Sunday, August 4, 2024
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New cultural heritage sites added to the list include the Beijing Central Axis in China, the Brancusi Archaeological Ensemble in Târgu Jiu in Romania, the Lake Kinozero Cultural Landscape in Russia, and the Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Romania. Other significant cultural additions include the Hegmaneh Site in Iran and the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites in South Africa.
In addition, the royal court of Tiebele in Burkina Faso and Muidams in India have been recognized. UNESCO has also inscribed the Phu Phrabat Historical Park in Thailand, the Schwerin Residence Ensemble in Germany, and the archaeological heritage of the Niah National Park Caves Complex in Malaysia. The Cultural Landscape of the Al-Faw Archaeological Region in Saudi Arabia, the Historic City and Archaeological Site of Gede in Kenya, and Umm el-Jimal in Jordan have also been inscribed.
It is worth noting that the Monastery of St. Hilarion, also known as Tell Umm Amer in Palestine, was added due to its historical importance and the ongoing need to protect it.
Natural heritage sites:
Among the natural heritage sites, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil stands out for its stunning landscape of sand dunes and lakes. The Badin Jaran Desert in China, the Flow Country in the United Kingdom, and the Vetrinica Cave in Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, were also honoured for their unique natural beauty and ecological significance. In addition, Te Henua Inata in the Marquesas Islands in France was honoured for its outstanding natural and cultural landscape.
Mixed heritage sites:
Many of the sites are of cultural and natural significance. These include the archaeological sites in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, which provide a well-preserved record of modern human behaviour dating back 162,000 years. The Milka Kuntur and Balshet in Ethiopia also offer a mix of cultural and natural heritage with historical and ecological significance.
Vulnerable sites:
UNESCO also highlighted the importance of protecting heritage sites in conflict zones by adding Tell Umm Amer, an ancient monastery in the Gaza Strip, to its World Heritage List and its List of World Heritage in Danger. Founded by Saint Hilarion, the site has historical significance as one of the oldest monastic communities in the Middle East. Its dual designation underscores the need to protect it amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The 24 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 are:
- Beijing Central Axis, China
- Brankoi Monumental Ensemble in Targu Jiu, Romania
- Cultural landscape of Lake Kenozero, Russia
- Borders of the Roman Empire, Romania
- Attack, Iran
- Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, South Africa
- Milka Kontor and Balshet, Ethiopia
- Moidmas, India
- Phu Phrapat Historical Park, Thailand
- Royal Court of Tiébéli, Burkina Faso
- Gold mines on Sado Island, Japan
- St. Hilarion Monastery / Tell Umm Amer, Palestine
- Schwerin Housing Group, Germany
- Archaeological Heritage of the Niah National Park Cave Complex, Malaysia
- The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pleistocene settlement sites, South Africa
- Gedi Historical City and Archaeological Site in Kenya
- Umm al-Jimal, Jordan
- Appian Way, Italy
- Badan Jaran Desert, China
- Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
- Streaming country, United Kingdom
- Vetrinica Cave, Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Te Henua Enata, Marquesas Islands, France
Highlights
Machu Picchu, Peru:
Although not a new addition, Machu Picchu remains an important World Heritage Site. Perched atop a flat-topped mountain, the intricate 15th-century Inca ruins continue to amaze visitors with their stunning natural surroundings. The iconic backdrop of Huayna Picchu, lush greenery, and surrounding Andean peaks enhance the appeal of this ancient wonder, making visitors feel as if they have found a hidden treasure.
Emergency addition to the list of endangered sites
UNESCO has swiftly added the Monastery of St. Hilarion, a 4th-century Christian site in Gaza, to its list of endangered sites, in response to the severe impacts of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Officials announced the listing of the ancient monastery during the 46th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India.
The Monastery of St. Hilarion had been on the World Heritage Tentative List since 2012, then underwent an emergency acceleration due to the conflict. Known as Tell Umm Amer, it is one of the oldest, largest and most complex monasteries in the Middle East and was the first to establish a monastic community in the Holy Land. It now appears on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
