April 26, 2005

UNMIK declares Decani monastery surrounding a special zoning area

Serbian Orthodox monasteries and other cultural monuments, which are a part of the global and European cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija, are a treasure of universal importance and a guarantee of the European future of the entire region. Hence, all communities in Kosovo and Metohija, regardless of their ethnic or religious origin, should give their sincere contribution to their preservation (from the communique by Decani Monastery)

“The canyon and the Monastery are special treasures which must be preserved as part of the long-term sustainable development of the area.  Our children will not forgive us if we allow them to be damaged by illegal or irresponsible activity”, UNMIK chief (Soren Jessen Petersen).


Decani monastery  XIV century - the only UNESCO world cultural heritage site in Kosovo

The Decani Monastery - at the foot of the slopes of the Prokletije mountains, in the western part of the province of Kosovo - was built in the mid 14th century for the Serbian King Stefan Decanski.Decani Monastery represents an exceptional synthesis of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. ... The monastery and particularly its paintings also exercised an important influence on the development of art and architecture during the Ottoman period (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST)

UNMIK/PR/1348
Monday, 25 April 2005


Deçan/Dečani canyon declared special zoning area


PRISTINA – SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen today issued an Executive Order declaring the Deçan/Dečani canyon area a special zoning area. 

The Deçan/Dečani canyon is unique in its natural beauty, and cultural heritage. It is a place of stunning forests, streams and mountains; and it contains the Dečani Serbian Orthodox Monastery, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The SRSG has become increasingly concerned by illegal construction, unregulated woodcutting and speculative activities which risk damaging the area’s unique cultural and natural value. 

Under the Order, no construction, industrial or commercial activity, or natural resource exploitation will be allowed in the canyon without a duly-issued authorization approved by UNMIK.  Activities in and around the Monastery must be strictly in accordance with UNESCO conventions and guidelines.  The Order does not affect ownership rights but makes it clear that owners and users of all land in the area must follow Kosovo laws and UNESCO and other international standards on the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. 

“The canyon and the Monastery are special treasures which must be preserved as part of the long-term sustainable development of the area.  Our children will not forgive us if we allow them to be damaged by illegal or irresponsible activity”, said the SRSG.

The Order will be in effect for a period of six months, with a possibility of renewal.  The SRSG hopes the Order will ensure the preservation of the outstanding universal value of the Monastery. At the same time, he hopes that the Order will also encourage long-term economic and spatial planning for the wider area which will make maximum use of its unique potential, including the potential for eco-tourism and parklands. 

The Order follows consultations with the Deçan/Dečani Municipality, the PISG, the Monastery and KFOR.

-----------------------------

Marcia Poole
Chief, Press Office
Public Information Division
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
Telephone: + 381 (0) 38 504 604 ext. 5612
Fax: + 381 (0) 38 504 604   ext. 5709
Mobile:+ 377 (0) 44 151 826

VISOKI DECANI
SERBIAN ORTHODOX MONASTERY
 
DECANI MONASTERY WELCOMES DECISION OF
SOREN JESSEN PETERSEN
 
 
Decani, April 26, 2005
 
The Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Visoki Decani welcomes yesterday's executive decision by UNMIK chief Soren Jessen-Petersen placing the area around the Monastery and the Bistrica River Canyon a special zoning area under the direct care of UNMIK.
 
The monastery administration believes that this decision is an important step toward long-term preservation of Visoki Decani Monastery and the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija. At the same time, we believe that the decision will significantly contribute to the building of mutual respect between the monastery and the local population.
 
Serbian Orthodox monasteries and other cultural monuments, which are a part of the global and European cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija, are a treasure of universal importance and a guarantee of the European future of the entire region. Hence, all communities in Kosovo and Metohija, regardless of their ethnic or religious origin, should give their sincere contribution to their preservation.
 
 
 
DECANI MONASTERY ON THE WEB
 
An article about the monastery of Visoki Decani and its monastic tradition from the BELGUEST MAGAZINE (Belgrade) published in April 2005 is available in PDF (3 MB) on:
 
 
 
Decani Monastery web-page:

Decani monastery lies amidst pine and chesnut forest with
snow-capped mountains in the background

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