Key Takeaways
- The United Nations is set to list additional sites as 'in danger' due to conflict or climate change.
- Sites include a Biblical site, Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path and the world’s deepest lake.
- UNESCO members will vote on new additions during their meeting in Busan, South Korea.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is set to add several significant sites to its World Heritage in Danger list. These include a Biblical site, Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path, and the world’s deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika. The decision comes as part of UNESCO's ongoing efforts to protect global heritage from threats such as conflict and climate change.
The 196 member states of UNESCO will vote on these new additions during their meeting in Busan, South Korea, scheduled for next week. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, stated that while the organisation may not have peacekeeping capabilities, it can still send a powerful message to the world through its heritage listings.
“We may not have the means to deploy peacekeepers… but we can send a message to the entire world,” said Assomo. “These sites are important, and everything must be done to prevent their destruction.” He further emphasized that safeguarding heritage helps communities recover from conflicts and begin rebuilding efforts.
Assomo explained that being listed as ‘in danger’ is not a reprimand but rather a tool to help states find funding, partners, and attention for better preservation. “Heritage allows communities that have been traumatised, victims of conflicts, to begin to come back and rebuild,” he added.
Currently, there are 1,200 sites around the globe listed as part of UNESCO World Heritage. Listing a site often sparks tourism and can unlock funding for preservation efforts. Sites like the Biblical site in question, which is yet to be named but includes ancient ruins, are expected to benefit from increased attention and potential financial support.
Three additional sites that have not been previously listed are also set to be fast-tracked and voted straight onto the endangered places list. These include Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path, and Lake Tanganyika, known for its unique biodiversity and depth of 1,470 meters (4,822 feet).
The process of listing sites as ‘in danger’ is designed to raise awareness and garner support from the international community. “These measures are crucial in helping states find funding, partners, and attention,” said Assomo. “It’s about ensuring that these invaluable cultural and natural treasures are protected for future generations.”
We may not have the means to deploy peacekeepers… but we can send a message to the entire world.
Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre
Heritage allows communities that have been traumatised, victims of conflicts, to begin to come back and rebuild.
Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre
