Latest news with #WorldHeritageSite
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Exco: Boon Siew Villa not under Unesco, state, or national protection list
Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi, which was recently demolished to make way for a luxury condominium project, is outside the George Town United Nationas Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, a state executive councillor said. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the property, once the residence of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, known as 'Mr Honda', was not listed under national or state heritage protection. "The private property is outside George Town's World Heritage Area," he told the New Straits Times. The demolition of the villa has sparked strong reactions from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as another blow to the island's cultural identity. The villa, regarded as a symbol of Penang's colonial-era architecture, was listed in the Penang Built Heritage Inventory in 2012. On whether the property should have been protected, Wong said there were other landmarks, such as Wisma Boon Siew and Jalan Loh Boon Siew, that still existed in the state capital here. "There are many properties and land banks under the family of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew. There is even one Boon Siew Building in neighbouring Singapore." Earlier this week, the state government confirmed that all technical and safety requirements had been met for the luxury condominium project, despite public concern over traffic congestion and safety in the area. Last October, it was reported that Singaporean real estate and lodging company The Ascott Ltd was partnering with Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi, which is set to welcome residents from January 2028. Ascott country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja, had said that the greenfield development would feature 99 residences for sale and the project was expected to break new ground in Penang's luxury living market, with a strong focus on owner occupation. The development would feature a diverse selection of spacious living options, ranging from 185sq m to 370sq m, along with a penthouse exceeding 740sq m. The NST has contacted both The Ascott Ltd and Instant Icon for comment.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Public unclear on heritage guidelines, land use regulations'
GEORGE TOWN: The demolition of a property that once belonged to the late tycoon Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew has renewed public concerns over Penang's approach to heritage preservation amid rapid urban development. Penang Heritage Trust honorary treasurer Trevor Sibert said the episode highlighted a significant gap in public understanding of heritage guidelines, land use regulations and the roles of local authorities in approving developments. "The issue shows there's a lack of awareness about what areas are protected and how decisions are made," he told the New Straits Times. "The land in question is privately owned and the development was approved by the Penang Island City Council. "Outside designated heritage zones, such actions are permitted by law." Sibert clarified that only parts of George Town fell within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, and no Malaysian state has designated its entire area as a heritage zone. "To subject an entire state to heritage controls would be impractical and hinder necessary development." The demolition has reignited the ongoing debate between heritage conservation and modern development. However, Sibert said, he believed this was not a matter of choosing one over the other. "Every time a development is approved, accusations of profit over culture surface. But Penang needs to strike a balance. "Development brings jobs, improves infrastructure and supports future generations. "At the same time, heritage itself can be an economic driver through tourism." Sibert also pointed to the loss of significant heritage sites in recent years, including Kampung Siam in Pulau Tikus and the gravesite of Foo Teng Nyong, the wife of historical figure Kapitan China Chung Keng Quee, calling them as "irreplaceable." He said the Penang Heritage Trust continued to play an active role in conservation efforts. It participates in the Technical Review Board under the Penang Island City Council and provides input on development proposals within the George Town World Heritage Sate. Sibert said preservation, however, required collaboration among various bodies, not just non-governmental organisations. He said among the recurring challenges were neglected heritage properties and buildings outside protection zones. "Some owners abandon their properties or let them deteriorate to the point of being unsafe. "It's difficult for the local council to manage these cases consistently." Sibert said he believed the state government remained committed to heritage protection, citing the continued support for the George Town World Heritage Incorporated and consultation with Penang Heritage Trust. "Penang's history is a source of pride and tourism appeal. The government knows this. "But as with any administration, there is always room for improvement," he added. The recent demolition has sparked public outcry, but Sibert hoped it would also encourage more people to get involved in heritage preservation.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Peru reduces Nazca Lines park by 42%, raising concerns over environmental and heritage risks
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peru's decision to shrink its archeological park home to the famous Nazca Lines by around 42% — an area roughly the size of 1,400 soccer fields — has sparked alarm among conservationists, archaeologists and environmental advocates. Critics say the rollback paves the way for informal mining and weakens decades of cultural and ecological protection, while the government says the adjustment reflects updated scientific studies and does not compromise the UNESCO World Heritage status or the site's core protections. 'The reduction not only removes protections — it does so precisely where extractive activity is expanding,' said Mariano Castro, Peru's former vice minister of the environment, adding that the decision could cause 'very serious risks and cumulative damage,' as it excludes zones with active or pending mining claims. Castro added that safeguards for archaeological heritage during the formalization of artisanal mining are already limited. 