SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras – Joint Task Force-Bravo and the Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command partnered with the Honduran Army’s 120th Infantry Brigade and the Institute of Anthropology and History to assess cultural heritage sites affected by hurricanes Eta and Iota in Copan, Honduras, March 7-11.

This is the second iteration of this unique exchange in Honduras, with the first conducted last year in Olancho, to assist partner country forces with basic methodologies, tools and strategies on how to identify and document features or impacts on sites of cultural value.

“The idea is to exchange information and knowledge on how to better protect cultural heritage in order to establish better relations between our respective governments and military. This is a very unique field and what’s interesting is how heritage allows us to discuss security in a much larger context,” said Lt. Col. U.S. Army Michael Delacruz, Army Monuments Officer with USACAPOC, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. .

The exercise was coordinated by JTF-Bravo engineers, under US Southern Command, with the goal of assisting regional partners in post-disaster capabilities.

“We think it is important to share our expertise with our Honduran partners and that it is also important for [JTFB] to be able to identify cultural heritage sites or those that may be of significant value because we also operate in those areas because we want to be respectful of that while we’re here,” Lt. US Army Riley Kissinger, JTF engineer. -Bravo and officer in charge of the mission.

The week included a two-day class exchange in Santa Rosa de Copan, where experts presented background information and demonstrated what needed to be done in the field, including a form to collect information and tools to assess damage .

Participants then spent three days in the field and visited Copan Ruinas, identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, to learn what to look for and what they could help protect and accomplish by helping the ‘Institute of Anthropology.

The teams have also started the site assessment part in the affected areas of the park which is surrounded by the Copan River, which has caused flooding and erosion around the location and some of the temples.

With a personal connection to the location, and as personnel who guard this area as part of their military duties, Honduran soldiers have been personally invested in learning from Army monument officers to better prepare for future disasters where they could be called upon to protect, transport and store objects that are part of their own tangible and intangible heritage.

“I’ve had experience working in this area and we’ve patrolled this area, but until now I realize that some of the things that we thought were normal weren’t,” said the Honduran Army Lt. Kevin Calix, officer. in charge of the 120th attendees, as he recalled times when he now identified stones and boulders that potentially came from archaeological sites used as construction. “We didn’t take into account the effect it caused, but we now know that it is damage and that there are procedures to report it. [to the Institute of Anthropology]. If at some point they want to rebuild what once existed, they are going to need it,” he said.

Discussing the importance of protecting cultural heritage, Delacruz said not only is it important for maintaining our identity in relation to where we grew up and where we call home, “but also these resources are precious for a global audience and it is important that we cooperate in its protection” because often following a disaster, these sites and goods can be looted or trafficked.

In terms of partnership, these exchanges provide a unique opportunity for the U.S. military to strengthen cooperative ties by protecting the history and culture that unites the Americas, as well as our common values.
“I hope programs like this go beyond what we’ve done,” Delacruz said. “I think as we see events around the world, cultural heritage protection issues are a global concern and we’ve been very successful in building those relationships, so in demonstrating that success here in Honduras, I think that it’s something worth developing.”
As partners in Honduras and the region, SOUTHCOM supports several civil affairs initiatives and continues to cultivate relationships within Central American forces through JTF-Bravo.

People form a line to pass supplies at a refueling station in Lviv, Ukraine, March 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ren Ke)

– Evacuation trains from major cities in Ukraine, such as Kiev and Kharkiv, pour into Lviv, the country’s sixth-largest city about 60 km from the Polish border, bringing large numbers of evacuees from the fighting.

– “No one knows how the situation will develop,” said a resident of Lviv. “We all hope and pray that in a few days life will return to normal.”

LVIV, Ukraine, March 9 (Xinhua) — Under mostly cloudy skies with a few snow showers, hundreds of volunteers handed out food and hot drinks to those waiting at Lviv Central Station in western Ukraine. Ukraine, that trains take them to their neighboring countries in the midst of the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict.

“We are ready to help everyone,” a volunteer who wished to remain anonymous told Xinhua. The freezing temperatures, the crowds and the chaos didn’t seem to deter him. “People make me strong,” he said with a broad smile.

Evacuation trains from major cities in Ukraine, such as Kiev and Kharkiv, are pouring into Lviv, the country’s sixth-largest city about 60 km from the Polish border, bringing large numbers of evacuees from the fighting. The city itself has also become a transit point, with some of its public facilities turned into reception centers and shelters.

