UNESCO is concluding three days of decisions on which of 30 nominated sites will be added to its World Heritage List — a register of cultural and natural landmarks deemed by the United Nations to possess “Outstanding Universal Value” and warrant special protection. The exact number of sites to be inscribed remains unclear.

 

Currently, the World Heritage List includes 1,223 sites across 168 countries. Italy leads with 60 sites, followed closely by China with 59, and Germany with 54. Yet, many of these prized locations have suffered severe damage or destruction from conflict and natural disasters.

 

UNESCO is concluding three days of decisions on which of 30 nominated sites will be added to its World Heritage List — a register of cultural and natural landmarks deemed by the United Nations to possess “Outstanding Universal Value” and warrant special protection. The exact number of sites to be inscribed remains unclear.

 

Currently, the World Heritage List includes 1,223 sites across 168 countries. Italy leads with 60 sites, followed closely by China with 59, and Germany with 54. Yet, many of these prized locations have suffered severe damage or destruction from conflict and natural disasters.

 

UNESCO has documented damage to 43 cultural heritage sites in Gaza, ranging from religious buildings to archaeological locations. Syria’s Palmyra, once a celebrated archaeological site and museum, endured extensive damage during its civil war, including defaced statues and structural harm. The ancient city of Nimrud was deliberately razed by ISIL. Meanwhile, sites in Ukraine continue to face significant threats amid ongoing conflict.

 

Agencies