A/HRC/23/34/Add.1 voice their concerns and suggestions on matters relating to their cultural heritage in both rural and urban settings. 61. The Special Rapporteur was informed that, in Saint Petersburg, some public hearings may be organized on development plans that may have an impact on cultural heritage. Interlocutors stressed, however, that these should not remain pure formalities and ensure timely and adequate feedback to those participating. In addition, sites listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, for example the city of Saint Petersburg, cease to be the responsibility of regional authorities and are transferred to the federal authorities. This seems to deprive local concerned communities of any possibility to participate in decisionmaking concerning their own cultural heritage. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the requirement to seek the agreement of relevant regional and local bodies prior to implementing development plans for areas under protection had been abolished in 2006. The Special Rapporteur notes that the Urban Development Code contains references to the requirements established through Law No. 73 of 2002 “on objects of cultural heritage of the people of the Russian Federation”, in particular for the preparation of general development plans in zones of protected heritage. She remains concerned, however, that, according to information received, construction is sometimes undertaken without proper consultations on cultural heritage matters, without proper documentation, and before completing measures to establish protective zones around buildings. (b) Respecting and protecting the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples 62. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about the planned building of a gas pipeline over the Ukok Plateau in the Altai Republic, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is alleged that such construction would seriously damage the sacred site of the local indigenous peoples, who were excluded from the decision-making process. 63. The Special Rapporteur acknowledges the Government‟s response that all possible routes for the pipeline would be considered at the planning stage, particularly to ensure the safety of the project and to protect the unique nature of the Altai Republic, and would take into account the special legal status of the protected natural reserves and of the Ukok Plateau. In building the pipeline, the Government indicated that special attention would be paid to ecological aspects to guard against any adverse impact on the environment and on the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous peoples. 64. The Special Rapporteur underlines the necessity of consulting and involving the local indigenous populations concerned in decision-making processes through mutually agreed mechanisms. 65. The Special Rapporteur would like to share with the Russian authorities and those of the Altai Republic worrying allegations regarding the right of indigenous peoples to have access to and enjoy their cultural heritage in the Altai Republic, in a variety of areas. She is concerned by reports made by representatives of indigenous peoples‟ associations that they were treated as unpatriotic or separatists and felt unsafe. 66. It appears that, in the Altai Republic, meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples on matters regarding their cultural heritage, including the building of the gas pipeline, has been rendered impossible. The Congress of the Altai People, Kulturaltai, an institution aiming to promote culture and ensure coordination among the peoples of Altai, which was initially a grass-roots movement, has allegedly become a tool of political influence. The highest authorities of the Republic allegedly appointed local bureaucrats as members of the Congress and the Vice-Mayor of Gorno-Altaysk as its head. This was achieved by the Altai authorities calling an extraordinary meeting of Kulturaltai on 31 March 2012, pre-empting the regular meeting already scheduled for 15 April. Complaints were brought to courts, with no success. It is also alleged that the many grants intended for 13