Lviv resident Stephan Pylyp, who operated 21 shoe stores across Lviv and employed about 150 people, told Xinhua that although the military conflict forced the closure of his shoe factory in town, he still decided to distribute winter boots to the needy.

People are seen at a train station in Lviv, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Ren Ke)

“Nobody knows how the situation will evolve,” he said. “We all hope and pray that in a few days life will return to normal.”

Maxim, an English teacher who had to flee Kyiv, decided to stay in Lviv after sending his wife and daughter to Germany. Pledging to volunteer as a translator for foreigners arriving in the city, Maxim said he would be more than happy to lend a hand to others as he was offered help when he arrived. .

Compared to southern and eastern Ukraine, Lviv has been relatively untouched and has become a safe haven for locals and foreigners alike.

The authorities and residents of Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine with a population of some 720,000, have spared no effort to protect the city’s well-preserved historic and picturesque Old Town, a site United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.

At the four corners of Lviv’s Rynok Square – one of the city’s most important attractions in the heart of the old town – the four 18th-century stone statues of ancient Greek deities have been wrapped in protective plastic and fixed with adhesive tape.

Photo taken on March 5, 2022 shows a shrouded statue in front of the City Hall in the Old Town of Lviv, Ukraine. (Xinhua/Ren Ke)

In addition to covering statues and sculptures around the city with moss, city workers installed wire mesh on historic buildings and churches and erected wooden panels to protect stained glass windows.

After two rounds of inconclusive peace talks, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators failed to achieve a significant breakthrough in their third round of peace talks in Belarus on Monday, although some consensus on humanitarian corridors was reached. hit.

The Russian armed forces have declared a “regime of silence” and announced that they will open humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians from several Ukrainian cities from 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Tuesday.

Ukraine’s UNIAN news agency reported on Tuesday that Ukraine had started evacuating residents of the northeastern city of Sumy through a humanitarian corridor, as agreed with Russia. ■

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam museum said on Thursday it had severed close ties with the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and UNESCO warned of heritage damage Ukrainian culture, as international cultural institutions intensified their condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Hermitage Amsterdam said it had long distanced itself from politics in Russia under President Vladimir Putin by establishing close ties with the Hermitage, giving the Amsterdam museum “access to the one of the most famous art collections in the world, from which we could draw” for exhibitions. .

“Russia’s recent attack on Ukraine makes maintaining this distance untenable,” the Dutch museum said in a statement. “Our board and trustees have decided to cut ties with the Hermitage Museum.”

LOOK: Russian forces advance as fighting intensifies in Ukraine

He added that he hoped to eventually be able to restore ties pending peace and “changes in the future of Russia”.

In another move to culturally isolate Moscow, the Swedish Academy, which awards the coveted Nobel Prize in Literature, broke a long-standing practice of not making political statements and condemned the invasion.

In a statement, the academy noted that its history and mission are deeply rooted in traditions of freedom of expression, belief and scholarship.

“We therefore join the legion of our fellow academies, literary and cultural institutions, institutions of higher learning, advocates of a free press, human rights organizations and nation states in expressing our horror at the attack. unjustified act of the Russian government against Ukraine and its people,” he added. It said.

The UN cultural agency, meanwhile, has sounded the alarm over damage to Ukraine’s cultural heritage by announcing it is working to assess Ukraine’s educational and cultural institutions and sites. heritage designated by the United Nations.

Ukraine is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Saint Sophia Cathedral and related monastic buildings in the capital Kiev. Other sites on the UN list are located in the western city of Lviv, the Black Sea port city of Odessa and the second-largest city of Kharkiv. All four towns were subjected to artillery attacks and aerial bombardment by the invading Russian forces.

“We must safeguard this cultural heritage, as a testimony to the past but also as a vector of peace for the future”, declared the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.

In a statement, Azoulay said the agency was coordinating its efforts with Ukrainian authorities to mark key historical monuments and sites across Ukraine as quickly as possible with an internationally recognized sign for the protection of cultural heritage in the event of conflict. armed.

UNESCO will also organize a meeting with the country’s museum directors to help them safeguard museum collections and cultural property as the war rages on.

