I speak on behalf of the Citizens' Initiative "Rhine Passages". We have a few remarks regarding the draft Decision:
Concerning a Permanent Rhine Crossing
We ask the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to urge the State Party of Germany to undertake, through the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, the following measures before planning a permanent river crossing:
- To adopt a mobility concept for all road users in the Middle Rhine Valley, including an evaluation of additional traffic due to the termination of the ferry service;
- To review all previous expert opinions on road traffic (including the bridge design competition) based on applicable legal regulations and credible statistics;
- To formally acknowledge the ferries as an essential part of the Outstanding Universal Value of the cultural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
- To ensure that no major highway and bridge are constructed through the Middle Rhine Valley.
Concerning rail-related noise levels
The property needs immediate measures to be taken. We ask for limiting the speed of trains. Noisy freight trains should not run at all during the night, and dangerous goods must be completely banned from the valley. In the long run, freight transport must be re-routed away from the narrow Rhine rift valley.
Concerning already implemented changes
The example of the Coblenz funicular shows that promises of temporary installation which have been made by the German State Party cannot be relied on.
The remodelling of the Loreley open-air theatre has destroyed the visual integrity in the heart of the world heritage area. It is now widely visible in the valley. This will not be changed by replanting the trees which will not reach the necessary hight in order to hide that roof.
Future projects such as the rooftop illumination called the "Crystal" will do the same.We ask UNESCO to ensure that no further ground be available for the construction of buildings in the landscape such as the planned hotels on the Loreley Rock and at the “Günderode House” in Oberwesel.
And that any further intervention be made only with full respect of nature conservation regulations.
Thank you for your attention.
BI-Rheinpassagen
