Archive · 18 Jul 2026
UN to Add Sites to 'In Danger' List
The United Nations is going to vote on adding new places to a special list of world treasures that are in danger.
These places include a Biblical site, some castles in Lebanon, a big area where animals migrate in South Sudan, and a very deep lake in Russia.
The list is meant to help protect these places from things like war, climate change, and pollution.
Adding a place to the list can help get money and attention to keep it safe.
Some places that are already on the list might also be added to the danger list, like some old ruins in Lebanon and a place in Crimea.
The UN wants to make sure these important places are protected for everyone to enjoy.
UNESCO member states will vote on new additions to World Heritage and World Heritage in Danger lists in Busan, South Korea.
Potential new endangered sites include the Biblical site of Sebastia, Lebanese castles, Boma-Badingilo savannahs, and Lake Baikal.
Sites are added to the danger list to help find funding and attention for their preservation.
Existing sites like Roman baths in Tyre, Tauric Chersonese in Crimea, and Lake Baikal may also be labeled as endangered.
Other sites vying for a simple listing include the Normandy beaches, Amazon theatres, and the Tunisian village of Sidi Bou Said.
- Who
- UNESCO member states
- What
- Voting on new additions to World Heritage and World Heritage in Danger lists
- When
- Next Friday
- Where
- Busan, South Korea
- Why
- To protect sites from threats like war and climate change
- Organization
- UNESCO
- Meeting Location
- Busan, South Korea
- Number of Member States
- 196
- Current World Heritage Sites
- 1,200
- Potential New Endangered Sites
- Biblical site Sebastia, Lebanese castles, Boma-Badingilo savannahs, Lake Baikal, Normandy beaches, Amazon theatres, Sidi Bou Said village
- Threats
- War, climate change, pollution, negligence, unauthorized excavations, mass tourism, large-scale construction, relocation of artifacts
- UNESCO Director
- Lazare Eloundou Assomo
