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Associated Press
Nabataean tombs, Saudi Arabia
Nabataean tombs, Saudi Arabia
UNESCO Names 27 New Landmarks for Preservation
July 15, 2008 05:00 PM
by
findingDulcinea Staff
The UN agency that protects natural and man-made treasures has announced additions to its list of World Heritage Sites.
30-Second Summary
A collection of tombs in Saudi Arabia, a monarch butterfly reserve in Mexico, and an island off the coast of Iceland were among the sites chosen last week during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Quebec City, Canada.
According to UNESCO, in order to be included on the World Heritage list, a site "must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria."
So far the list includes 878 protected sites, including the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China and Mount Kenya National Park in Africa.
While inclusion on the list can bring sites funding for restoration and preservation, the designation can sometimes do more harm than good, as increased visibility and popularity often attracts an influx of tourists that many sites cannot handle.
The Galapagos Islands is one landmark that has been harmed by a rapid flow of tourists, increased immigration and invasive species due to its popularity. Last year, it was added to UNESCO's other list, the List of World Heritage in Danger, which includes 30 sites.
"We've been inscribing new sites for 30 years," said Stephen Morris of the National Park Service to MSNBC. "That needs to shift to how do we manage and protect them and make sure they remain in good condition. It's a challenge for everyone."
According to UNESCO, in order to be included on the World Heritage list, a site "must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria."
So far the list includes 878 protected sites, including the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China and Mount Kenya National Park in Africa.
While inclusion on the list can bring sites funding for restoration and preservation, the designation can sometimes do more harm than good, as increased visibility and popularity often attracts an influx of tourists that many sites cannot handle.
The Galapagos Islands is one landmark that has been harmed by a rapid flow of tourists, increased immigration and invasive species due to its popularity. Last year, it was added to UNESCO's other list, the List of World Heritage in Danger, which includes 30 sites.
"We've been inscribing new sites for 30 years," said Stephen Morris of the National Park Service to MSNBC. "That needs to shift to how do we manage and protect them and make sure they remain in good condition. It's a challenge for everyone."
Headline Link: 'Dozens of New World Heritage Sites Named'
No new sites were added to the list from the United States, which is currently home to 20 sites. But earlier this year, the government released a list of 14 proposed submissions that will go under consideration in the future, including George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in Hawaii.
Source: MSNBC
Photo Link: '8 Natural Wonders Added to UN Heritage List'
View photos of the island of Surtsey off the coast of Iceland, the Socotra Archipelago in Yemen, Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Canada, the Lagoons of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, Mount Sanqingshan National Park in China, Sayarka Steppe and the Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, and the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona in Switzerland on National Geographic’s Web site.
Source: National Geographic
Background: 'The Oscars of the Environment'
The World Heritage Committee, entrusted with the task of choosing which landmarks are worthy of its protection, is able to intervene when preservation conflicts with development. The UN created the organization in 1972 as part of the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Source: Time
Several World Heritage sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Kilimanjaro National Park, and the Tower of London will come under threat due to climate change in the future, according to a UN report released last year.
Source: Environment News Service
Related Topics: Cambodians celebrate temple's status
As many as 10,000 Cambodians held a mass rally to mark the UN’s designation of the Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage landmark on Monday. The crowd that gathered at the 11th-century Hindu temple celebrated with fireworks and nationalist songs. The inclusion of the temple on the UN list has inspired protest in border country Thailand, which had made claim to disputed land near the site.
Source: International Herald Tribune (AP)
Reference: World Heritage Centre
The World Heritage Centre's Web site includes recent news releases, a list of all protected sites, and information about selection criteria.
Source: UNESCO
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