Latest news with #Unesco
The Guardian
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Outrage over Peru's decision to nearly halve protected area near Nazca Lines
Archeologists and environmentalists have expressed their outrage at a shock decision by Peru's culture ministry to cut by nearly half the protected archaeological park around the iconic Nazca Lines, excluding an area nearly the size of urban Lima, the country's capital city. The Unesco world heritage attracts thousands of tourists to see the massive hummingbird, monkey and whale figures in the desert in Peru's second-biggest tourist attraction after Machu Picchu. Last year, archaeologists using AI discovered hundreds of new geoglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years, predating the famous lines in the sand. 'They are trying to rub out history,' said Ana María Cogorno Mendoza, president of the Maria Reiche International Association, a non-profit created to protect the Nazca Lines. 'The area that is being separated is exactly where some of the oldest rituals took place, according to our research.' Maria Reiche was a German-born mathematician who pioneered research on the Nazca Lines in the 20th century. Critics of the move say it will weaken decades of environmental protection and open up the Nazca Archaeological Reserve to informal and illegal mining, just as international gold prices peak. Peru's culture ministry, which decided on Friday to reduce the Nazca reserve from about 5,600 sq km to roughly 3,200 sq km, said the decision was the result of a 20-year study and consultation and did not affect the Unesco World Heritage destination or its buffer zone. 'There has not been enough study to say it has no cultural or archeological value,' said César Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who has closely followed the decision-making in the case. 'This area, which belongs to our ancestors, requires real protection and not just political expediency.' Luis Jaime Castillo, a former culture minister and an archeologist who has studied the geoglyphs said the protected area was already 'infested with illegal mining and mineral processing plants'. Sidney Novoa, the technology director at NGO Amazon Conservation, who has mapped the site, said the area now excluded from the protected archeological zone amounted to more 2,000 sq km and was overlapped by some 300 concessions owned by miners on a controversial registry of informal miners purportedly in the process of formalising their operations, known as REINFO. Ipenza said the registry allowed illegal mining to continue with impunity and without state oversight, adding that the government favours mining over environmental protection. The move 'exposes [the reserve] to a very serious risks and cumulative damage', said Mariano Castro, a former environment minister. 'The ministry of culture is not considering the expansion of hundreds of extractive mining activities that will cumulatively impact the existing sensitive archaeological zones in Nazca.' 'This update responds to the need to more accurately reflect the relationship between the geoglyphs and the physical features recorded in the area, ensuring their protection and preservation,' Fabricio Valencia, Peru's culture minister, told national radio on Saturday.
The Guardian
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Morning Mail: Gina Rinehart's $400,000 Liberal fundraiser, official push to recognise rock art, Israel targets Gaza schools
Good morning. A dispute between the Victorian Liberals and an event organiser has revealed Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart helped raise almost $400,000 for the occasion. In other news, the government will meet with Unesco to lobby for 50,000-years-old petroglyphs in Western Australia to be included on the world heritage list, despite concerns about 'degrading acidic emissions'. We have a visual guide that takes a deep dive into Ukraine's extraordinary attack on Russia's bomber fleet. And the Guardian has learned the Israeli military deliberately attacked school buildings being used as civilian shelters. Environment | The Albanese government will launch a lobbying campaign in a bid to reverse a Unesco recommendation that an ancient rock art site in Western Australia can't go on the world heritage list due to damaging industrial emissions linked to a controversial Woodside gas development. Party woes | Mining magnate Gina Rinehart helped the Liberal party raise almost $400,000 at an exclusive dinner on the eve of the federal election campaign, the event's organiser has revealed, but fallout from the function has left the party embroiled in a public dispute. Abuse | One in three Australian men has reported committing intimate partner abuse, world-first research has found – and the same research has identified new ways to tackle it. Barmy army | The UK government has declared it will put the first of 12 Aukus-class submarines in the water on schedule in the late 2030s, despite its own major projects agency saying the plan to build their nuclear reactor cores is 'unachievable'. Mushroom trial | Erin Patterson has described her religious conversion and a 'never-ending battle' with low self-esteem and weight issues in emotional evidence to her own triple murder trial. Exclusive | A series of recent deadly airstrikes on school buildings sheltering displaced people in Gaza were part of a deliberate Israeli military bombing strategy, with further schools identified as targets, the Guardian has learned. Colorado | A man has been charged with a federal hate crime and multiple other felonies after he allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices to attack a crowd of people who were raising awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza, injuring eight. Sicilian eruption | A huge plume of ash, gas and rock has spewed forth from Italy's Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, but authorities said there was no current danger to the population. Citizenship-by-investment | Andrew Tate allegedly secured a 'golden passport' from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu the month he was arrested in Romania on charges including rape and human trafficking, it has been reported. Wheely old | A wheel of parmigiano reggiano has been celebrated as 'an authentic jewel of nature' after setting a longevity record for parmesan cheese. Why the key to good sleep can't be found on TikTok Social media is rife with hacks that claim to help you sleep better and deeper. From melatonin, feeding your baby butter and taping your mouth shut, the solutions range from obvious to unexpected. In conversation with Nour Haydar, anti-viral columnist Donna Lu breaks down the viral hacks that the internet claims will help you get better sleep. