The Valletta plans (1)

Stephen Vassallo wrote asking whether the "Renzo Piano modifications to the entrance of Valletta might threaten its very prestigious status as a World Heritage site".

The Unesco Operational Guidelines for the World Heritage Convention, to which Malta is a signatory, are very clear. Article 172 states that States Parties, that is the government, are invited to inform the World Heritage Committee "of their intention to undertake or to authorise in an area protected under the Convention major restorations of new constructions which may affect the outstanding universal value of the property. Notice should be given as soon as possible... and before making any decisions that would be difficult to reverse".