At least seven educational institutions were damaged in attacks over the past week, including Karazin National University in Kharkiv on Wednesday, the statement said.

Last week, Hollywood joined international film festivals, orchestras, art exhibitions and other cultural institutions to blacklist Russia and promote Ukrainian artists in a show of solidarity.

The Russian Ballet Theatre, an independent ballet company dedicated to this style of dance with a multinational cast that is currently touring the United States, renamed itself RBT Ballet Theater on Thursday and uses the slogan “We Dance for Peace”. We stand with Ukraine.

Winfield reported from Rome. Barbara Surk contributed from Nice, France.

You might have considered Odisha simply for its fabulous beaches or its delicious cuisine, both of which are quite valid reasons to visit the state, but one thing most tourists overlook is the rich culture and heritage that it offers. ‘Odisha has to offer.

It is known for the Jagannath temple in Puri, one of India’s four dhams and the devotion to the deity is apparent through its unique arts and crafts, but there is more to it than the most famous temple in India. ‘Odisha to visit on your trip to the state. Here are five incredibly diverse cultural and heritage sites that you can visit on your next visit to Odisha.

Fascinating temples –

Of course, Jagannath Temple in Puri is a must visit for anyone coming to Odisha. But don’t forget the vast majority of other famous temples in the state, either. The capital Bhubaneswar itself has amazing and intricately carved temples such as Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple. Western Odisha is also known for its temples, with the Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur being one of the main attractions for locals and visitors who wish to pay homage to the reigning deity of the region. The recently launched sound and light show at the temple makes it a must-see destination. Another fascinating temple is the leaning temple of Huma dedicated to Lord Shiva in the region which is one of only two leaning temples in the world and a must visit in Odisha.

Amazing Monuments –

Coming to Odisha and not seeing the famous Konark Sun Temple is a bit like going to Rome and not seeing the Colosseum. This 13^and Century wonder of Kalinga architecture has to be seen to be believed. From chariot wheels to scenes of everyday life from 800+ years ago, it’s hard to believe they were carved in stone without modern equipment so long ago. You can spend hours in the peaceful surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site without getting tired of its beauty.

Unique arts and crafts –

One of the major draws of the coastal state is Odisha’s unique handicrafts and handcraft. Whether it is the art form of Pattachitra practiced and prominently displayed at Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village near Puri or Sambalpuri ikat sarees with simple designs and stories about the life of Lord Jagannath or even the tribal art in hill stations like Koraput and Daringbadi, the scale and craftsmanship dedication by the locals to their art, it is worth visiting Odisha to simply pick up some great pieces to adorn your home and wardrobe with unique arts and crafts.

Tranquil Buddhist Heritage –

Located about 100 kilometers from Bhubaneswar in the Jajpur district, visiting the diamond triangle of Buddhist sites called Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri is a pleasant and offbeat detour from the usual tourist attractions. Buddhism flourished in Odisha from the 6^and century BC to 15^and century BCE and nowhere is the grandeur of the state’s Buddhist heritage more visible than in these three places. Lalitgiri is the oldest excavated monastery in the region which was built in the 1^st century BCE and contains the main stupa, prayer halls with the museum displaying many Buddhist artifacts. Udaygiri, on the other hand, is the largest and most picturesque of the three sites with its panoramic views from the top of the hill, its lion statue and other superb sculptures. Ratnagiri, on the other hand, is the best excavated site and its intricately carved doorway will certainly make you stop and wonder before heading inside to see the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra. One can also visit the famous Dhauligiri, a peace stupa built to commemorate Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War – one of the bloodiest battles in Indian history which took place on the banks of the Daya River which flows beside the Stupa. One of Ashokan’s 14 major rock decrees is found here.

Intricate Jain Monuments –

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, located a few minutes outside of Bhubaneswar, contain treasures of Jain heritage. Believed to have been made for Jain monks in the 1^st century BC by King Kharavela, visiting some of these caves such as Rani Gumpha of Udayagiri and Jaya Vijaya Gumpha which features a group of people praying to a Bodhi tree are some of the most surreal cave architectures you are likely to see . Khandagiri’s Navamuni Gumpha is known for the carvings of the nine Jain tirthankars, while Trusula Gumpha features more Jain relief works that make spending hours at these sites a breeze. Not to mention the Digambara Jain temple which stands on top of Khandagiri hill and is a popular place of worship for Jains.

