Published on: 2026-07-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 27, 2026 Culture and Education
Three sites already on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including Chersonesus Taurica, have been added to the List of World Heritage in Danger. This decision was made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at its session in Busan (Republic of Korea).
The ancient city of Chersonesus Taurica and its hinterland (Ukraine)
The Committee expressed its deepest concern that due to the temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine) by the Russian Federation, Ukraine is unable to ensure the protection of this site or guarantee its preservation. In this context, the Committee welcomed the partnership between UNESCO and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which since 2014 has enabled regular monitoring of the site’s conservation status using satellite imagery. These observations revealed significant deteriorations in the site’s integrity as a result of construction work and large-scale archaeological excavations.
In this regard, the Committee decided to include Chersonesus Taurica in the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Committee also called for strengthening international cooperation to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property originating from the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine).
Historic center of the city of Paramaribo (Suriname)
The Committee highly appreciated the progress made in the management and conservation of the site, particularly due to the development of new management plans and measures to prevent fire risks. However, the Committee noted that a number of construction projects were carried out without assessing their impact on the heritage and without considering the Committee’s recommendations. Experts believed that the new National Assembly building and the parking lot disrupt the perception of the historic urban landscape and lead to the loss of its integrity.
The ancient city of Tyre (Lebanon)
The Committee expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon, which continue to pose a threat to the site, and determined that the conditions necessary for maintaining and protecting its outstanding universal value are no longer being met.
The Committee highly appreciated Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen the protection mechanisms for the site. The Committee noted that the hostilities in Lebanon pose a direct threat to the Ancient City, and urged all parties to refrain from any actions that could cause further damage to the site and to comply with their obligations under international law.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee also decided to inscribe three new sites on the World Heritage List under the emergency procedure: the Boma-Badingilo Migration Landscape (South Sudan), the Amel Mountain Castles (Lebanon), and Sebastia (State of Palestine).
The application of the emergency procedure at the request of states reflects the current situation, marked by numerous crises, including armed conflicts and climate change, which negatively impact cultural heritage. These three sites were also included on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Migration landscape of Boma – Badingilo (South Sudan)
This area covers extensive expanses of the East African savannah: it is home to the world’s largest migration of terrestrial mammals. The unique biodiversity gives this ecosystem exceptional global significance.
The site also reflects the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. It is home to several ethnic groups who have been the custodians of this landscape for centuries and even millennia, engaging in livestock farming, agriculture, and fishing.
The Committee pointed out a number of serious threats, in particular the development of infrastructure, commercial poaching, as well as illegal smuggling and trade of wild animals, which directly affect numerous populations of migratory mammals. Effective protection of the site is also hindered by the ongoing unstable situation and limited institutional and financial capacity.
Amel Mountain Castles (Lebanon)
The five castles that make up this site testify to the evolution of the region’s defensive systems from the times of the Crusades and Muslim dynasties to the late 19th century. This site, which already received “enhanced temporary protection” in November 2024 by decision of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, is currently being seriously damaged.
Sebastia (State of Palestine)
This site preserves archaeological evidence of the successive occupation of this place by various civilizations dating back at least to the 9th century BCE. During this period, Samaria-Sebaste served as the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Subsequent archaeological layers belong to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
The main threat facing the site is related to the planned expropriation of land and the creation of the Samaria National Park, which could lead to the division of its territory. In addition to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, the site is also threatened by the development of urban planning and land use.
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