Latest news with #WorldHeritageCommittee
News18
21 hours ago
- News18
GK: Top 10 Countries With Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, What Is India's Rank?
Last Updated: Italy is at the top of the UNESCO World Heritage List 2025 with 60 sites, while India has secured the sixth position with 44 such sites. Check the full list here. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are far more than ancient landmarks—they're vibrant symbols of human ingenuity, natural wonder, and cultural legacy. According to the organisation, world heritage sites are 'outstanding universal value to humanity". From the Pyramids of Egypt and Australia's Great Barrier Reef to Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, and the iconic Taj Mahal, there are many remarkable cultural and natural sites recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As of 2025, there are 1,248 such sites. 'The World Heritage List includes 1248 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 972 cultural, 235 natural and 41 mixed properties in 170 States Parties. As of October 2024, 196 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention," states the official website. Rank 1 – Italy: 60 sites Italy leads the list with 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a rich blend of Roman ruins, Renaissance art, medieval cities, and natural beauty. Noteworthy sites include the Renaissance treasures in Florence and Venice, the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Roman wonders such as the Colosseum. China holds the second position with 59 UNESCO-listed sites, featuring landmarks like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, sacred Mount Tai, and classical gardens of Suzhou. The Great Wall of China, spanning nearly 13,000 miles, is one of the world's most iconic structures. Germany ranks third with 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Notable sites include Gothic cathedrals, castles, and modern industrial locations. Highlights include the Wadden Sea, Cologne Cathedral, and Bauhaus buildings, reflecting a nation balancing medieval traditions and modernity. Rank 4 – France: 53 sites France holds the fourth position with 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a vast cultural and historical legacy. Key locations include Mont Saint-Michel with its medieval abbey, the Palace of Versailles, and Paris, home to iconic buildings such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. Rank 5 – Spain: 50 sites Spain ranks fifth with 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich cultural legacy. Important sites include the Alhambra in Granada, Gaudí's architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, and the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba. India, with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spans diverse ecological, cultural, and linguistic zones. Key ancient sites include Ajanta Caves, Sun Temple, and Nalanda, while medieval sites feature Qutub Minar and Agra's Taj Mahal. Mexico and the UK both share the seventh spot with 35 World Heritage Sites each. Mexico's notable sites include the historic heart of Mexico City and the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. The UK boasts famous locations such as Stonehenge, Bath with its Roman baths, and the Tower of London, representing British history and Georgian architecture. Rank 8 – Russia: 33 sites Russia, with 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blends rich cultural history with natural beauty. Important sites include the architectural splendour of Saint Petersburg, the political and cultural significance of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, and the pristine Lake Baikal. Iran holds the ninth spot with 28 sites reflecting its ancient Persian roots. Key sites include Golestan Palace, Persepolis, and the Bam Citadel, showcasing advanced engineering, Persian art, and religious architecture. Rank 10 – Japan: 26 sites Japan, known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' ranks tenth with 26 sites, including 21 cultural locations such as temples and historic villages, and 5 natural sites like Yakushima Island. This ranking highlights Japan's rich heritage and commitment to preserving global cultural and ecological treasures. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 14:12 IST News education-career GK: Top 10 Countries With Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, What Is India's Rank? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Maratha forts, Khudiram Bose & Shubhanshu Shukla—highlights of PM Modi's latest ‘Mann ki Baat'
'Eleven forts in Maharashtra; one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event,' Prime Minister Modi asserted as he took listeners on a journey through India's rich cultural, historical, and ecological heritage. The forts, spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, collectively, can now be called 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', as named by the Indian government in the nomination dossier submitted to UNESCO for World Heritage status in 2024-25. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the recognition of 12 Maratha forts collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in his address for the 124th edition of his radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. His 'Mann Ki Baat' address highlighted several of India's recent achievements and milestones—from Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission to rare bird surveys. Besides, Prime Minister Modi also dived into the excitement surrounding the upcoming festive season. The UNESCO recognition, which came at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, made the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' the country's 44th property to receive such global recognition. The twelve forts included in the UNESCO listing are Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg—all in Maharashtra—and Gingee in Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Modi encouraged citizens to visit the historic forts and learn more about India's rich past. 