This is a joint publication.

Read all the latest Assembly news, breaking news and live updates here.

The President of PASOK and the Movement for Change, Nikos Androulakis, and the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Eva Kailiasked the European Commission to examine the desecration of the monastery of Panagia Soumela by the Turkish authorities.

It was noted that this decision is a continuation of a series of provocative actions, such as the conversion of Hagia Sophia and Chora Monastery into mosques, two World Heritage sites protected by UNESCO.

This is in addition to the conversion of Hagia Sophia in Trapezounta (Τραπεζούντα, Turkish: Trabzon) into a mosque.

READ MORE: Professor Mazis: Greece must open a consulate in Pontos, Tenedos and Imvros.

When questioned, they noted that respect for the cultural heritage of monuments in its territory is a prerequisite for accession negotiations with the EU and called on the Commission to take the necessary measures.

Here is the text of the question:

“One of the most historic monuments of Pontic Hellenism, the monastery of Panagia Soumela, a candidate for inscription on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been desecrated by the Turkish authorities.

“They gave permission to make it a ‘club’ with a DJ playing electronic music.

“The Turkish authorities have authorized, as they claim, a tourist promotion of the monument, in complete disregard of the religious feeling of millions of Orthodox Christians for whom Panagia Soumela has been the cradle of their faith for more than 16 centuries.

READ MORE: Professor Fotiadis: There are up to 2 million crypto-Greeks in Turkey and many visit Panagia Soumela in Pontos.

“At the same time, the Minister of Culture said that 77 relics of the monastery of Panagia Soumela have been identified inside and outside Turkey, for which procedures have been initiated for their claim and their return. in Turkey.

“Does she intend to make a recommendation/protest to the Turkish authorities for the desecration of the monument?

“After the provocative transformation of Hagia Sophia in Trapezounta as well as Hagia Sophia and the Chora Monastery in Istanbul into a mosque, how does it intend to emphasize in Turkey that respect for the cultural heritage of the monuments of its territory is a fundamental condition for the continuation of accession negotiations with the EU?

“Does it intend to intervene with the Turkish authorities in order to relocate the relics preserved in the warehouses of the museums of Ankara and Hagia Sophia in the area of ​​the monastery which now serves as a museum?”

READ MORE: The “discotheque” of Panagia Soumela: Extremists do not respect it because it symbolizes Pontian Hellenism.

TEHRAN — A handicraft expert has warned that the art of traditional jewelry is on the brink of oblivion in the country’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.

This craft has become increasingly neglected over the years along with their construction and there is a decrease in the manufacture of handmade jewelry in the province, IRNA said quoting Abdolmajid Sharifzadeh, who chairs the traditional art group of the Institute for Research on Cultural Heritage and Tourism, as said on Saturday.

Drawing inspiration from the culture and nature of the region, the artists have developed a complementary artistic journey, which has unfortunately been overshadowed due to their lack of support, the expert added.

Among the oldest types of traditional jewelry that are now in critical condition are those used in Sistan-Baluchestan, which need more attention and support, he said.

The collective province – Sistan in the north and Baluchestan in the south – represents one of the driest regions of Iran with a slight increase in precipitation from east to west and an obvious increase in humidity in the coastal regions. In ancient times, the region was a crossroads of the Indus Valley and Babylonian civilizations.

The province is of special importance due to its strategic and transit location, especially Chabahar which is Iran’s only ocean port and the best and easiest access route to open waters from Central Asian countries.

The vast province is home to several distinctive archaeological sites and natural attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Shahr-e-Soukhteh (Burnt City) and Lut Desert.

ABU/AFM

8-Day CNY, Tibet, Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Adventure

Image courtesy of Joy Travel

You should never miss the opportunity to visit Tibet as the stunning culture and landscape will leave you with unforgettable memories. This eight-day adventure tour of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Mount Qomolangma (known in the West as Mount Everest) includes top attractions from the Roof of the World. You will visit the Holy Potala Palace, the majestic Sera Monastery, and breathtaking natural landscapes like Yamdroktso Lake and Karola Glacier, as well as breathtaking views of Holy Mother Qomolangma.

