Latest news with #UnescoWorldHeritageSites
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Mountaineering organisation urges CM to start Shivteerth Yatra connecting Unesco inscribed Maratha forts
1 2 Pune: Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha, a mountaineering organisation based in Junnar, has proposed the launch of a special 'Shivteerth Yatra', modelled on the lines of Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, connecting the 12 forts recently inscribed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. The organisation has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to flag off the yatra from the historic Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . Of these 12 forts, 11 are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Described as "Maratha Military Landscapes", these are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "Our organisation has been working for the past 25 years in fort conservation, environmental preservation, and promoting heritage tourism. Through our efforts, we helped establish the Shivai sacred grove and Junnar archaeological museum. An information centre is also coming up in the historic Ambarkhana building on the fort," Joshi said. The organisation has proposed that the Shivteerth Yatra be operated through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), with specially designed buses connecting all 12 Unesco-recognised forts. It has also requested that Junnar ST bus depot be redeveloped in heritage style. "Junnar is steeped in history. Now that Shivneri Fort has Unesco status, it is only appropriate that the bus stand reflects the region's historic and cultural character," said Rahul Joshi, president of Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha. "Shivneri is not just a fort, it is the cradle of Maratha pride," he added. Each fort holds significant historical importance. Shivneri Fort, located in Junnar tehsil, is considered a "sacred fort" among all the forts of Maratha Empire because it is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was built in the 6th century CE as a strategic military outpost. Built in a triangular shape, it is surrounded by cliffs and overlooks Junnar town. "The most striking aspect of the fort is its seven-tier defence system, designed to block enemy advances. It was a challenging task for attackers to engage in battle due to the uphill terrain and seven enormous gates," said Joshi. "If the state government connects these forts with a dedicated bus service, it would provide a great opportunity for people to visit these historical sites, as many of these are located in rural areas. Therefore, we have urged the government to consider our request positively," said Ganesh Kore, the secretary of the organisation. Thousands of people visit the forts every year. Many come to enjoy the atmosphere and greenery, but only a few are keen to understand their historical significance, said the members of the club. "It is difficult for people to find the time to visit all these forts by making individual arrangements. However, if there is a dedicated public transport, a large number of people, including women, would visit these forts," said Keshav Tengle, a history enthusiast and trekker.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
People staying within 100m periphery of Panhala fort fear displacement
Kolhapur: The inclusion of Panhala fort in the Unesco World Heritage Sites list has brought joy to history enthusiasts and Shivaji Maharaj followers, but people living within the fort area are concerned about potential displacement, fearing the administration may ask them to relocate if they reside within 100 meters of the fortification. Villagers have been opposing Panhala fort's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage Site list ever since it was nominated, even holding bandh against the move. Anand Patil, a resident, said, "People living within a 100 metres of the fortification and heritage monuments will have to forget their houses. The administration will impose several rules and regulations over us now." Another villager, Prakash Gosavi, said, "Oppressive conditions will have to be faced by us now. Instead of celebrating the inclusion, the people here have got disappointed, and this shows the fear we are having." Guardian minister Prakash Abitkar, however, assured that the residents won't face any problems. "The inclusion of Panhala Fort in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list will attract tourists globally, boosting tourism in Kolhapur district. A development plan will be prepared for the fort, and funds will be allocated for its development, as well as for Vishalgad Fort, without causing problems for locals," Abitkar said while speaking at Panhala on Saturday. Archaeology scholar Sachin Patil said, "This inclusion will make the protection of these forts more effective. Conservation is a continuous task. With its inclusion in the list, it will be maintained according to global standards." On Friday night, celebrations were held at Panhala fort in the presence of collector Amol Yedge, Zilla Parishad CEO S Kartikeyan, sub-divisional officer Sameer Shingate and Panhala Municipal Council chief officer Chetan Kumar Mali. A grand procession was carried in the presence of the Lazim troop.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- New Straits Times
FRIM listed as Malaysia's sixth Unesco World Heritage Site
PUTRAJAYA: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia's (FRIM) Selangor Forest Park has been officially listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. In a statement today, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said the announcement was made yesterday during the 47th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee, held from July 6 to 16 at the Paris headquarters of Unesco. The ministry said the listing was decided by the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, following a nomination process that began in 2013. "FRIM Selangor Forest Park is a unique site and represents one of the earliest large-scale tropical forest ecosystem restoration efforts through the replanting of trees in a former tin mining area. "This initiative has set an international benchmark by successfully creating an ecosystem that closely resembles a natural tropical rainforest, rich in tree species diversity and overall biodiversity," the statement added. According to the ministry, the inscription of the forest park affirms Malaysia's ongoing commitment to protecting and conserving natural and cultural sites of outstanding universal value, while enhancing the country's visibility on the global stage. "The ministry is confident that this recognition will add significant value to FRIM Selangor Forest Park as a key tourism product in Selangor. "In line with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Selangor Year 2025, this achievement is expected to boost international tourist arrivals and contribute to Malaysia's economy, particularly benefiting local communities," the statement added. With this latest listing, Malaysia now has six Unesco World Heritage Sites. The previous sites are Kinabalu Park (2000), Gunung Mulu National Park (2000), the Historic Cities of the Strait of Malacca—Melaka and George Town (2008), the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (2012) and the Archaeological Heritage of the Niah National Park Caves Complex (2024). To date, a total of 1,223 sites worldwide have been inscribed under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. — BERNAMA
