Published on: 2026-07-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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 territory (Ukraine)
The Committee noted with deep 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 have revealed significant deterioration in the site’s integrity – due to construction work and large-scale archaeological excavations.
In this regard, the Committee decided to inscribe Chersonesus Taurica on 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 Paramaribo (Suriname)
The Committee highly appreciated the progress made in managing the site and its preservation, particularly thanks to the development of new management plans and measures to prevent fire risks. However, the Committee noted that a number of construction projects were implemented without assessing their impact on the heritage and without considering the Committee’s recommendations. Experts considered that the new National Assembly building and the parking lot disrupt the perception of the historic urban landscape and lead to a loss of its integrity.
The ancient city of Tyre (Lebanon)
The Committee expressed deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon, which continue to pose a threat to the site, and found that the conditions necessary to maintain and protect its outstanding universal value are no longer met.
The Committee highly appreciated Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen the protection mechanisms of the site. The Committee noted that the hostilities in Lebanon pose a direct threat to the Ancient City and called on 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 Fortresses of Mount Amel (Lebanon), and Sebastia (State of Palestine).
The use 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 affect cultural heritage. These three sites were also included on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Migration landscape of Boma – Badingilo (South Sudan)
This site covers vast areas of the East African savanna: it is home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Its 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 custodians of this landscape for centuries and even millennia, engaging in livestock breeding, 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 affects numerous populations of migrating mammals. Effective protection of the site is also hindered by the ongoing unstable situation and limited institutional and financial capacity.
The castles of Mount Amel (Lebanon)
The five castles that make up this site testify to the evolution of the region’s defensive systems from the time of the Crusades and Muslim dynasties until the end of the 19th century. This site, which was already granted “temporary enhanced protection” in November 2024 by the decision of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event of Armed Conflict, is currently suffering serious damage.
Sebastia (State of Palestine)
This site preserves archaeological evidence of the consecutive occupation of this place by various civilizations at least since the 9th century BC. During this period, Samaria-Sebaste served as the capital of the northern Israelite kingdom. 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.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate account of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.