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ Örkesh Dölet participated in the Tiananmen Square protests when he was just a 21-year-old student. Now 36 years in exile, Dölet speaks with Nuria Khasim how his connection with his Uyghur identity has instilled in him courage and bravery. He says: 'As Uyghurs, we do the right thing, not the safe thing.' Citrus such as oranges and mandarins are in season, offering grocery shoppers fruit that is sweet and well priced. Blueberries, on the other hand, are 'quite diabolical' from bad weather conditions and the time of year. Maddie Thomas has the lowdown on which fruit and veg you should buy and which to avoid this month. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Soccer | The Matildas beat Argentina 4-1 in a farewell match to coach Tom Sermanni. Cricket | Australian limited overs great Glenn Maxwell has called time on his decorated one-day international career to focus on next year's T20 World Cup and domestic competitions as injuries begin to take their toll. Tennis | Daria Kasatkina's first grand slam as an Australian is over, ended at the French Open by her teenage phenomenon friend Mirra Andreeva. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is under pressure to halt a policy giving Western Australia a greater cut of GST, the Age reports. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, University of Sydney students will no longer be allowed to make non-course-related announcements at the start of lectures after an external review on combatting antisemitism. The Mercury has photos of the Aurora Australis, with the spectacle dazzling some and leaving others underwhelmed. Wages | The Fair Work Commission will release its annual wage review. Perth | The inquest into the death of Cleveland Dodd continues in the Perth Central Law Court. Paris | The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting will convene. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
This US property makes the list of the world's most beautiful hotels
There are at least 187,000 hotels in the world. So, it's undoubtedly a proud moment for The Manner in New York City to be named by a prestigious architecture award as one of the 16 most beautiful places on the planet to stay in 2025. The accolade was bestowed upon the recently opened property in SoHo by the Unesco Prix Versailles competition, which described it as "dazzling". The judges said: "SoHo today may no longer be the neighborhood of artists and lofts, but The Manner, which opened there in September 2024, seems to be breathing new life into that bygone era. "Behind the discreet entrance to a building with the earmarks of a high-class residence, the hotel reveals an extremely joyful assembly of plentiful, generously arty features. "In a vibrant tribute to Italy, the Milanese architect Hannes Peer has given each room its own dazzling look. "Ochres, deep blues, and sand tones, contrasting with dark woods and red and navy lacquered finishes, reaffirm the oneness and the personality of the setting as a whole." Prix Versailles also noted the hotel's handmade furniture and artwork, "endowing each space with its own character". The list also includes Todos Santos Boutique Hotel in Mexico, described as a "jewel of Baja California Sur", and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, which "offers a condensed version of the Dubai experience — international, modern and fascinating". The judges were also wowed by two French properties. Hotel du Couvent in Nice, housed in a 17th-century convent, makes the list thanks to its "tranquillity and authenticity". While Hôtel Hana in Paris, located in the city's Little Tokyo area, is praised for blending "early 20th century Belle Epoque maximalism with Japanese minimalism". Italy also has two entries, both in Rome. Palazzo Talia is described as a hotel stuffed with "rich artistry", from the facades to the ceilings and from the frescoes to the chandeliers. The judges add: "Even the pool is an epic structure." Romeo Roma, meanwhile, draws praise for "voluptuous curves" and "a futuristic aesthetic" that underscore the "pioneering spirit" of the renowned firm behind the design — Zaha Hadid Architects. The UK's only entry is London's Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on Hanover Square, a property "providing a novel link between the worlds of art, fashion and history". The judges add: "The brand's Asian roots are subtly underscored by a palette of soft tones and rich textures, as well as by bespoke furnishings that further contribute to the establishment's charm." Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, said: "The common thread between these 16 extraordinary hotels is the fact that they all elevate expertise and local heritage. "But more than that, they are all the fruit of extremely advanced design work, a reflection of clear, across-the-board collaboration between their creators and their regions. "The artistic approach serves hospitality here by shining a light on its multiple influences and adding a touch of warmth, clarity and meaning, in order to construct what are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful destinations in the world." The 16 most beautiful hotels in the world for 2025 Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, China Rosewood Munich, Munich, Germany Al Moudira, Luxor, Egypt Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France Hôtel Hana, Paris, France Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, United Kingdom Ran Baas The Palace, Patiala, India Palazzo Talìa, Rome, Italy Romeo Roma, Rome, Italy MGallery Sosei Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, Todos Santos, Mexico Shebara, Sheybarah Island, Saudi Arabia Raffles Sentosa Singapore The Manner, New York, United States
