Two more heritage sites expect UNESCO recognition
(VNA) The Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty of Vietnam are among 37 heritage sites proposed for inscription into the UNESCO World Heritage List as natural and cultural properties.
Addressing the on-going session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Irina Bokova said that the 35th session will examine the World Heritage List, the state of conservation of 169 World Heritage properties and increasing challenges to the preservation of these sites.
World Heritage is a reminder of all that unite humanity, she said, adding that it is a reminder also of the ties between culture, nature and societies.
World Heritage sites can be tremendous vectors for dialogue, reconciliation, development and knowledge, she noted.
She took the occasion to call on UNESCO States Parties to focus on risk preparedness and long-term management to protect irreplaceable and priceless heritage of humanity.
To date, the World Heritage List numbers 704 cultural, 180 natural and 27 mixed properties in 151 out of its total 187 States Parties./.