The UNESCO World Heritage Convention system, the Operational Guidelines request that nominated

properties meet the OUV(Outstanding Universal Value) criteria (Articles 77-78) and also the ‘Authenticity
and Integrity’ conditions (Articles 79-86). It refers to the 'Nara Document on Authenticity' in Annex 4 as a
useful starting point for evaluating authenticity. Although it originated during the ICOMOS International
Wood Committee (IIWC) symposium, which was held in Kathmandu in November, this document was
developed in 1994 at the Nara International Meeting in Japan. (UNESCO, 2013)

Baha Bahi in Patan

It was criticized because the old brick walls were dismantled for seismic vulnerability reasons and were
going to be reconstructed with new material. At the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in
Santa Fe, United States, just one month after this symposium, Professor Herb Stovel, Director General of
ICOMOS, reported the outcome with compelling presentations as a serious situation of this World
Heritage site. In front of hundreds of experts from around the world, the chairperson asked a Japanese
government delegate to describe the situation. In 1992, a Japanese cooperation project to repair the I
Baha Bahi monastery in Patan was being carried out. Herb Stovel visited the reconstruction work going
on and resented them on World Heritage Committee in Santa Fe.

The Japanese repair method was met with criticism. As the Japanese delegate at the meeting explained
the reconstruction and structural reinforcement of the brick wall was a necessary measure in this case,
since the building was going to be used as a primary education school and was located in a seismic area.
The concerns regarding the Japanese conservation practices remained, driven by misconceptions about
the treatment of historical objects and the periodic renovation of temples.
The Saint Ascension Cathedral in Almaty
Almaty is a typical large city in the space of post-Soviet Central Asia, where recent political and socio-
economical changes took place. The city's historical structures and natural environment, which were
once its most notable image and spirit, are now in danger due to the city's rapid growth and
development, which began at the end of the 1990s. A Military fortress of vernvi elaborated the first
masterplan. Adjacent to were was settlements for migrants of different nations, who had come to this
new, annexed Russia-Asian territory from various parts of the Empire.

The Saint Ascension Cathedral which was built in 1907 is the most expressive architectural masterpiece,
characterizing the epoch and political power. Architectural beauty is not its only outstanding feature. While
erecting the Cathedral, much had been done for the first time in the construction practice of this Asian
region. The builders got the first experience in building a high-rise structure and solving problems of its
seismic resistance.
It was impossible to use the building as a Cathedral for public services as there had been numerous
installations inside. In 1995, the government allocated funds for its conservation and take steps towards
restoration of the original planning and appearance of this monument. The building started its original
functions and today the Cathedral stands proudly surrounded by a green park.