'This is made worse by the ministry of culture's failure to consider the cumulative impact of dozens or even hundreds of mining operations on sensitive archaeological zones,' he said. The area in question forms part of a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, home to the Nazca Lines — massive geoglyphs etched into the desert thousands of years ago — and one of Peru's most fragile desert ecosystems. Peruvian environmental lawyer César Ipenza, who has closely followed the decision, said the resolution has already been approved and that it reduces the Nazca zone by more than 1,000 hectares. 'This is a weakening of both environmental and cultural protections,' Ipenza said. 'The state should be upholding its commitments under international agreements, not yielding to private interests.' Ipenza and others say the rollback reflects a pattern of regulatory concessions to mostly informal gold miners. 'There's an alliance between the current government and informal mining sectors,' he said. 'The legal framework continues to be relaxed to benefit them.' Peru's ministry of culture, which decided on May 30 to reduce the Nazca reserve from about 5,600 square kilometers to roughly 3,200 square kilometers, declined to answer specific questions from The Associated Press. Instead, it sent a press release saying the adjustment was based on updated archaeological studies and does not affect the UNESCO World Heritage designation or its buffer zone. The ministry said it remains committed to preserving the site's cultural heritage through regulated management. A day after the May 30 decision, Peru's Minister of Culture Fabricio Valencia acknowledged that illegal mining exists within the reserve. 'Unfortunately, informal mining is an activity present in this area, but the measure we have taken does not mean it will be encouraged, nor that the likelihood of any harm from informal mining will increase. That will not happen,' Valencia said on RPP, one of Peru's largest radio programs. When asked for more details about the presence of illegal activity in the reserve, Valencia said, 'there are some mining deposits, but I don't have exact information on what type of mineral is there.' UNESCO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Castro, the former vice minister, warned the move could violate Peru's own laws. 'It contravenes Article 5(h) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which mandates the protection of archaeological and historical heritage,' he said. Ipenza said the government is enabling illegality under the guise of technical adjustments. 'It is shameful to forget our ancestors and our heritage, and to disguise decisions that pave the way for sectors seeking to impose illegality, such as illegal and informal mining," he said. "This decision benefits those groups and harms all Peruvians.' — The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Peru reduces Nazca Lines park by 42%, raising concerns over environmental and heritage risks
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peru's decision to shrink its archeological park home to the famous Nazca Lines by around 42% — an area roughly the size of 1,400 soccer fields — has sparked alarm among conservationists, archaeologists and environmental advocates. Critics say the rollback paves the way for informal mining and weakens decades of cultural and ecological protection, while the government says the adjustment reflects updated scientific studies and does not compromise the UNESCO World Heritage status or the site's core protections. 'The reduction not only removes protections — it does so precisely where extractive activity is expanding,' said Mariano Castro, Peru's former vice minister of the environment, adding that the decision could cause 'very serious risks and cumulative damage,' as it excludes zones with active or pending mining claims. Castro added that safeguards for archaeological heritage during the formalization of artisanal mining are already limited. 'This is made worse by the ministry of culture's failure to consider the cumulative impact of dozens or even hundreds of mining operations on sensitive archaeological zones,' he said. The area in question forms part of a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, home to the Nazca Lines — massive geoglyphs etched into the desert thousands of years ago — and one of Peru's most fragile desert ecosystems. Peruvian environmental lawyer César Ipenza, who has closely followed the decision, said the resolution has already been approved and that it reduces the Nazca zone by more than 1,000 hectares. 'This is a weakening of both environmental and cultural protections,' Ipenza said. 'The state should be upholding its commitments under international agreements, not yielding to private interests.' Ipenza and others say the rollback reflects a pattern of regulatory concessions to mostly informal gold miners. 'There's an alliance between the current government and informal mining sectors,' he said. 'The legal framework continues to be relaxed to benefit them.' Peru's ministry of culture, which decided on May 30 to reduce the Nazca reserve from about 5,600 square kilometers to roughly 3,200 square kilometers, declined to answer specific questions from The Associated Press. Instead, it sent a press release saying the adjustment was based on updated archaeological studies and does not affect the UNESCO World Heritage designation or its buffer zone. The ministry said it remains committed to preserving the site's cultural heritage through regulated management. A day after the May 30 decision, Peru's Minister of Culture Fabricio Valencia acknowledged that illegal mining exists within the reserve. 'Unfortunately, informal mining is an activity present in this area, but the measure we have taken does not mean it will be encouraged, nor that the likelihood of any harm from informal mining will increase. That will not happen,' Valencia said on RPP, one of Peru's largest radio programs. When asked for more details about the presence of illegal activity in the reserve, Valencia said, 'there are some mining deposits, but I don't have exact information on what type of mineral is there.' UNESCO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Castro, the former vice minister, warned the move could violate Peru's own laws. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'It contravenes Article 5(h) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which mandates the protection of archaeological and historical heritage,' he said. Ipenza said the government is enabling illegality under the guise of technical adjustments. 'It is shameful to forget our ancestors and our heritage, and to disguise decisions that pave the way for sectors seeking to impose illegality, such as illegal and informal mining,' he said. 'This decision benefits those groups and harms all Peruvians.' — The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Why is Mount Etna so famous, when was its last eruption, and how active is it?
