Six new sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list following IUCN recommendations

The announcement came today during the 46^th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India.

“In line with IUCN’s recommendation, the World Heritage Committee has significantly strengthened the protection of these world’s treasures and sources of exceptional bio- and geodiversity,” said Tim Badman, Director of World Heritage at IUCN.

“These areas are home to the world’s most impressive dunes, exceptional cave-dwelling species, peat bogs and mires, as well as important bird migratory routes, yet are all under increasing pressure. They will benefit from the international recognition that comes from the UNESCO World Heritage List.”

The sites added to the list are:

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

A hotspot for terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and endemic species in the French Overseas Territory of French Polynesia, these islands are home to more than 305 plant species and an exceptional endemism of coastal fish and marine molluscs. It is also of cultural significance in relation to the historical initial occupation of the Marquesas archipelago by the Enata people between the 10^th and 19^th centuries.

The Flow Country, United Kingdom

This area protects one of the largest peat bog ecosystems remaining in Europe and is the first World Heritage site focussed on peatlands. Its ongoing peat-forming processes continue to sequester carbon on a very large scale.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

The national park has a breathtaking coastal sand dune system of striking contrasts. The park was inscribed for its unique geomorphological formations shaped by the interactions of climate and ocean, including the seasonal transformation through the formation of temporary lakes within extensive coastal barchan sand dunes.

Badain Jaran desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes, China

Located in the remote autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, this site is a world-renowned hyper-arid landscape with an abundance of striking interdunal lakes. It exhibits a myriad of colours caused by the varying salinity and microbial communities unique to each lake.

Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China

Upon IUCN’s recommendations, around ten new components have been added to the existing site. These new areas include some of the most important habitats for migrating birds along the East Asian- Australasian Flyway. IUCN has recommended a further extension in the future to add additional sites that are vital to support migrating birds.

Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vjetrenica Cave, one of the longest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is home to one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots for cave-dwelling fauna, being home to a total of 231 taxa of subterranean biodiversity. Inscribed onto the World Heritage List, IUCN will work together with the State Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the recommendations of the Committee to guarantee sufficient water to the cave system and ensure adequate funding.

The World Heritage Committee continues its meeting in Delhi until 31 July 2024.