CELESTIAL RELIEFS DEPICTING THE HEAVENS UNCOVERED IN THE TEM...

The Temple of Esna, also known as the Temple of Khnum, is a temple complex dedicated to the Ancient Egyptian god, Khnum, and his consorts Menhit and Nebtu, their son, Heka, and the goddess Neith. The temple w...

Monumental Roman complex discovered in France

In the city of Reims in northeastern France, archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman-era monumental complex dating from the 2nd – 3rd century AD.

Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face ...

The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of ...

International Day of Forests 2023

Forests are some of the most biodiversity-rich habitats on Earth and contain 60,000 different tree species and more than 70% of all animal terrestrial species. 

Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) focused on ‘Assessing tou...

The Joint Research Centre through the BIOPAMA program launched a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) focused on ‘Assessing tourism services in protected areas: value chain and economic analyses’. The course is base...

Satellite Images Tell How China Goes Green

China is intensifying its efforts nationwide to make the country greener with a variety of afforestation activities involving both public and private sectors. The country's forest coverage rate rose to 24.02 percen...

Earthquake in Syria and Türkiye: UNESCO offers support

UNESCO on Monday expressed its support for Syria and Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries.

Odesa inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the face ...

The World Heritage Committee on Wednesday decided to inscribe the Historic Centre of Odesa (Ukraine) on the World Heritage List. This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of ...

Landmarks of Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) added to...

The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session on Thursday inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (Yemen) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) i...

The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided on Thursday to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

UIL signs cooperation agreement with Shanghai Normal Univers...

On 4 January 2023, the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), David Atchoarena, signed a four-year cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), People’s Republic of Chin...

Climate Change and World Heritage

World Heritage properties are affected by the impacts of climate change at present and in the future. Their continued preservation requires understanding these impacts to their Outstanding Universal Value and respo...

IUCN welcomes appointment of Razan Al Mubarak as UN Climate ...

Gland, Switzerland, 12 January 2023 (IUCN) - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) today welcomed the news that its President, Razan Al Mubarak, has been appointed as UN Climate Change High-Leve...

Hundreds more terracotta warriors unearthed outside Emperor ...

XI'AN, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Over 220 terracotta warriors have been unearthed from a burial pit near Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the provincial cultural relics bureau said T...

Medieval gold ‘lynx’ earrings from Ani Ruins

A pair of lynx-shaped gold earrings have been unearthed near the ruins of Ani, the once great metropolis known as the “city of a thousand and one churches”, on Turkey’s eastern border, across the Akhuryan River ...

Announcing the release of volume 3 of ‘A Story of Change’

Exposed to intersecting conflicts, climate change-induced disasters and health crises, the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan – collectively referred to as the MENAP region – is home to rich and ...

The Sustainable Development Goals: Our Framework for COVID-1...

“We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Ancient kingdom reveals its secrets

Editor's note: A national comprehensive research program, launched in 2002, to trace the origins of Chinese civilization, has led to the excavations and studies of key sites that are about 3,500 to 5,500 years old....

Findings from 3,300-year-old Uluburun shipwreck reveal compl...

More than 3,000 years before the Titanic sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean, another famous ship wrecked in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern shores of Uluburun—in present-day Turkey— carrying tons of rare meta...

Jade Burial Suits of the Han Dynasty

Threaded hand-crafted from thousands of precious stone slabs with silver and gold during the Han Dynasty about 2000 years ago, ancient China’s jade burial suits were built as armor to the afterlife to prevent mort...

In China, 2700-Year-Old Face Cream Made from Moon Milk for M...

At a Chinese excavation site with Chinese and German researchers, evidence of a 2,700-year-old male facial cream was found. In their articles published in Archaeometry magazine, the group describes the items they f...

Archaeologists in northern Spanish have discovered what they...

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the oldest Basque language text, on Irulegi archaeological site, near the Aranguren Valley, about 8 km from present-day Pamplona in Spain’s northern Navarre ...