For more information, click here

7-Day CNY Yunnan Winter Tour with Kunming, Dali and Lijiang

Image courtesy of Joy Travel

Enter a world of ethnic minorities with a brilliant ancient culture and unique customs. While visiting Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kunming Stone Forest and Lijiang Old Town. Enjoy ethnic festivals, architectures, costumes, customs, etiquette, ethnic snacks, handicrafts, singing and dancing with the locals and of course breathtaking natural scenery.

For more information, click here

3-Day CNY Harbin Ice Festival Tour

Image courtesy of Joy Travel

Why not spend Christmas in a winter wonderland? One of the four largest ice festivals in the world, Harbin’s iteration is a must-see for the spectacle of its giant illuminated ice sculptures, but this trip also includes the Russian-style Volga Manor, the big cats of the Tiger of Siberia Park, old western style buildings on Central Street and more.

For more information, click here

3-Day CNY Huangshan Hot Spring Tour with Hongcun Village

This three-day tour combines the impressive Huangshan Mountain, Tunxi Ancient Street, Cloud Valley Temple, and the scenic and scenic Hongcun Village. Bathing in the hot spring of a 5-star hotel will leave you feeling renewed and energized. Following an experienced guide, you will hike the legendary Huangshan Mountain to enjoy the most amazing scenery, as well as visit Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, to appreciate the magnificent Hui-style buildings. .

For more information, click here

Escape to Jing Ting, a retreat from the ancient town of Zhujiajiao

Image by Sophie Steiner/It’s

An upscale homestay-style bed and breakfast, Jing Ting is located an hour from Shanghai in the nearby water town of Zhujiajiao. The restored historic building is within walking distance of millennial village attractions, like Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden, but is secluded enough for guests to get away from hectic city life. The 800+ square meter structure is designed in a courtyard pattern, with wood, brick and traditional carvings throughout.

For more information, click here

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DUBAI: A Saudi company specializing in organizing entertainment and cultural events is taking tourism and leisure experiences in the Kingdom to a whole new level, as demonstrated by the recent AlUla Dates festival.

Events company Midwam has managed a multitude of sporting, cultural and musical extravaganzas. Its forte is delivering immersive experiences, in places like London, Paris, New York and Russia, that use the latest technology to awaken the senses.

Midwam claims to leverage augmented, virtual, and mixed reality as well as artificial intelligence to deliver “innovative, flexible, and intelligent solutions across multiple platforms.”

The company has worked on transformational events, including the first MDLBEAST Soundstorm music festival in Riyadh in December 2019, creating what it describes as “emotional and inspiring connections between people and brand”.

Its clients include leading Saudi organizations in the public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Art Council and Misk Innovation.

“We’re in the business of creating ‘big impact’ – that’s the most important thing for me,” Khalid Al-Muawad, CEO and co-founder of Midwam, told Arab News. “If I don’t see ‘impact’ in the project, we don’t take it. We are very selective with our projects in terms of impact.

Over four weekends in October and November, the company has partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla and the AlUla Dates Festival to give thousands of local and international visitors the chance to experience first-hand the rich heritage and of Saudi culture.

Once considered a lost city of the dead, AlUla has transformed in recent years into a living museum that houses the remains of ancient civilizations, important historical sites and archaeological marvels dating back 200,000 years.

Located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia and covering an area of ​​over 22,000 square kilometers, it is known for its dramatic sandstone mountains and fertile oases. Thanks to its location in the Arabian Peninsula, at a crossroads of civilizations, AlUla was once the ideal resting place for traveling merchants who traveled great distances in trade caravans.

Midwam has used its event expertise to bring the region’s unique heritage to life through an authentic souk, traditional music and even a date auction.

“We are a company in Saudi Arabia that tries to explain to people that an experience should impact different sectors,” Al-Muawad said. “We’re scouring the market to show people how experiences can really reflect on them, how it can impact them, and be a great tool for people to engage.”

Launched in 2012 and based in Jeddah, Midwam has a diverse talent pool, including designers, developers, engineers, architects, storytellers and interior designers. With around 30 employees, 70% of whom are Saudi and half of whom are women, Midwam is in the business of hiring “the best of the best” when it comes to local talent, Al-Muawad said.

“We’ve been surprised by how many people are capable of various things when given the opportunity,” he said. “And I’m very thankful and thankful that we have such talent under our umbrella that is able to deliver.”

Perhaps thanks to his experience in the banking sector, Al-Muawad has a nose for investment opportunities. He identified such an opportunity when he spotted massive unmet demand for innovative cultural and entertainment environments that people can engage with.

