Eighteen new sites have been included in the World Heritage List of humanity’s outstanding natural and cultural legacy.

During its 30th annual session, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 8-16 July 2006, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee reviewed 27 new cultural sites, eight natural sites, two mixed sites and three transboundary sites presented by 30 countries for inclusion on the list. The 18 new sites include: Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries in China, Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Colombia, Stone Circles of Senegambia in the Gambia and Senegal, and the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, Mexico, among others. The Committee further examined the 34 sites currently on the List of World Heritage in Danger, which face serious threat from a variety of causes such as pollution, pillaging, war, poorly-managed tourism and poaching. The Committee also adopted a strategy of response to the threat that climate change poses to many World Heritage sites, requesting the World Heritage Centre to prepare a policy document on the impact of climate change on World Heritage properties in consultation with experts, conservation practitioners, international organizations and civil society to be presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2008.

Links to further information
UN and UNESCO press releases:
– 10 July 2006
– 13 July 2006
– 12 July 2006
– 4 July 2006
– 14 July 2006
Information on new World Heritage Sites:
– 14 July 2006
– 13 July 2006