UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Grave Danger

Source: Michael Calderwood / UNESCO

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California (2019)
> Location: Mexico

Comprising 244 islands, islets, and coastal areas, the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California are in the Gulf of California in northeastern Mexico. The area contains 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals. There is no direct threat to the area. The concern stems from what occurs outside the protected areas, such as overfishing, increased tourism, and coastal development.

Source: Daniel Tara / Wikimedia Commons

Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (2021)
> Location: Romania

Located in the Apuseni Mountains in central Romania, Roșia Montană Mining Landscape is an extensive ancient Roman mining site. For 166 years beginning in the first century, the Roman Empire removed about 500 tons of gold from the site. Besides the mining area, the site also includes evidence of Roman necropolises, administrative buildings, and dwellings. UNESCO believes a plan is needed to restrict mining permits to preserve the site’s integrity.