“Gaming is about commitment,” he said. “How can you engage people with your product or your story? Considering the latest solutions, technologies and methods that are currently deployed in the world, the ordinary way of engaging with things has become boring, less appealing and less engaging.

“If you go to a bookstore, people want to use their hands, interact with the content, turn the pages, double click on a story and see a visual of it, go to its audio and listen to it rather than read it. These are all attractive tools and solutions that are there.

Such signs of changing market behavior have motivated the Midwam team to create experiences that target different aspects of culture, heritage, tourism, sports and entertainment through partnerships with businesses in Saudi Arabia. , the United States, Europe and the Far East.

“In a nutshell, an experience is a space that contains people with an offering and a journey, and that’s what we do,” Al-Muawad said. “We take spaces and turn them into a journey for people where they can engage with a story, a product, a scene, content, and they can go through stages in that journey and interact with any program or offer designed for this. space.”

When Midwam takes on a project, its team of architects, designers, engineers, developers, coders, and content providers combine their talents to bring ideas for human-centered experiential travel to life.

In AlUla, for example, the outstanding landscape provided a unique canvas which, in the words of Al-Muawad, could turn into a “magnificent magnet” for tourism by making the most of its outstanding natural beauty and heritage. old.

The Royal Commission for AlUla has developed a number of successful projects in the area over the past two years, but Al-Muawad believes there is still potential for growth.

Such growth is already underway; Following the framework set by Saudi Vision 2030, the Journey Through Time master plan was launched in April last year to establish AlUla as a major global tourist attraction.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is chairman of the RCU, described the plan as “a leap forward to develop AlUla in a sustainable and responsible way and to share our cultural heritage with the world”.

RCU had a similar vision in mind when they hired Midwam to transform the AlUla Dates festival. Al-Muawad’s team created a traditional souk for the event, made up of local families selling their own produce, as well as an auction area for those selling dates in bulk. Entertainment was also planned, including a parade, storyteller, musicians and a children’s area.

“We had very positive feedback from the public,” Al-Muawad said. “It was a great opportunity for us, based in Jeddah and Riyadh, to interact with the people of AlUla.

“We were able to meet the farmers and understand the stories of the generations who inherited this activity of growing and selling dates. So it was a very interesting trip for us too.

Al-Muawad believes cultural engagement like this is a powerful tool for people from diverse backgrounds to better understand each other. Saudi Arabia and its people have always pioneered hospitality, he said, with a genuine love of welcoming visitors.

“It’s not just something in Saudi Arabia,” he added. “It’s been a feature of the Arabs for quite a long time. When we were out in the middle of the desert, on camels and in tents, we always had visitors and that was something important — and it still is. .

“So it’s important that within AlUla, when we give people the opportunity to engage with citizens and locals, they understand how nice they are and how interested they are in the field of agriculture and how they have inherited it for generations.

“Once you learn about it, you learn more about this culture and understand the importance and significance within Saudi Arabia itself.”

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Twitter: @CalineMalek

You’ve heard of it, but you may not know why – or how – a UNESCO World Heritage Site gains prominence.

There is much talk of a site “listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site”. But what does that mean? Why is this important? And does that make the site special? The number of UNESCO sites around the world has exploded over the past 40 years, with another 34 sites added in 2021.

Many think that many of the UNESCO-listed sites in the United States are worth visiting, but others not so much.

The origin of the protection and designation of sites by UNESCO

It may come as a surprise, but one of the main catalysts that gave birth to UNESCO was when Egypt decided in 1954 to build the new Aswan High Dam. This would have flooded and destroyed the iconic rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt, which today are an essential part of any visit to Egypt.

Such an act of destruction of monuments so emblematic and steeped in history would be almost unthinkable today. But the 1950s were in the early stages of conservation efforts. Fortunately, in 1959, the governments of Egypt and Sudan asked UNESCO to help them protect and save the doomed monuments.

• Aswan High Dam: Triggered one of UNESCO’s first major conservation efforts to save priceless heritage

In 1960 UNESCO responded and the temple complexes of Abu Simbel and Philae were dismembered and moved to higher ground while hundreds of sites were excavated and recorded and thousands of objects were recovered before the land is flooded.