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Darwin's documentary archive recognised by Unesco
An archive of works by the scientist Charles Darwin has been recognised by the United Nations for its importance to global science and the need to preserve it. The Unesco Memory of the World Programme is the documentary equivalent of Unesco World Heritage Sites, protecting invaluable records that tell the story of human civilisation. The Darwin Archive, spread across six institutions in England and Scotland, including the University of Cambridge's collection, has been added to the Unesco register. The complete archive comprises more than 20,000 items, including records showing the development of his theory of evolution. The archive is a collaboration between Cambridge University Library, the Natural History Museum in London, the Linnean Society of London, English Heritage's Down House in Kent, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the National Library of Scotland. The collection in Cambridge includes Darwin's pocket notebooks recording early ideas contributing to his theory of evolution, and feature the Tree of Life diagram which he drew on his return from the voyage of HMS Beagle. Thousands of Darwin manuscripts and letters are also freely available online through the Cambridge Digital Library and the Darwin Correspondence Project. Down House in Downe, Kent, which is run by English Heritage, was both a family home and a place of work to Darwin, and its collection includes more than 200 books from his personal collection, account books, diaries, the Journal of the Voyage of the Beagle, notebooks and letters - plus personal items including scrapbooks. Meanwhile, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has a collection of 44 letters detailing the HMS Beagle expedition and further letters are held at the Natural History Museum and the Linnean Society of London. In Scotland, the National Library holds correspondence with Darwin's publisher John Murray. Cambridge University Library said: "The Unesco International Memory of the World Register includes some of the UK's most treasured documentary heritage, such as the Domesday Book, the Shakespeare Documents, alongside more contemporary materials, including the personal archive of Sir Winston Churchill. "The Charles Darwin archive now joins this esteemed list, underscoring its historical, scientific, and cultural significance." Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister of State for International Development, said: "The recognition of the Charles Darwin archive on Unesco's International Memory of the World Register is a proud moment for British science and heritage. "Darwin's work fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and continues to inspire scientific exploration to this day. "By bringing together extraordinary material from our world class British institutions, this archive ensures that Darwin's groundbreaking work remains accessible to researchers, students, and curious minds across the globe." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Darwin's favourite plant displays tentacle trick 'Stolen' Darwin notes on show after mystery return Kew Gardens digitising eight million plant samples Darwin's dwarf kidney beans cleaned and catalogued Unesco Memory of the World University of Cambridge
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Cambridge collection among Darwin archives recognised by Unesco
An archive of works by the scientist Charles Darwin has been recognised by the United Nations for its importance to global science and the need to preserve Unesco Memory of the World Programme is the documentary equivalent of Unesco World Heritage Sites, protecting invaluable records that tell the story of human Darwin Archive, spread across six institutions in England and Scotland, including the University of Cambridge's collection, has been added to the Unesco complete archive comprises more than 20,000 items, including records showing the development of his theory of evolution. The archive is a collaboration between Cambridge University Library, the Natural History Museum in London, the Linnean Society of London, English Heritage's Down House in Kent, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the National Library of Scotland. The collection in Cambridge includes Darwin's pocket notebooks recording early ideas contributing to his theory of evolution, and feature the Tree of Life diagram which he drew on his return from the voyage of HMS of Darwin manuscripts and letters are also freely available online through the Cambridge Digital Library and the Darwin Correspondence Project. Down House in Downe, Kent, which is run by English Heritage, was both a family home and a place of work to Darwin, and its collection includes more than 200 books from his personal collection, account books, diaries, the Journal of the Voyage of the Beagle, notebooks and letters - plus personal items including the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has a collection of 44 letters detailing the HMS Beagle expedition and further letters are held at the Natural History Museum and the Linnean Society of Scotland, the National Library holds correspondence with Darwin's publisher John Murray. Cambridge University Library said: "The Unesco International Memory of the World Register includes some of the UK's most treasured documentary heritage, such as the Domesday Book, the Shakespeare Documents, alongside more contemporary materials, including the personal archive of Sir Winston Churchill. "The Charles Darwin archive now joins this esteemed list, underscoring its historical, scientific, and cultural significance."Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister of State for International Development, said: "The recognition of the Charles Darwin archive on Unesco's International Memory of the World Register is a proud moment for British science and heritage."Darwin's work fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and continues to inspire scientific exploration to this day. "By bringing together extraordinary material from our world class British institutions, this archive ensures that Darwin's groundbreaking work remains accessible to researchers, students, and curious minds across the globe." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
