UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Grave Danger

Nan Madol is a series of more than 100 small islands southeast of Pohnpei, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. These islets were constructed with basalt and coral boulders and contain what is left of stone palaces, tombs, and temples from a Pacific island dynasty that existed between 1200 and 1500 A.D. It is on the List of World Heritage in Danger because of waterway siltation and the growth of mangroves that undermines the integrity of the remaining structures.

The Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz, located on the Silk Roads in southern Uzbekistan, is more than 2,000 years old. It was a vibrant cultural and political area in the 14th and 15th century, boasting public baths and bustling bazaars. Among the center’s noteworthy structures is the imposing Ak-Sarai Palace. The tomb of Temu, made of white marble, is one of the finest memorials in Central Asia. Rising ground water threatens the integrity of the center.

The historic center of the Austrian capital is home to Baroque castles, splendid gardens, and the Ringstrasse with its elegant buildings. Vienna is associated with some of the world’s greatest classical music. The city is under development and modernization pressures. To address these challenges, the city adopted what became known as the “Vienna Memorandum” to better manage historic urban landscapes, with planning focused on sustainable policies.

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town is located at the crossroads of caravan trade routes in the northern Arabian peninsula. The place became a site of pilgrimage for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Political instability and the need for a management plan are concerns regarding the integrity of Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town.

Lake Turkana is actually three national parks. The area is home to the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and poisonous snakes. The number of fossils found in the parks has been crucial to scientific understanding of the prehistoric environment. Potential threats to the parks include severe droughts, livestock encroachment, poaching, and substandard infrastructure.