The project was considered a huge success and led to other efforts to save various other sites around the world – such as Venice in Italy and Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan.

• Countries not party to the Convention: Liechtenstein, Nauru, Somalia and Tuvalu

After that, a formal convention was created to identify and protect historic sites around the world. Almost all countries have signed the convention – only four countries have not signed the convention, Liechtenstein, Nauru, Somalia and Tuvalu.

Related: What to Know About Visiting These (Must-See) UNESCO-Listed Twin Attractions in Turkey

UNESCO and World Heritage Sites

What is a World Heritage Site? A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area that has been given legal protection by an international body administered by UNESCO. They say that:

“To be inscribed on the World Heritage List, sites must have outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.“

• UNESCO: Abbreviation for “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization”

Sites around the world are designated for their cultural, historical, scientific or other significance. The site must be a unique landmark that is geographically and historically identifiable and has some sort of cultural or physical significance.

Sites can be geographic and ecological like forests, deserts, and wilderness areas, or they can be man-made like ancient ruins or historic buildings, cities, or monuments.

The intention is that the sites be preserved for practical conservation for posterity.

To be included, the site must be of “outstanding universal value” and meet at least one of their ten criteria.

Culturally, the six criteria are (more or less) that it must represent a masterpiece of human creative genius, present an important exchange of human values, bear at least exceptional testimony to a vanished civilization, be an outstanding type of building, architectural or technological ensemble which illustrates an important stage in human history, is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement or the purpose of life, or is directly or tangibly associated with living traditions.

There are also four natural inclusion criteria. Full criteria can be found on their website.

Related: Why You Should Check Out Hoi An UNESCO Site

UNESCO sites in figures

There are now UNESCO sites in 167 different countries – Italy is the country with the most sites on their list.

Number of UNSECO sites (July 2021):

• Total: 1,154
• Cultural sites: 897
• Natural sites : 218
• Mixed properties: 39

Today, there are more than a thousand protected sites in the world with a very high concentration in Europe. Despite its size and history, India has only 40 sites (in sixth place) while the United States has only 24 in 12th place. A full list of sites can be seen on their website.

Countries with the most sites:

• Italy: 58
• China: 56
• Germany: 51
• France: 49
• Spain: 49

The first US sites to be listed during the 2nd session in 1979 were Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

If a site is inscribed in UNESCO, it is an indicator of the perceived value and importance of this site for the world. But that doesn’t mean we’ll find it particularly interesting. Conversely, many of the most amazing sites are not (yet) registered with UNESCO.

But now many of the world’s most famous historical sites and many of the most famous natural sites are now listed in UNESCO.

Next: These are the best UNESCO World Heritage sites for beginners to visit

Top Hostel Picks for Backpackers in the Country of Georgia

About the Author

Earlier this year, the Netherlands welcomed the addition of three Dutch attractions to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Now, just a few months later, the Netherlands is once again in the spotlight, with two Dutch traditions added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is assessed annually by the UNESCO committee. Created in 2008, it now presents more than 600 practices – ranging from summer solstice fire festivals in Andorra to Chinese silk crafts – that UNESCO aims to highlight and raise awareness.

The full name of the list – Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Register of Good Safeguarding Practices – highlights UNESCO’s efforts to protect important cultural heritage around the world.

Dutch fruit and flower parades honored by UNESCO

Until this year, the Netherlands had only one entry on the list: the grinding process using windmills and water mills, which was listed in 2017. Now the Dutch can celebrate two new additions: the tradition of falconry and the Corso parades.

Every year towns and villages in the Netherlands organize their own flower and fruit parades, some of the most famous of which are probably the Floating Flower Parade and the Zundert Flower Parade. With floats measuring up to 20 meters long and 10 meters high that take months to prepare, UNESCO says Corso culture helps “[create] a sense of social cohesion and solidarity.

Paul Bastiaansen, who works for Corsokoepel, an organization representing the various parades across the country, was happy to hear the news. “It’s a recognition of the Dutch parade culture. Emphasizing that these parades are important traditions, but also that you, as municipalities, should cherish this tradition, ”he said. NO.

In addition to the various Dutch flower and fruit parades, the 4000-year-old tradition of falconry, practiced in a number of countries including the Netherlands, was added to the list this year. The UNESCO committee called it an “important cultural symbol”, with falconers sharing “universal values, traditions and practices”.