World Heritage Centre News - February 26, 2023

Report released on UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust Project supporting Silk Roads Nomination(s) (Phase II)
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2525
In line with UNESCO's efforts since 1988 to encourage research on the Silk Roads as routes of interchange and dialogue of cultures, the UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust (FiT) project "Support for the Asian Silk Roads World Heritage Serial and Transnational Nomination(s) (Phase II)? was launched in November 2018 and completed in November 2022.
Upon completion of this project, the final report has been published, consisting of a comprehensive institutional report and the ...


How debt-for-nature swaps successfully finance UNESCO World Heritage conservation in Belize and Seychelles
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2524
Through innovative national debt restructuring and blue bond arrangements, both Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System in Belize are securing sustainable finance to help conserve their marine World Heritage sites over the next decades.
On 19 January 2022, global marine protected area practitioners met online with World Heritage managers from the Seychelles and Belize, and experts from The Nature Conservancy, who shared first-hand insights about how blue ...


Call for Entries: 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2523
UNESCO is delighted to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (?Awards') recognizes exemplary efforts by individuals and organizations to restore or conserve structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. It encourages property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently ...


Join the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2519
World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future 
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the selected projects of the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign.
Under the theme World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 76 action camp projects will be implemented from April to December 2023 at 69 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 58 ...


Earthquake in Syria and Türkiye: UNESCO offers support
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2521
UNESCO on Monday expressed its support for Syria and Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries. "My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who died. My thoughts are also with the injured and all those affected. Our Organization will provide assistance within its mandate,? said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
The Organization has undertaken with its partners an initial survey of damages to heritage. In Syria, UNESCO ...


UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat sign an agreement in favour of heritage in Morocco and Africa
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2520
On 24 January 2023, UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of Rabat signed a five-year agreement to jointly develop actions for the protection of World Heritage and intangible cultural heritage in Morocco and throughout the African continent. It marks the beginning of a long-term strategic and operational collaboration.
UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of ...


World Wetlands Day 2023: It is time for Wetland Restoration
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2522
Celebrated annually on 2 February, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. This year's theme: ?It is time for Wetland Restoration' - is in alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Ecosystems support all life on earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Taking this into account, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021?2030 the United Nations ...


Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face of threats of destruction
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2518
The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to protect it.

"Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community. While the war continues, this inscription embodies our ...


The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2516
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in 1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. The main building of the fair consists of a huge covered hall in ...


Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2517
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, is a serial property comprising seven archaeological sites that bear witness to the rich Kingdom of Saba and its architectural, aesthetic and technological achievements from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE.
They bear ...

World Heritage Centre News - February 19, 2023

Report released on UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust Project supporting Silk Roads Nomination(s) (Phase II)
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2525
In line with UNESCO's efforts since 1988 to encourage research on the Silk Roads as routes of interchange and dialogue of cultures, the UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust (FiT) project "Support for the Asian Silk Roads World Heritage Serial and Transnational Nomination(s) (Phase II)? was launched in November 2018 and completed in November 2022.
Upon completion of this project, the final report has been published, consisting of a comprehensive institutional report and the ...


How debt-for-nature swaps successfully finance UNESCO World Heritage conservation in Belize and Seychelles
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2524
Through innovative national debt restructuring and blue bond arrangements, both Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System in Belize are securing sustainable finance to help conserve their marine World Heritage sites over the next decades.
On 19 January 2022, global marine protected area practitioners met online with World Heritage managers from the Seychelles and Belize, and experts from The Nature Conservancy, who shared first-hand insights about how blue ...


Call for Entries: 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2523
UNESCO is delighted to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (?Awards') recognizes exemplary efforts by individuals and organizations to restore or conserve structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. It encourages property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently ...


Join the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2519
World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future 
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the selected projects of the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign.
Under the theme World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 76 action camp projects will be implemented from April to December 2023 at 69 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 58 ...


Earthquake in Syria and Türkiye: UNESCO offers support
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2521
UNESCO on Monday expressed its support for Syria and Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries. "My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who died. My thoughts are also with the injured and all those affected. Our Organization will provide assistance within its mandate,? said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. The Organization has undertaken with its partners an initial survey of damages to heritage. In Syria, ...


UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat sign an agreement in favour of heritage in Morocco and Africa
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2520
On 24 January 2023, UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of Rabat signed a five-year agreement to jointly develop actions for the protection of World Heritage and intangible cultural heritage in Morocco and throughout the African continent. It marks the beginning of a long-term strategic and operational collaboration.
UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of ...


World Wetlands Day 2023: It is time for Wetland Restoration
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2522
Celebrated annually on 2 February, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. This year's theme: ?It is time for Wetland Restoration' - is in alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Ecosystems support all life on earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Taking this into account, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021?2030 the United Nations ...


Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face of threats of destruction
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2518
The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to protect it.

"Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community. While the war continues, this inscription embodies our ...


The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2516
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in 1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. The main building of the fair consists of a huge covered hall in ...


Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2517
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, is a serial property comprising seven archaeological sites that bear witness to the rich Kingdom of Saba and its architectural, aesthetic and technological achievements from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE.
They bear ...

World Heritage Centre News - February 12, 2023

Join the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2519
World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future 
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the selected projects of the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign.
Under the theme World Heritage Volunteers 2023 - Working on the Future, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 76 action camp projects will be implemented from April to December 2023 at 69 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 58 ...


Earthquake in Syria and Türkiye: UNESCO offers support
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2521
UNESCO on Monday expressed its support for Syria and Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries. "My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who died. My thoughts are also with the injured and all those affected. Our Organization will provide assistance within its mandate,? said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. The Organization has undertaken with its partners an initial survey of damages to heritage. In Syria, ...


UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat sign an agreement in favour of heritage in Morocco and Africa
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2520
On 24 January 2023, UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of Rabat signed a five-year agreement to jointly develop actions for the protection of World Heritage and intangible cultural heritage in Morocco and throughout the African continent. It marks the beginning of a long-term strategic and operational collaboration.
UNESCO and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of ...


World Wetlands Day 2023: It is time for Wetland Restoration
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2522
Celebrated annually on 2 February, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. This year's theme: ?It is time for Wetland Restoration' - is in alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Ecosystems support all life on earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Taking this into account, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021?2030 the United Nations ...


Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face of threats of destruction
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2518
The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to protect it.

"Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community. While the war continues, this inscription embodies our ...


The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2516
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in 1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. The main building of the fair consists of a huge covered hall in ...


Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2517
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, is a serial property comprising seven archaeological sites that bear witness to the rich Kingdom of Saba and its architectural, aesthetic and technological achievements from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE.
They bear ...


UNESCO supports Djibouti in evaluating potential sites for its first World Heritage nomination
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2515
The State Party of Djibouti ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2007 and established its first Tentative List in 2015 with 10 sites. However, Djibouti remains one of the twelve African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In the framework of Priority Africa and under the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region? supported the by the Government of Japan, UNESCO assists Djibouti in building capacity to ...


Eswatini and South Africa collaborate on the potential extension of Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage site
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2511
The Kingdom of Eswatini ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2005 and established its first Tentative List in 2008. However, Eswatini remains one of the 12 African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In line with UNESCO's Priority Africa, Eswatini has been benefiting from the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region'' through the UNESCO/Japan-Funds-In-Trust that ...



https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2514

World Heritage Centre News - February 05, 2023

Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face of threats of destruction
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2518
The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to protect it.

"Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community. While the war continues, this inscription embodies our ...


The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2516
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in 1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. The main building of the fair consists of a huge covered hall in ...


Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2517
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, is a serial property comprising seven archaeological sites that bear witness to the rich Kingdom of Saba and its architectural, aesthetic and technological achievements from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE.
They bear ...


UNESCO supports Djibouti in evaluating potential sites for its first World Heritage nomination
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2515
The State Party of Djibouti ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2007 and established its first Tentative List in 2015 with 10 sites. However, Djibouti remains one of the twelve African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In the framework of Priority Africa and under the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region? supported the by the Government of Japan, UNESCO assists Djibouti in building capacity to ...


Eswatini and South Africa collaborate on the potential extension of Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage site
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2511
The Kingdom of Eswatini ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2005 and established its first Tentative List in 2008. However, Eswatini remains one of the 12 African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In line with UNESCO's Priority Africa, Eswatini has been benefiting from the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region'' through the UNESCO/Japan-Funds-In-Trust that ...



https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2514



Enhancing the capacity of South Sudan towards a World Heritage nomination
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2513
South Sudan ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2016 and established its first Tentative List in 2017 with three sites (one natural site, one cultural site and one mixed site). Since 2017, several capacity-building initiatives have been organized by UNESCO to support the State Party in developing its first World Heritage nomination despite the unstable political situation and security challenges.
In line with its new Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029) and the ...