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
Eating history: Where to experience Asia's most revered culinary traditions
2. Kimjang (Korea) Above Kimchi-making is one of a revered culinary tradition from Korea (Photo: huiyeon kim via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2013 Few foods inspire as much national pride as kimchi—and few practices are as cherished as kimjang, the communal ritual of making it. Typically held in late autumn, kimjang sees families and neighbours come together to transform mountains of cabbage, radish, garlic and gochugaru (chilli flakes) into vats of fermented brilliance. Each household adds its own variations, whether in spice blends, ingredients or methods. Beyond preservation, kimjang represents intergenerational learning and social cohesion. Historically a survival strategy for enduring Korea's harsh winters, it remains a vital cultural touchstone today. Unesco recognised kimjang as a powerful expression of Korean solidarity and cultural continuity. Where to experience kimjang In Seoul, Museum Kimchikan offers workshops that demystify the process. Outside the capital, rural communities host kimjang festivals from late October through early December, with some welcoming visitors. Year-round, Korean folk villages offer immersive classes for those eager to learn this living tradition hands-on. Don't miss: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 3. Hawker culture (Singapore) Above One of Singapore's many hawker centres (Photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2020 Singapore's hawker centres are more than food courts—they're microcosms of a nation. At these bustling open-air markets, Malay satay sizzles next to Chinese noodle stalls, and Indian curries waft through the air. Hawker culture is a living, delicious reflection of Singapore's multicultural society. Originating from itinerant street vendors, hawker centres were formalised in the 1970s to raise hygiene standards. Today, they are beloved for their affordability, variety and inclusivity. UNESCO's 2020 inscription acknowledged not just the food, but the social fabric: hawker centres as communal spaces where different classes, ethnicities and generations meet in the shared joy of food. Where to experience hawker culture Try Maxwell Food Centre, home to the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, with its colonial-era architecture and evening satay stalls; or neighbourhood gems like Tiong Bahru market or the Old Airport Road food centre. Local favourites often have the longest queues—and the most loyal followings. 4. Traditional tea processing (China) Above Chinese tea ceremony (Photo: 五玄土 ORIENTO via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2022 In China, tea is more than a drink—it's a philosophical tradition. UNESCO's 2022 listing recognised the cultivation, processing and cultural practices surrounding six main tea types: green, black, white, yellow, oolong and dark (such as Pu-erh). Each has its own terroir, personality and preparation method. Tea-making is a skill-intensive process involving withering, oxidising and roasting, but it also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Gongfu Cha ceremony, for example, is both a meditation and a gesture of respect. Tea is central to family gatherings, religious festivals and even business etiquette. Where to experience tea culture Travel to Fujian's Wuyi Mountains for oolong tea, or Yunnan's ancient pu-erh groves. In Hangzhou, Longjing (dragon well) green tea is harvested near West Lake. For a curated experience, visit traditional teahouses in Beijing or Chengdu. Tea markets like Maliandao in Beijing offer a chance to explore China's vast tea landscape in one place. 5. Breakfast rituals (Malaysia) Above A traditional Malaysian breakfast (Photo: Damia Mustafa via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2023 In Malaysia, breakfast is more than a meal—it's a cultural mosaic. From banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak to roti canai dipped in dhal, the diversity of breakfast fare reflects the country's multiracial harmony. In hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), Malaysians of all backgrounds come together. The dishes themselves often blur culinary boundaries—Chinese-Malay laksa, Indian-Malay mamak roti, and more. UNESCO's 2023 recognition celebrates breakfast as a daily ritual of coexistence, trust and shared identity. Where to experience breakfast culture In Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields' mamak stalls are famous for roti and teh tarik. Penang's George Town is a haven for breakfast-hopping—start with char kway teow, then move on to kaya toast and assam laksa. In Ipoh, old-school kopitiams serve kai si hor fun and their legendary white coffee in vintage interiors. See more: Rooted in Flavour: A deep dive into Malay food
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tourist damages Terracotta Army's clay warriors
A tourist climbed over a fence and jumped into a section of the world-famous display of China's Terracotta Army, damaging two ancient clay warriors. The 30-year-old, from China, was visiting the museum housing the Terracotta Army in the city of Xi'an on Friday when he 'climbed over the guard rail and the protective net and jumped', public security officials said in a statement. The man, whose surname is Sun, was found to be suffering from mental illness and the case is under investigation. He 'pushed and pulled' the clay warriors and two were 'damaged to varying degrees', the statement said, before he was 'controlled' by security personnel. The pit into which he jumped is up to 5.4 metres (18ft) deep, according to the museum's website. Built around 209 BC to stand guard over the tomb of the first emperor, the 8,000-strong Terracotta Army is one of China's most important archaeological discoveries and considered a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication. A main tourist attraction in Xi'an, capital of the northern province of Shaanxi, it has been a Unesco world heritage site since 1987. A worker at the museum said on Saturday that the display was open as usual. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
