Riyadh, September 17, 2023, SPA — The World Heritage Committee is expected to announce the voting results for the inclusion of 50 new sites to the World Heritage List following Saturday’s discussion of various agenda items during its extended 45th Session, which is taking place in Riyadh from September 10th to September 25th.
The proposed 50 sites comprised 37 cultural sites, 12 natural sites, and two sites of mixed significance.
During its Saturday meeting, the committee deliberated on five proposed modifications to the boundaries of existing heritage sites.
Over the past week, the committee initiated its regular proceedings, including the discussion of regulations and voting on its lists.
In the second week, it commenced the voting process for the inclusion of numerous nominated sites in the World Heritage List, as submitted by UNESCO member states.
The UNESCO World Heritage List reflects the cultural and natural diversity across the globe. The organization convenes an annual meeting to revise and update this list, a matter of great significance for the tourism industry and the crucial issue of securing the necessary funding for site preservation.
During the session, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan jointly submitted a request to include the 900-kilometer-long Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, situated along the historical Silk Road, in the World Heritage List.
Tunisia also submitted a request to include the Djerba Island in the World Heritage List. The island covers an area of 514 square kilometres and holds a prominent strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea.
The committee is also considering the inclusion of the “Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve” in Saudi Arabia, situated on the southwestern edge of the Empty Quarter desert. It covers an area of 12,787 square kilometres and encompasses various geological formations and important natural habitats, including high sand dunes and intermittent limestone hill.
Turkiye aspires to have its medieval-era mosques, known for their wooden structures, included in the World Heritage List.
France submitted a request for the ancient Roman Maison Carrée temple (or “Square House”) located in the city of Nimes in the southwest of the country, which is meticulously preserved.
–SPA
01:03 Local Time 22:03 GMT
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