Launch of the 2022 IUCN situation analysis on intertidal wet...

This event, supported by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea and facilitated by IUCN and the EAAFP Secretariat, will provide an opportunity for three Ramsar Contracting Parties (PRC, DPRK ...

New research and action agenda on culture, heritage and clim...

“The Global Research and Action Agenda on Culture, Heritage, and Climate Change: Scientific Outcome of the International Co-Sponsored Meeting on Culture, Heritage, and Climate Change”, the result of collaboration...

Join the World Heritage Volunteers 2023 Campaign - working o...

After fifteen years of grassroots youth activities and international cooperation, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative ...

Traditional tea processing techniques and associated social ...

Inscribed in 2022 (17.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

New inscriptions to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

What are the new inscriptions on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage this year ? Follow here in real time the new additions to the UNESCO list in 2022, on the occasion of the 17th session of the intergove...

HIST and ICOMOS sign MoU for Collaboration on Space Technolo...

On 21 November 2022, Prof. Huadong Guo, Director of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO, and Dr. Teresa Patricio, President of the In...

Third cycle of Periodic Reporting in Europe and North Americ...

The Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting started in Europe and North America with a two-day online event (20-21 October) that brought together the national focal points for the implementation of the World Heritage Con...

UNESCO’s solutions for climate change impact on culture

UNESCO World Heritage sites demonstrate the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage and are important resources for traditional knowledge and practices and lead the way for heritage-based solutions and strat...

International Event Held to Strengthen Wetland Conservation ...

The International Symposium on the Protection and Restoration of Wetland Ecosystem Functions in Cold Regions was held both online and offline on November 10, 2022，bringing some 200 participants from six internatio...

UNESCO finds that some iconic World Heritage glaciers will d...

New UNESCO data highlight the accelerated melting of glaciers in World Heritage sites, with glaciers in a third of sites set to disappear by 2050. But it is still possible to save the other two thirds, if the rise ...

HIST and ICCROM sign Agreement for Collaboration on Space Te...

On 24 October 2022, Professor Huadong Guo, Director of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO, met online with Dr Webber Ndoro, Director...

2022 Report on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable ...

The Report on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals (2022) was released by the Chinese side at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) hel...

Chinese FM chairs ministerial meeting on Global Development ...

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired here on Tuesday the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

UNESCO Global Geoparks Council proposes 7 new Geoparks for e...

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council met in Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand and online, on 4 and 5 September 2022, to assess 9 new applications for UNESCO Global Geoparks and 28 revalidations from current UNE...

Floods in Pakistan – ICOMOS response

Since June, record monsoon rains and unprecedented flash floods in Pakistan have caused mounting casualties, especially among the most vulnerable, displaced millions, devastated homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, ...

Mohenjo Daro likely to be removed from world heritage list a...

LARKANA: The department of archaeology has called for urgent attention towards conservation and restoration work at Mohenjo Daro apprehending that the site may be removed from the world heritage list if such work w...

Best practices in coral bleaching preparedness at UNESCO Wor...

On 13 July 2022, experts in coral bleaching preparedness and local management teams from UNESCO World Heritage coral reefs met online to share best practices to recognize bleaching alerts and rapidly deploy monitor...

Xi Focus: Letter from Xi encourages grassroots heroes to bet...

HEFEI, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- On a UNESCO world heritage site in east China's Anhui Province stands one of China's most famous and iconic trees: the Guest-Greeting Pine. The tree resides at about 1,700 meters above se...

Heritage experts urge preserving culture of Kuwaiti old mark...

For many years, Souk Al-Mubarakiya, one of the oldest markets in downtown Kuwait City, had served as a popular tourist attraction and a go-to place for the locals who cherish the traditional way of life, until a bl...

Nepal's quake-damaged world heritage palace restored with Ch...