Sao Tomé and Principe supported to finalize its first Tentative List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2512
Sao Tome and Principe remains one of the three African countries without any sites on its Tentative List. In the framework of Priority Africa, UNESCO supports Sao Tome and Principles through the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region?, funded by the Government of Japan, targeting 10 African countries without inscribed World Heritage property.
Already, in March 2009, a Training Workshop on Tentative List was organized in Sao Tome and ...


In Memoriam: Vivian Belisle-Ramnarace
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2510
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has learned with great sadness of the passing of Vivian Ramnarace, the National Focal Point for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site (Belize). A marine scientist, Ms Ramnarace was the Fisheries Officer at the Belize Fisheries Department for the last 15 years.
The passing of Vivian Ramnarace is a significant loss for the conservation community in Belize and the World Heritage managers community. She participated in various UNESCO ...


Elections held for Africa Site Managers Network
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2509
In the Framework of Priority Africa, UNESCO intends to empower African institutions and professionals to safeguard better and promote UNESCO World Heritage properties on the Continent. Capacity development is, therefore, one of the hallmarks of the new Strategy for World Heritage in Africa. For that, the World Heritage Centre (WHC), in close collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and ICCROM, launched in May 2022 the Africa Site Managers Network (ASMN). This initiative is ...

World Heritage Centre News - January 29, 2023

Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face of threats of destruction
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2518
The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to protect it.

"Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community. While the war continues, this inscription embodies our ...


The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2516
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in 1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. The main building of the fair consists of a huge covered hall in ...


Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2517
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, is a serial property comprising seven archaeological sites that bear witness to the rich Kingdom of Saba and its architectural, aesthetic and technological achievements from the 1st millennium BCE to the arrival of Islam around 630 CE.
They bear ...


UNESCO supports Djibouti in evaluating potential sites for its first World Heritage nomination
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2515
The State Party of Djibouti ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2007 and established its first Tentative List in 2015 with 10 sites. However, Djibouti remains one of the twelve African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In the framework of Priority Africa and under the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region? supported the by the Government of Japan, UNESCO assists Djibouti in building capacity to ...


Eswatini and South Africa collaborate on the potential extension of Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage site
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2511
The Kingdom of Eswatini ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2005 and established its first Tentative List in 2008. However, Eswatini remains one of the 12 African countries without property inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In line with UNESCO's Priority Africa, Eswatini has been benefiting from the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region'' through the UNESCO/Japan-Funds-In-Trust that ...



https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2514



Enhancing the capacity of South Sudan towards a World Heritage nomination
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2513
South Sudan ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2016 and established its first Tentative List in 2017 with three sites (one natural site, one cultural site and one mixed site). Since 2017, several capacity-building initiatives have been organized by UNESCO to support the State Party in developing its first World Heritage nomination despite the unstable political situation and security challenges.
In line with its new Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029) and the ...


Sao Tomé and Principe supported to finalize its first Tentative List
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2512
Sao Tome and Principe remains one of the three African countries without any sites on its Tentative List. In the framework of Priority Africa, UNESCO supports Sao Tome and Principles through the "Capacity-building programme for the nomination of World Heritage sites in the Africa Region?, funded by the Government of Japan, targeting 10 African countries without inscribed World Heritage property.
Already, in March 2009, a Training Workshop on Tentative List was organized in Sao Tome and ...


In Memoriam: Vivian Belisle-Ramnarace
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2510
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has learned with great sadness of the passing of Vivian Ramnarace, the National Focal Point for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site (Belize). A marine scientist, Ms Ramnarace was the Fisheries Officer at the Belize Fisheries Department for the last 15 years.
The passing of Vivian Ramnarace is a significant loss for the conservation community in Belize and the World Heritage managers community. She participated in various UNESCO ...


Elections held for Africa Site Managers Network
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2509
In the Framework of Priority Africa, UNESCO intends to empower African institutions and professionals to safeguard better and promote UNESCO World Heritage properties on the Continent. Capacity development is, therefore, one of the hallmarks of the new Strategy for World Heritage in Africa. For that, the World Heritage Centre (WHC), in close collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and ICCROM, launched in May 2022 the Africa Site Managers Network (ASMN). This initiative is ...

