21 March 2009
I am pleased to send you on behalf of the Foundation my finalised 'Key Issues Report' for the planned development of the archaeological park based upon the Valley of the Pyramids at Visoko.
I have approached the report based upon my physical planning experience here in Scotland and from the observations and notes that I made last August.
The structure of the report is as follows:-
The introduction gives a brief overview of my case, which is separate from any archaeological work that the Foundation is carrying out.
Chapter 2 sets out my views on the planning, legal and environmental context. I have been able to see the relevant statute in FBiH legislation in terms of landscape protection. Importantly, to the best of my knowledge (I could be wrong) , there does not appear to be a statutory mechanism to legally "designate" an archaeological park in FBiH. Rather the Park will become a separate development in its own right, promoted by the Foundation in the 'core area' of a designated landscape protection area. Zenica-Doboj Canton will have primary responsibility for the designation and again I have made the preliminary case, but based upon my own very limited knowledge of the geography. Together this has the potential to be a major tourist attraction.
Chapter 3 is taken from my paper and sets out the steps needed to ensure the development is in accordance with best EU environmental practice and will, amongst other things, serve to defend criticism about damage to the environment etc.
Chapter 4 looks at the main issues that I see need to be addressed in moving forward with tourism development, again based upon my own experiences here in Scotland.
Chapter 5 is again based upon notes I took last August about the strengths and weakness of the key sites, from a physical planning perspective.
Finally, chapter 6 is a summary of my key recommendations.
I would hope that, once translated into Bosnian, the report will be of use to the planners in Visoko Opcine and Zenica-Doboj Canton, as well as the Federal ministries of planning and of culture. It would be a useful tool to continue discussions with the local community.
I obviously identify a lot of further work to flow from this very preliminary assessment and I am committed to continue to help the Foundation in this regard.
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