KATHMANDU, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration project for the quake-hit Nine-Storeyed Basantapur Palace complex in Nepal has been completed with Chinese aid after hard work for nearl...

The Kiwa Initiative launches new projects and additional con...

In the margins of the Kiwa Initiative Steering Committee meeting chaired by Canada, the Kiwa Initiative awarded grants to ten local projects in the Pacific Island Countries, as well as  launched the third Kiwa reg...

HIST and IUCN sign MOU for collaboration on Space Technologi...

On July 7, 2022, Prof. Huadong GUO, Director of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO, and Dr. Bruno Oberle, Director General of the In...

BRICS Academies of Sciences Sign Beijing Declaration on Big ...

On June 16, the BRICS Academies of Sciences Beijing Declaration on Big Data for Sustainable Development was signed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Brazilian Academy o...

HIST Holds Open Online Courses to Celebrate China's Cultural...

On the occasion of this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO held open online courses to cel...

Exploring Nature-Based Sustainable Livelihoods Through Commu...

With support from the UNESCO/Netherlands Funds-in-Trust, community meetings were held in each of the four villages in the East Rennell World Heritage site on 28 April and 1 May 2022, to explore potential nature-bas...

Huadong Guo receives ISC Science for Sustainability Award

On 13th October at the 2nd International Science Council (ISC) General Assembly, Prof. Huadong Guo, the Honarary President of the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)

China's Self-developed Floating Airship Breaks Record

China's self-developed floating airship, designed for atmosphere observation, reached a record altitude of 9,032 meters in Tibet Autonomous Region on Sunday, according to its developer.

Call for geospatial data on World Heritage properties

UNESCO creates an online Geographic Information System to better protect World Heritage properties

Biosphere reserve managers and experts to lead actions towar...

Fragile mountain ecosystems and the wealth of services they provide are highly threatened by climate change. Mountain regions regulate climate, air quality and water flows, and contribute to protecting local commun...

45th session of the World Heritage Committee

Following a consultation of the members of the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee, it was decided that the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, initially scheduled from 19 - 30 June 2022, is postponed.

Sustainable Development: BRICS scientists hold forum on UN 2...

The Academy of Sciences of BRICS countries – China, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and India – has held an online forum from April 26 to 27 to share big data about sustainable development. Zheng Yibing has the deta...

Launch: Mentorship Programme for African World Heritage Prof...

In response to the call to empower African experts working for World Heritage, UNESCO in partnership with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN launched the Mentorship Programme for Africa...

NASA, ULA Launch NOAA’s Newest Earth Observing Satellite

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex ...

NASA Announces 13th Round of Candidates for CubeSat Space Mi...

NASA has selected eight small research satellites from seven states to fly as either auxiliary payloads or deployments from the International Space Station (ISS). These missions are currently planned to launch in t...

Call for application to become a member of the International...

The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) has long been recognized globally amongst geoscientists as one of the most successful models for promoting international scientific cooperation in geosciences. This joi...

Call for applications: evaluators for UNESCO Global Geoparks...

In order to carry out field missions in candidates to UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as re-validation missions, UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network are launching a call for evaluators.

Endangered heritage in Ukraine: UNESCO reinforces protective...

We must safeguard the cultural heritage in Ukraine, as a testimony of the past but also as a catalyst for peace and cohesion for the future, which the international community has a duty to protect and preserve.

UNESCO calls for proposals for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Res...

UNESCO calls on young women and men under the age of 35 to apply for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Research Grant. The grant aims to mobilize young researchers for further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage. Twelv...

Biodiversity conventions call for shared objectives to halt ...

The Secretariats of the world’s eight major biodiversity-related Conventions, including the World Heritage Convention, call for an inclusive post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to halt nature loss and deliver...

UNESCO sends reactive monitoring mission to Great Barrier Re...

UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) will undertake a mission to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from 21 to 30 March 2022 to assess its state of conservation and...