World Heritage Centre News - January 22, 2023

In Memoriam: Vivian Belisle-Ramnarace
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2510
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has learned with great sadness of the passing of Vivian Ramnarace, the National Focal Point for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site (Belize). A marine scientist, Ms Ramnarace was the Fisheries Officer at the Belize Fisheries Department for the last 15 years.
The passing of Vivian Ramnarace is a significant loss for the conservation community in Belize and the World Heritage managers community. She participated in various UNESCO ...


Elections held for Africa Site Managers Network
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2509
In the Framework of Priority Africa, UNESCO intends to empower African institutions and professionals to safeguard better and promote UNESCO World Heritage properties on the Continent. Capacity development is, therefore, one of the hallmarks of the new Strategy for World Heritage in Africa. For that, the World Heritage Centre (WHC), in close collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and ICCROM, launched in May 2022 the Africa Site Managers Network (ASMN). This initiative is ...


Schoolchildren and Traditional Owners undertake eDNA sampling in Shark Bay, Australia
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2504
On 18 October 2022, schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years old and Traditional Owners at the Shark Bay, Western Australia World Heritage site joined the UNESCO environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling campaign as part of a global effort to better understand ocean biodiversity and the effects of climate change thereupon.
Amidst clear blue waters teeming with marine life, schoolchildren and Traditional Owners collected water samples at eight different locations across the UNESCO World Heritage ...


UNESCO mobilizes for the conservation of the Island of Gorée
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2508
Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, the Island of Gorée (Senegal) bears exceptional testimony to one of the greatest tragedies in the history of human societies: the slave trade. Today, however, the site faces major conservation challenges. UNESCO is working with the Senegalese authorities to meet these challenges.
The island of Gorée has been facing a worrying situation in recent years, due to the erosion of its coastline caused by sea currents and rising sea levels, ...


African Natural World Heritage site managers assess climate vulnerability
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2505
UNESCO has piloted an online training course on climate change adaptation and resilience in two natural World Heritage sites in Africa, with site managers from Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe / Zambia) and Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) joining. The outcome reveals the vulnerability of sites to climate change but offers options to reduce risks.
Climate change is the greatest threat facing World Heritage today, with one-third of natural World Heritage sites ...


Call for Applications: 2023 World Heritage Residence Scholarship
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2503
In 2018, the region of Gävleborg, Sweden, created the international World Heritage Residence Scholarship at the World Heritage site "Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland?. The 5th call for applications is now open until 15 February 2023. 
One aim of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention is to create links between people and promote international cooperation. Peace is a central concept. This World Heritage Residence Scholarship is based on these ideas ? to generate ...


Youth raise awareness to World Heritage and Climate Change through storyboards: Results of the Patrimonito Storyboard Competition 2022
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2502
After launching the Patrimonito Storyboard Competition this summer, the World Heritage Centre received over 700 submissions from young people featuring solutions to the impacts of climate change on World Heritage sites.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and amongst the greatest threats facing cultural and natural heritage today. Involving the youth is essential to finding smart solutions and building a community to tackle challenges of the upcoming decades. Providing young ...


Ahead of biodiversity COP15, Norway renews its support to UNESCO World Heritage in Africa
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2501
While countries start their last sprint for this decade's UN biodiversity targets (COP15), UNESCO and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sign a new four-year (2022-2025) Programme Cooperation Agreement. Norway's support of NOK 25 million to the World Heritage Fund makes a significant contribution to safeguarding of the unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human ...


UNESCO launches global guidelines for corporate sector to protect World Heritage sites
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2494
On the Occasion of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), UNESCO has issued new guidance for the corporate sector to ensure that their operations do not put World Heritage at risk. 


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"This guidance is based on over two decades of collaboration with the corporate sector. During this time, companies have really stepped up their support to UNESCO World Heritage sites through their commitments to withhold harmful activities from World Heritage sites.?
Lazare Eloundou ...


Fire and water: Notre Dame and Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland united by artist Mikaela Steby Stenfalk
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2500
Artist Mikaela Steby Stenfalk won Gävleborg, Sweden's fourth World Heritage Scholarship and residence with her project "Dialogue between two interiors". Fifty-two applications from 20 countried were received. The World Heritage Scholarship is intended for professional cultural creators and people who work with, research or have another connection to World Heritage. The scholarship is linked to the World Heritage site Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, and one of ...

