In News:

At the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, UNESCO inscribed several new cultural and natural properties on the World Heritage List and added six sites to the List of World Heritage in Danger.

About the List of World Heritage in Danger

The List of World Heritage in Danger is a conservation mechanism established under the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. It identifies World Heritage Sites facing serious threats such as armed conflict, natural disasters, uncontrolled urbanisation, pollution, poaching, climate change, or inadequate management.

The objective is to draw international attention to these sites, mobilise financial and technical assistance, and encourage corrective measures by the concerned State Parties to safeguard their Outstanding Universal Value.

Six New Sites Added (2026)

Three sites were inscribed on an emergency basis:

• Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape (South Sudan): A vast East African savanna supporting one of the world's largest terrestrial mammal migrations. It faces threats from poaching, wildlife trafficking, infrastructure development and insecurity.
• Mount Amel Castles (Lebanon): A network of medieval hilltop fortresses reflecting Crusader and Islamic military architecture. The monuments have suffered severe damage due to ongoing armed conflict.
• Sebastia (State of Palestine): An important archaeological site with remains from the Kingdom of Israel, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader and Ottoman periods. It is threatened by conflict, land development and erosion.

Following recommendations of the Committee, three additional sites were placed on the Danger List:

• Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora (Crimea, Ukraine): Threatened by lack of conservation oversight, unauthorised construction and unmonitored excavations.
• Historic Inner City of Paramaribo (Suriname): Facing pressure from modern construction projects affecting its historic urban landscape.
• Tyre (Lebanon): The ancient Phoenician city is under threat from ongoing regional armed hostilities.