UNESCO Lists Six World Heritage Sites in Danger

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has designated six World Heritage sites as being in danger, citing threats from armed conflict, insecurity, climate change, and environmental pressures. This decision was made during the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Three newly inscribed sites received emergency protection: the Mount Amel Castles in southern Lebanon, which have been damaged by ongoing conflict; Sebastia in the Occupied West Bank, facing threats from conflict and development pressures; and South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, which is under threat from poaching and insecurity. Additionally, UNESCO added three existing sites to the danger list: the Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese in Crimea, Ukraine, due to deterioration linked to Russian occupation; the ancient city of Tyre in Lebanon, endangered by hostilities; and the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, altered by new construction.

The danger listing aims to mobilize international cooperation and support for these sites.