World Heritage Centre News - January 15, 2023

Schoolchildren and Traditional Owners undertake eDNA sampling in Shark Bay, Australia
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2504
On 18 October 2022, schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years old and Traditional Owners at the Shark Bay, Western Australia World Heritage site joined the UNESCO environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling campaign as part of a global effort to better understand ocean biodiversity and the effects of climate change thereupon.
Amidst clear blue waters teeming with marine life, schoolchildren and Traditional Owners collected water samples at eight different locations across the UNESCO World Heritage ...


UNESCO mobilizes for the conservation of the Island of Gorée
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2508
Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, the Island of Gorée (Senegal) bears exceptional testimony to one of the greatest tragedies in the history of human societies: the slave trade. Today, however, the site faces major conservation challenges. UNESCO is working with the Senegalese authorities to meet these challenges.
The island of Gorée has been facing a worrying situation in recent years, due to the erosion of its coastline caused by sea currents and rising sea levels, ...


African Natural World Heritage site managers assess climate vulnerability
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2505
UNESCO has piloted an online training course on climate change adaptation and resilience in two natural World Heritage sites in Africa, with site managers from Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe / Zambia) and Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) joining. The outcome reveals the vulnerability of sites to climate change but offers options to reduce risks.
Climate change is the greatest threat facing World Heritage today, with one-third of natural World Heritage sites ...


Call for Applications: 2023 World Heritage Residence Scholarship
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2503
In 2018, the region of Gävleborg, Sweden, created the international World Heritage Residence Scholarship at the World Heritage site "Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland?. The 5th call for applications is now open until 15 February 2023. 
One aim of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention is to create links between people and promote international cooperation. Peace is a central concept. This World Heritage Residence Scholarship is based on these ideas ? to generate ...


Youth raise awareness to World Heritage and Climate Change through storyboards: Results of the Patrimonito Storyboard Competition 2022
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2502
After launching the Patrimonito Storyboard Competition this summer, the World Heritage Centre received over 700 submissions from young people featuring solutions to the impacts of climate change on World Heritage sites.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and amongst the greatest threats facing cultural and natural heritage today. Involving the youth is essential to finding smart solutions and building a community to tackle challenges of the upcoming decades. Providing young ...


Ahead of biodiversity COP15, Norway renews its support to UNESCO World Heritage in Africa
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2501
While countries start their last sprint for this decade's UN biodiversity targets (COP15), UNESCO and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sign a new four-year (2022-2025) Programme Cooperation Agreement. Norway's support of NOK 25 million to the World Heritage Fund makes a significant contribution to safeguarding of the unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human ...


UNESCO launches global guidelines for corporate sector to protect World Heritage sites
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2494
On the Occasion of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), UNESCO has issued new guidance for the corporate sector to ensure that their operations do not put World Heritage at risk. 


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"This guidance is based on over two decades of collaboration with the corporate sector. During this time, companies have really stepped up their support to UNESCO World Heritage sites through their commitments to withhold harmful activities from World Heritage sites.?
Lazare Eloundou ...


Fire and water: Notre Dame and Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland united by artist Mikaela Steby Stenfalk
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2500
Artist Mikaela Steby Stenfalk won Gävleborg, Sweden's fourth World Heritage Scholarship and residence with her project "Dialogue between two interiors". Fifty-two applications from 20 countried were received. The World Heritage Scholarship is intended for professional cultural creators and people who work with, research or have another connection to World Heritage. The scholarship is linked to the World Heritage site Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, and one of ...


Brazilian youth joins UNESCO environmental DNA sampling at Fernando de Noronha
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2499
On 9 and 10 November 2022, local youth aged 6 to 12 years at Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves World Heritage site joined the UNESCO environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling campaign as part of a global effort to better understand how climate change is affecting marine biodiversity.Amidst sea turtle and dolphin sightings, local children collected water samples at three different locations across the UNESCO World Heritage site, including Baía dos ...


Kingdom of Morocco to Support Safeguarding of African Heritage
https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2507
On 29 November 2022, the Kingdom of Morocco, represented by H.E. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, signed a framework agreement for the protection of African heritage, which will contribute to the implementation of activities for fostering cultural heritage safeguarding and capacity building, in the framework of UNESCO's Global Priority Africa.
The newly formalized patrnership aims at strengthening ...