IUCN calls for additional analysis and monitoring of Kakadu National Park World Heritage site

November 30, 2000 (IUCN) - The World Heritage Committee at its 24th Ordinary Session adopted a resolution on Kakadu National Park World Heritage site that was based upon an agreed text between the International Scientific Panel of ICSU, IUCN and the Supervising Scientist of the Australian Government.

At the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee, IUCN made the following statement which sets out its views on the issue of mining at Jabiluka in relation to the Kakadu World Heritage site.

Kakadu National Park World Heritage site statement by IUCN

1. IUCN believes that mining should not take place within designated natural World Heritage sites. IUCN also believes that any mining operations on the edge of, or near World Heritage sites, should be subject to stringent risk analysis to ensure World Heritage values are not threatened. That, of course, is the test the World Heritage Committee should apply in this case.

2. There is a lesson to be learnt from the "Kakadu saga". During the evaluation process, more attention needs to be paid to potential threats to World Heritage sites and values. Evaluating possible threats from mining can be difficult and costly. But if the Committee is to avoid the complex and time-consuming arguments which have been a feature of this case, it would be better to identify such potential problems well in advance and as part of the evaluation process.

3. IUCN is now satisfied that the currently approved site and mine do not threaten the biological and ecological systems of Kakadu National Park (it is not of course qualified to comment on any possible threats to human health).

It follows that:

IUCN might take a different view about any new or revised proposals that may be forthcoming in future and which would of course require appropriate assessment, including - in line with the precautionary principle - a full EIS for any significantly modified mining plans.

It also follows that:

IUCN recognises that there are other values - aesthetic as well as cultural values - which were not examined by the ISP but which are affected by the mine and about which IUCN still has concerns, which it has set out in the past and which have been well documented.

Moreover, IUCN appreciates that there are legitimate concerns of the Traditional Owners to be addressed - for example they should be involved in the monitoring programme.

4. IUCN very much hopes that the Australian Government will respond quickly and positively to the request that it commence the additional analysis and monitoring programme recommended by the ISP and IUCN. It is self-evident, of course, that these measures should be in place before any mining commences.

5. In view of the change in the majority ownership of the Jabiluka mine, IUCN would welcome a message from this Committee to the new owners - Rio Tinto - that they should undertake to comply with all undertakings given by the former owners, and will fulfil all their obligations towards the Kakadu National Park World Heritage site.