'These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our rich heritage. Values and self-respect still echo from the high walls of these forts. I urge the citizens to visit them, learn about their history, and take pride in it,' he added. Month of revolution Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming month in India's freedom struggle in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded listeners that August is a month of sacrifice and revolution, leading to Independence. Modi highlighted freedom fighters, such as Khudiram Bose and the countless unnamed heroes, who laid down their lives for the nation. Paying tribute to Khudiram Bose—in particular—the Prime Minister said, 'Let us not merely remember them in textbooks, but live by their ideals.' Khudiram Bose was sentenced to death at the age of 18 during British rule over the Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case—an attempted assassination of a British judge The Prime Minister also called on citizens to keep the legacy of Indian revolutionaries alive through acts of service, civic responsibility, and unwavering patriotism. 'When Khudiram Bose walked towards the gallows, there was a smile on his face,' he recalled during his 'Mann ki Baat' address. 'After such countless sacrifices, after centuries of penance, we attained Independence. The country's die-hard patriots nurtured the freedom movement with their blood.' Prime Minister Modi also reminded listeners of 7 August, the day the Swadeshi Movement began in 1905, breathing new life into the Indian handloom industry. Now celebrated as the 'National Handloom Day', 7 August inspired success stories in the handloom sector from Maharashtra to Bihar and Odisha, the Prime Minister stated. 'Just like Khadi strengthened the freedom movement, today our textile sector is a pillar of progress,' he added. Also Read: 'Mann Ki Baat' is the 'Mann Ki Baat' of millions of Indians: PM Modi in 100th episode Homecoming of Shubhanshu Shukla The 124th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' started with Prime Minister Modi's celebration of the return of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla—a proud moment for the nation as Shukla became the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to go to space and the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS). Prime Minister Modi recalled how the country came together to honour the historic achievement, marking a significant milestone in the Indian space journey. He also recalled the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, calling it another defining moment, which will inspire the youth and ignite a passion for space and science across the country.'The recent years have witnessed a surge in interest towards space, science, and innovation,' the Prime Minister added. Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in the Axiom 4 Mission made history at a time when the Indian space start-up ecosystem is growing rapidly—a fact the PM mentioned in his address. 'Just five years ago, the country had fewer than 50 companies in this sector. Today, that number has grown to over 200 space-focused start-ups, driving technological advancements, creating employment, and propelling India's ambitions in global space exploration,' he said. First-ever grassland bird census During his 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi also turned his focus to wildlife and conservation at one time. He highlighted a groundbreaking initiative from Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which, for the first time, saw a dedicated Grassland Bird Census. The survey focused specifically on bird species that depend on Kaziranga's unique grassland ecosystem. 'This is a significant milestone in our conservation efforts,' PM Modi said. The survey, a collaboration among forest officials, scientists, and bird watchers, has deepened the understanding of grassland bird biodiversity in Kaziranga. In the census, more than 40 bird species, including several rare ones, were identified. Prime Minister Modi explained that the identification process became possible through a combination of expert knowledge and modern technology. The team installed sound recording devices in the fields, and the recorded bird calls were later analysed using Artificial Intelligence, allowing researchers to identify the bird species without disturbing them. 'When technology and sensitivity come together, understanding nature becomes so easy and deep,' he said. The Prime Minister also encouraged young naturalists and researchers to participate in such initiatives, emphasising the critical role of protecting and celebrating the country's rich biodiversity. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Nelson Mandela was influenced by Gandhi. And was aware non-violence strategy had to evolve
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Abu Mena removed from Danger List - Heritage - Al-Ahram Weekly