As one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Mt. Etna 's tremendous eruptions make international news on a regular basis. For the past ten years, the volcanic activity of Mount Etna , one of Europe's most active volcanoes, has been practically continuous. There may be eruptions more than once a year or even within a single month. What makes Mount Etna one of the most active volcanoes in the world? With 19,237 hectares of uninhabited land on its highest point, Mount Etna is a famous location on Sicily's east coast. The highest island mountain in the Mediterranean and the world's most active stratovolcano is Mount Etna. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in National Capital Region - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Over 500,000 years ago, the volcano began to erupt, and at least 2,700 years of this activity have been recorded. The nearly constant eruptive activity of Mount Etna continues to have an impact on geophysics, volcanology, and other Earth science fields, as per a report. The volcano sustains significant terrestrial ecosystems, such as endemic species of plants and animals, and its activity makes it an ideal natural laboratory for studying biological and ecological processes. The site is a popular place for research and education because of its array of easily accessible volcanic features, which include cinder cones, lava flows, summit craters, and the Valle de Bove depression. Live Events The most rigorously protected and scientifically significant portion of Mount Etna is located within the Parco dell'Etna Regional Nature Park and is known as the Mount Etna World Heritage Site (19,237 ha). Given that its volcanic activity has been documented for at least 2,700 years, Mount Etna is well known for its extraordinary level of activity. It is globally significant due to its fame, scientific significance, and cultural and educational worth. How active is Mt. Etna? A prime example of continuous geological processes and volcanic landforms, Mount Etna is one of the most prominent and active volcanoes in the world. Since Mount Etna has been active for almost 3,000 years, eruptions have occurred frequently, as per a report by BBC. With eruptions occurring multiple times a year, and occasionally even within a month, it is regarded as one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The volcano's eruptive history dates back 500,000 years, according to Unesco, which designated it a World Heritage Site in 2013. How destructive have Mount Etna's eruptions been? It has a base of less than 100 miles and a height of about 3,400 meters. In 1669, Mount Etna experienced its largest known eruption in recorded history. On March 11, the volcano began to rumble. Over the next few weeks, several significant eruptions lasted for about four months. It is estimated that the lava flows and earthquakes that occurred in the vicinity of the eruption destroyed about fourteen villages and towns. Thousands more were left homeless, and about 20,000 people died. What are its violent eruptions throughout history? Four flank eruptions have occurred on Etna since 2000: in 2001, 2002–2003, 2004–2005, and 2008–2009. Summit eruptions occurred in 2006, 2007–2008, January–April 2012, July–October 2012, December 2018, and February 2021. When was its last eruption? On July 4, 2024, Etna erupted once more, resulting in volcanic ash in the air that forced the closure of Catania Airport. The following day, the airport reopened. Mt. Etna erupted violently on August 14, 2024, sending a cloud of ash 9.5 kilometers into the sky. The next day, Catania Airport was forced to close, as quoted in a report. FAQs Why is Mount Etna so famous? Mount Etna is well-known for being Europe's tallest volcano and one of the most active on Earth, with eruptions dating back more than 2,700 years. When did Mount Etna last erupt? Mount Etna's most recent eruptions occurred in August 2024, and the volcano is still active, with frequent summit activity.
