Riyadh, September 17, 2023, Following consideration of several agenda items on Saturday during its prolonged 45th Session, which runs from September 10 to September 25 in Riyadh, the World Heritage Committee is anticipated to reveal the voting results for the addition of 50 new sites to the World Heritage List. The 50 sites that were suggested included two sites of mixed value, 12 natural sites, and 37 cultural sites. The committee discussed five proposed changes to the borders of current cultural sites at its meeting on Saturday.
The committee started its routine activities last week, which included talking about rules and voting on its lists.
The voting procedure for several nominations made by UNESCO member states to be added to the World Heritage List started in the second week.
The cultural and natural diversity found throughout the world is reflected in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The organization updates and revises this list at an annual meeting, which is crucial for the tourism industry and addresses the crucial issue of raising money for site preservation.
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively presented a request for the 900-kilometer Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, which is located along the ancient Silk Road, to be included on the World Heritage List during the session.
Additionally, Tunisia submitted a request for Djerba Island to be included on the World Heritage List. The island, which has a surface area of 514 square kilometers, is strategically important in the Mediterranean Sea.
The "Uruq Bani Ma'arid Reserve" in Saudi Arabia, which is located on the western edge of the Empty Quarter desert, is another location the committee is thinking about including. It has a total area of 12,787 square kilometers and includes significant natural habitats such as large sand dunes and sporadic limestone hills, in addition to a variety of geological structures.
Turkiye hopes to get its mosques from the medieval era, which are distinguished by their wooden constructions, included on the World Heritage List.
The perfectly kept Maison Carrée temple (also known as "Square House"), which is located in the city of Nimes in the southwest of France, was requested by France.