The ancient Christian site of Abu Mena near Alexandria has been removed from the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger. In a historic move reflecting Egypt's commitment to cultural heritage preservation, the UN cultural agency UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in its 47th session in Paris has officially removed the ancient site of Abu Mena from its In Danger List, marking the successful culmination of years of dedicated restoration and protection efforts. Situated in the desert of Borg Al-Arab southwest of Alexandria, Abu Mena, a testament to centuries of history and spiritual significance, is one of Egypt's most important early Christian archaeological sites and a once-thriving pilgrimage centre dating back to the late Roman and Byzantine periods. After more than two decades on UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger List, due to rising groundwater levels that threatened its structural integrity, the site has now been restored to stability through an ambitious national project. The international recognition of this signalled by the site's removal from the In Danger List not only celebrates Egypt's commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy but also sets a precedent for the sustainable preservation of threatened heritage sites around the world. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 in recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as well as its cultural and religious significance. However, it was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2001 due to a rising water table caused by agricultural development in the surrounding area. The excessive groundwater threatened the fragile foundations of the mudbrick and limestone structures, leading to significant deterioration and collapse. In response to the site's deteriorating condition, a comprehensive and multi-phase conservation project was launched in 2019 by former minister of tourism and antiquities Khaled El-Enany who inaugurated its completion in 2022. The Groundwater Lowering Project breathed new life into Abu Mena, ensuring its preservation for generations to come and making it ready to be removed from the In Danger List. The efforts included advanced hydrological studies, the installation of modern drainage systems to lower the groundwater levels, and the stabilisation and restoration of key architectural elements. The project also saw enhanced cooperation with local communities, environmental agencies, and experts in heritage conservation. These efforts were not only aimed at saving the site from physical damage, but also at creating a sustainable framework for its long-term protection and integration into Egypt's cultural tourism landscape. The project was carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with both the ministries of water resources and irrigation and agriculture and land reclamation as well as the Alexandria governorate with a budget of LE50 million funded by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). It includes the execution of a collection of 69 water trenches of 35 to 50 metres deep, where 12 are located around the burial of St Abu Mena while the other 57 were dug around the whole site. Pumping pipes some 6,000 metres long were also extended on site, connecting the new trenches and electromechanical work to the control system to follow up on the level of the groundwater inside each trench. The sewage drains located on site and those found in the surrounding area were cleared, while the irrigation system for agricultural land around the archaeological area was converted to a drip irrigation system, which led to the reduction of the groundwater problem in the area. The western wall surrounding the basilica was restored and all the architectural elements of the basilica, church, and burial were repaired in their original location. Meanwhile, the fine restoration of the basilica's walls, decoration, and the main entrance was completed. The facility management of the site was upgraded, said Bassem Ibrahim, supervisor of the Department for Archaeological Sites at the SCA, and signs were installed in collaboration with the Alexandria governorate along the roads leading to the city to facilitate reaching the site. In collaboration with UNESCO, indicative, explanatory, and guide panels were installed along with a map of the site in addition to information in Arabic and English. The work also involved extending various services for visitors, such as installing restrooms, sunshades, benches, and rubbish bins designed for recycling, The site was made accessible for people with special needs. REPORT: After the inauguration of the project in 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities provided UNESCO with a report on the state of preservation of the Abu Mena site, including the efforts undertaken in terms of corrective measures at the site, in preparation for submitting an official request to remove it from the World Heritage in Danger List. The report included an explanation of the groundwater lowering project and an integrated management plan for the site for the first time since it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. The plan included proposals to identify dangers, amend the boundaries of the archaeological site, and carry out preservation and restoration. It asked for a monitoring mission to be sent from the World Heritage Centre to inspect the site in preparation for its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger. In February 2025, the monitoring mission arrived at Abu Mena and inspected the archaeological site. During the recently held session of the World Heritage Committee, the 2025 Joint Reactive Monitoring Mission report by the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was reviewed. The report welcomed Egypt's efforts in implementing the corrective measures at the site, particularly the consolidation of its archaeological features and the establishment of a monitoring system to stabilise the ground water table, the efficacy of which has been confirmed through continuous