Most world heritage sites at risk of drought or flooding: UN - Region
As a result of rising temperatures, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn.
Seventy-three percent of all 1,172 non-marine sites on the UNESCO Heritage List are exposed to at least one severe water risk -- including water stress, drought, river flooding or coastal flooding, UNESCO said.
"Water stress is projected to intensify, most notably in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia and northern China - posing long-term risks to ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the communities and tourism economies that depend on them," it added.
Cultural sites were most commonly threatened by water scarcity, while more than half of natural sites faced the risk of flooding from a nearby river, the UNESCO study showed.
In India, the Taj Mahal monument in Agra, for example, "faces water scarcity that is increasing pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum," the study said.
In the United State, "in 2022, a massive flood closed down all of Yellowstone National Park and cost over $20 million in infrastructure repairs to reopen."
The report gave four more examples.
Iraq's southern marshes -- the reputed home of the biblical Garden of Eden -- "face extremely high water stress, where over 80 percent of the renewable supply is withdrawn to meet human demand", it added.
And competition for water is expected to increase in the marshes, where migratory birds live and inhabitants raise buffalo, as the region grows hotter in coming years.
On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls -- originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya ("the smoke that thunders") before it was renamed by Scottish explorer David Livingstone -- has faced recurring drought and is sometimes reduced to a trickle.
In Peru, the pre-Colombian city of Chan Chan and its delicate 1,000-year-old adobe walls face an extremely high risk of river flooding, UNESCO said.
In China, rising sea levels driven in large part by climate change are leading to coastal flooding, which destroys mudlands where migratory waterbirds find food, it added.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
Dubai's JA Resorts Opens Two Hotels in Scotland
JA Resorts & Hotels is expanding into the UK with two newly acquired Scottish heritage hotels: Mar Hall Golf & Spa near Glasgow and The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. Dubai-founded JA Resorts & Hotels has made its UK debut with two Scottish heritage hotels. On the banks of the River Clyde, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort occupies a 19th-century estate designed in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect behind the British Museum. Reopened in May after a EUR 25 million renovation, the property now features 74 refreshed rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a private cinema, and games and billiards rooms, all while preserving its grand public spaces and stately character. In the heart of Edinburgh, The Bruntsfield offers the charm of an 1861 Victorian townhouse paired with modern amenities. The 72-room hotel holds Gold Green Tourism accreditation and includes a restaurant, bar, heated garden, and event spaces. Its boutique feel is rooted in its original period details, enhanced by upgrades that maintain a sense of place while offering today's comforts. JA Resorts & Hotels, part of the Dutco Group and known for its long-standing presence in the UAE and Maldives, acquired both properties in 2024. The group plans further investment in guest rooms, dining, and event facilities.
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Villarreal says season-ticket holders can travel to Miami for free to league game against Barcelona - World
Villarreal is promising travel and tickets for free for season-ticket holders if its Spanish league match against Barcelona is played in Miami in December. The club said Tuesday that those who don't want to go, or can't go, will get a 20% discount on their season tickets. The Spanish soccer federation on Monday approved a request for the match to be played in the United States on Dec. 20. UEFA and FIFA now have to approve the request before it can be made official. 'We would be the first (Spanish) team to play a league match abroad,' Villarreal president Fernando Roig told a news conference. 'It would greatly help us expand our brand in a key market like the United States.' Staging a match abroad has long been part of the league's goal to promote soccer and its brand in other countries. It first tried to stage a match in the U.S. in 2018, with a game between Barcelona and Girona, but the idea was dismissed after criticism from players, fans and clubs. Subsequent attempts to play there also failed. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Mid East Info
JA RESORTS & HOTELS MARKS SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION WITH THE ADDITION OF TWO SCOTTISH HERITAGE HOTELS TO ITS MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO
The Bruntsfield JA Resorts & Hotels today announces growth of its portfolio with the addition of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort – a historic 240-acre estate outside Glasgow, and The Bruntsfield – a boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield will join JA Resorts & Hotels expanding collection of boutique resorts and lifestyle hotels in Dubai and the Maldives, supporting the brand's repositioning as a globally minded, destination-led, experience-focused hospitality group. These additions mark a significant milestone for JA Resorts & Hotels and its parent company, Dutco Group, representing the brand's entry into the UK market and a meaningful step in its international growth journey, rooted in distinctive, nurturing hospitality. With a legacy stretching over 40 years, JA Resorts & Hotels – part of the prestigious Dutco Group – is a homegrown heritage Dubai brand renowned for its warm, authentic service and a guest-first philosophy that champions meaningful, real-world experiences. The UK expansion reflects a bold diversification beyond the UAE and Indian Ocean, as the brand brings its progressive mindset and signature service to new markets – while carefully preserving the individual character and heritage of each new property. Each property in the JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio — from the mountain charm of JA Hatta Fort Hotel to the beachfront tranquillity of JA Palm Tree Court and the natural island beauty of JA Manafaru — is crafted to reflect its surroundings and deliver a distinct sense of place. Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield were chosen for their strong heritage and deep connection to their Scottish settings, making them a natural fit for a collection that celebrates authentic, destination-inspired hospitality and experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort: Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is a historic 5-star hotel set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde. In 2024, Mar Hall was acquired by Dutco Group and underwent a refurbishment in excess of £25 million before officially re-opening in May 2025, marking one of Scotland's most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years. Mar Hall now houses 74 beautifully-restored guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars and an enticing collection of grand public spaces including a sweeping staircase, 22-seater private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. Tucked in Edinburgh's historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a charming boutique townhouse hotel just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. Built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861, the hotel boasts an impressive heritage. Following a £1 million refurbishment completed in 2022, the hotel now features 72 stylish rooms, a vibrant restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden and spacious event facilities – all with sustainability at heart, holding a Gold Green Tourism accreditation. Under new ownership by the Dutco Group from 2024, The Bruntsfield is poised for further investment, with upcoming plans to enhance its guest rooms, dining offering and event spaces, reinforcing its appeal for both business and leisure travellers. Speaking of the expansion into the UK, Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, says: 'Our journey as a brand has been both dynamic and deeply personal. Since opening JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel in 1981, we've proudly evolved – not just in our properties, but in the scope and spirit of the company itself. As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai's hospitality heritage, it is especially meaningful to see our growth extend internationally in ways that remain true to who we are. This next chapter reflects our ongoing commitment to creating thoughtful, destination led hospitality experiences that resonate across cultures and geographies.' Speaking of the growth, CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, Ralph Porciani says: 'As someone who grew up in Dumbarton and studied and worked in Scotland throughout my early career, I've long seen the country's allure as a key international destination. The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflect the global confidence in the Scottish market. We look forward to preserving the unique history and character of these heritage hotels, whilst implementing JA's global brand standards and service philosophy.' Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, says: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.' Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, says: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.' ABOUT JA RESORTS & HOTELS: A heritage UAE brand with roots dating back to 1981, JA Resorts & Hotels is built on a legacy of nurturing hospitality and thoughtful experiences. Named after the original Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, the group's portfolio includes 7 distinctive properties across the UAE and Indian Ocean — each offering its own character, but united by a shared spirit of generosity, authenticity, and care. In the UAE, guests can choose from a collection of meaningful stays — the beachfront JA Beach Hotel, the spacious all-suite JA Palm Tree Court, and the contemporary lifestyle-led JA Lake View Hotel, all located along the peaceful shores overlooking Palm Jebel Ali. JA Ocean View Hotel, set along the vibrant Jumeirah Beach Residence promenade, offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and a lively beachfront atmosphere. Beyond the city, JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a mountain escape rooted in nature and discovery, while The Manor by JA in Al Furjan is a modern business hotel designed for comfort and convenience. In the Indian Ocean, JA Manafaru offers barefoot luxury in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll at the northern tip of the Maldives, a place where nature and culture are deeply woven into every stay. Adding to its experience portfolio, JA Resorts & Hotels will soon launch the JA Sports & Shooting Club — a new destination for recreation and performance, opening later this year. JA Resorts & Hotels is also a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest network of independent hotel brands, connecting over 800 hotels across 100 countries. ABOUT Dutco Group Needs verifying: Dutco Group, established in 1947 as Dubai Transport Company, has grown alongside the emirate into a leading UAE-based conglomerate with diversified interests across sectors such as heavy civil engineering, construction, dredging, oil & gas, logistics, hospitality, trading, real estate and IT. Renowned for its commitment to quality, safety and professional excellence, Dutco employs over 14,000 people across numerous ISO-certified divisions and has delivered landmark projects including Dubai Mall, major ports, highways and luxury hotels.