periodic measurements and confirmed by the 2025 joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission. The report praised the Egyptian government's comprehensive efforts to implement all the previously recommended corrective measures, confirming that the Desired State of Conservation for Removal (DSOCR) had been fully achieved. In recognition of this success, the committee congratulated Egypt and endorsed the site's removal from the In Danger List, underscoring the country's commitment to protecting its cultural heritage in accordance with international standards. Sherif Fathy, the minister of tourism and antiquities, hailed the decision as a major achievement and a reflection of the state's dedication to protecting its archaeological treasures. He noted that the success at Abu Mena adds to Egypt's growing record in the field of cultural heritage preservation and strengthens its leadership within the international heritage community. 'This achievement reflects the deep partnership between Egypt and UNESCO and our shared responsibility to preserve World Heritage for future generations,' Fathy said. He also extended his congratulations to Pope Tawadros II, pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, in recognition of his supportive role and the contributions of the Coptic Church to the success of the project. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the SCA, said that the World Heritage Committee's decision to remove Abu Mena from the List of World Heritage in Danger represents a strong international endorsement of Egypt's commitment to heritage preservation and its successful implementation of corrective measures. These included the structural reinforcement of key archaeological elements and the development of a dedicated groundwater management system, measures whose effectiveness was confirmed through continuous monitoring and validated in the mission report issued in 2025. Khaled reiterated Egypt's continued dedication to preserving the site's integrity through regular updates to its conservation strategy, in close coordination with international advisory bodies and by ensuring the allocation of necessary resources and maintaining open channels of communication with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the World Heritage Centre for its ongoing support and trust and welcomed the committee's decision as a milestone in the protection of one of Egypt's most significant Christian archaeological sites. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Foreign Ministry, the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, and the collective efforts of all those involved in the project, including archaeologists, conservators, experts, technicians, and workers, whose professionalism and dedication made the achievement possible. In its statement to the World Heritage Committee, the Egyptian delegation remarked that 'this decision is the culmination of decades of hard work by Egyptian experts, local communities, and UNESCO. It restores dignity to a site that embodies our shared sacred heritage. We owe this achievement to the visionary and effective support of the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, whose technical guidance and capacity-building were indispensable.' It further stated that 'this moment stands as a clear demonstration of how international cooperation, anchored in local engagement and scientific expertise, can safeguard humanity's cultural landmarks, particularly in the Arab region and Africa, for future generations.' On its Facebook page, the UNESCO Regional office in Cairo celebrated the removal of Abu Mena from the In Danger List and described it as 'a landmark achievement for Egypt and the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo'. 'This remarkable achievement is the result of nearly two decades of dedicated technical support, strategic guidance, and capacity building led by the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo and a model of effective international cooperation rooted in strong national ownership,' it said. 'We proudly celebrate this moment of national pride, global solidarity, and the successful collaboration between Egypt and the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo.' ABU MENA: The Abu Mena site was one of the great centres of pilgrimage in Egypt from the fifth to seventh centuries CE. Thousands of people came from all over the Christian world seeking the site's reputed healing powers. Pilgrims took home sacred water in tiny pottery ampoules (shaped like two-handled jars and stamped with the figure of the saint between two camels) or oil from the lamp that burned before the tomb. Bishop Badawes Avamena, responsible for antiquities at the Abu Mena Monastery, said that Abu Mena was a soldier-saint who had died a martyr's death. His cult gained popularity when, according to legend, his body was placed on a camel and borne inland to be buried. At a certain spot the camel refused to move further, a sign taken as divine revelation that he should be buried there. Wind-blown sand eventually covered the tomb, and no trace was left. Some centuries later, a shepherd observed that a sick lamb that crossed the spot immediately became well. When the remains of the saint were discovered, a church was built over his grave. The reputation of the place spread far and wide. Pilgrims came in scores, and the stories of the wondrous cures that they carried home attracted more pilgrims. Soon the original church was too small to accommodate the number of visitors, and the Roman Emperor Arcadius (395-408 CE) built another church, to which the saint's relics were transferred. Subsequent emperors erected other buildings, and eventually the site's Great Basilica was built, to which thousands of pilgrims flocked from as far afield as England, France, Germany, Spain, and Turkey. Cures were attributed to the therapeutic effects of the water, which came from springs in limestone rocks (they have since dried up) and baths were built flanking the church. When the Roman emperor Constantine the Great's only daughter, who suffered from leprosy, was reputedly healed at Abu Mena, the fame of the site spread further throughout the Roman world. A great city grew up, flourished, and eventually disappeared. The famed city written up by classical writers was thought to be legendary until in 1961 the German Archaeological Institute excavated the area under the direction of archaeologist Peter Grossman and discovered one of the largest and most ancient pilgrimage sites in the world. The ruins cover an area one km square where the main colonnaded pilgrimage route of the early Christians has been identified. It had shops and workshops to the left and right, leading to the Church of the Martyr, built during the era of the Byzantine emperor Justinian (528-565 CE). The ruins suggest that the pilgrims gathered in a great square surrounded by hostels. There, monks could take care of the sick who came to the shrine to be healed. There are also the ruins of two large bathhouses and wells. A new monastery has now been built at the site, its lofty surrounding walls and twin towers situated no more than 500 metres from the ancient site. * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
Pakistan to nominate five new sites for UNESCO World Heritage status
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will nominate five culturally and historically significant sites for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Friday, in a bid to preserve the country's rich archaeological legacy and promote global recognition of its heritage landscape. The proposed sites include the ancient Karez water management system in Balochistan, the Mughal-era Hiran Minar in Punjab, the Buddhist ruins of Ranigat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two prominent locations in Sindh, the historic Port of Banbhore and the Nagarparkar cultural landscape. 'If accepted, these nominations would raise Pakistan's total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites from six to eleven, marking a significant milestone in cultural preservation and heritage tourism,' the report said. Pakistan currently has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Mohenjo Daro and the Makli necropolis in Sindh; Taxila, Rohtas Fort, and the Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore in Punjab; and the Buddhist monastic complex at Takht-i-Bahi along with the remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The nomination of the five new sites aligns with Pakistan's broader efforts to highlight its pre-Islamic and Islamic-era heritage, attract cultural tourism, and strengthen international partnerships in heritage conservation. Many of the proposed sites reflect architectural, hydrological or religious traditions that span centuries, from Buddhist Gandharan ruins to sophisticated ancient irrigation systems. If approved, the addition of the Karez system, an underground aqueduct irrigation technique still in use in some parts of Balochistan, would represent the first such nomination from Pakistan in the category of traditional water management. Similarly, the inclusion of the 16th-century Hiran Minar complex near Sheikhupura would highlight Mughal-era hunting lodges and water structures not yet recognized internationally. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee reviews nominations annually based on criteria such as historical value, cultural significance and preservation status.
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
The US decision to leave UNESCO again puts a spotlight on what the agency does and why it matters
World Heritage Sites UNESCO names World Heritage sites, including landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty, and gives them special protection under its World Heritage Sites program. Its World Heritage Committee each year designates sites considered 'of outstanding value to humanity' and intervenes when sites are in danger of destruction or damage. The program provides countries with technical assistance and professional training to preserve the sites. It now also includes 'intangible' heritage such as folk songs and traditional dances, crafts and cooking in its lists. A World Heritage site designation is coveted and seen as a boost to tourism. Holocaust Education Like the rest of the U.N., UNESCO was created in response to the horrors of World War II, and particularly Nazi crimes. Amid concerns that the agency's Arab members have used UNESCO to pass anti-Israel resolutions, UNESCO has worked in recent years on Holocaust awareness projects. That includes educational materials and organizing visits to former Nazi concentration camps. Empowering Girls UNESCO works to improve literacy, with a special focus on girls in countries hit by war or disasters who get little or no schooling though programs such as the Malala Fund for Girls' Right to Education. In Tanzania, for instance, over 2,500 girls benefited from the creation of safe spaces in 40 secondary schools, The agency provides teacher training and materials and encourages programs for girls to pursue careers in science. Climate Change One of the agency's goals is coordinating climate knowledge and improving international education about how global warming occurs and affects people around the world. Over 30 UNESCO programs are designed to help its members adapt to climate change and favor sustainable development.