Ukraine: UNESCO statement following the adoption of the UN G...

Following the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Resolution on Aggression against Ukraine, and in light of the devastating escalation of violence, UNESCO is deeply concerned by developments in ...

Extension of Deadline: Join the World Heritage Volunteers 20...

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the Call for Projects for the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Campaign 2022 ‘Resilience and Re-mobilization towards World Heritage’.

Chinese Researchers Update Lunar Chronology Model

The photo shows the sampling sites on the lunar surface. (Provided by the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Online Webinar on Earth Observation and Data Science for Cul...

On December 15-16, the International Webinsar “Earth Observation and Data Science for Cultural Heritage”, co-hosted by International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspic...

Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage visited HIST

Yunfei Qiao, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage (CACH), and more than 10 fellows from the CACH visited HIST on December 7. The delegates visited the China Remote Sensing Satellite Ground Sta...

Yemen: Joint statement by OHCHR and UNESCO on two detained s...

The Director General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay, and Ms Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, continue to be deeply concerned for the well-being of two of their staff members who were detained...

China Unveils First Images Taken by Satellite SDGSAT-1

A group of images taken by Chinese satellite SDGSAT-1 to help meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were unveiled in Beijing on Monday.

2021 Annual Reports on Global Ecosystem and Environment Obse...

China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)  released 2021 annual report series on November 26 to evaluate the latest development trend of global ecosystem and environment.

UNESCO and ICCROM launch training initiative strengthening m...

On 6 December 2021, UNESCO and ICCROM launched the first edition of their joint training initiative “Improving Management Effectiveness in African World Heritage properties (2021-22)” targeting 25 African countri...

Chinese Scientist Invited as Member of ISC Global Commission...

According to an announcement of the International Science Council (ISC) , the Global Commission on Science Missions for Sustainability was launched  on December 9 to press the reset button on efforts to accelerate...

COP26 UN Climate Change Conference: progress for UNESCO natu...

The COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference has served as a venue to announce pivotal pledges that will support increased protection of natural World Heritage. 

China Launches Satellite for UN Sustainable Development Goal...

China launched a scientific satellite that will help nations meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A Long March-6 carrier rocket sent it to orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on Friday. 

China Releases Global Dataset of 30-m Cropping Intensity

The CropWatch team of the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) releases the world's first 30-meter resolution global cropping intensity dataset (GCI30)

Kunming declaration paves way for global biodiversity negoti...

Following the high-level segment attended by several Heads of States, Parties to the CBD adopted the Kunming Declaration to keep the political momentum of the negotiations delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new ...

Chinese Scientist Wins International Science Council Award

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese scientist on Wednesday won the Science for Sustainability Award at the first International Science Council (ISC) Awards for his contribution to sustainable development goals.

2021 Report on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable ...

On September 28, the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) held a press conference to introduce the report on "Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development G...

HIST Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

The International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the Auspices of UNESCO hosted a symposium in Beijing on September 8, 2021, to commemorate its 10th anniversary. In the f...

Call for Proposals - Capacity building in Risk management an...

The increasing impact of disasters in Africa and their growing complexity is a great concern for both heritage professionals and decision makers. It is expected that in the next decade, climate change will lead to ...

China Develops Sustainable Development Satellite

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed a satellite for pursuing sustainable development.

Xi: Innovation, Big Data to Aid 2030 Agenda

President Xi Jinping called on Monday on the international community to take advantage of scientific innovation and big data to overcome key obstacles in fulfilling the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals...

International Youth Day - World Heritage hand-in-hand with s...

Today is International Youth Day, when we focus on the future guardinas of our irreplaceable UNESCO World Heritage. 

International Forum On Big Data For Sustaindble Development ...

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development entered its "Decade of Action" in 2020. However, its implementation still faces several constraints such as lack of data, insufficient research on in...

Danube Limes added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List closing ...

The World Heritage Committee today inscribed the transnational property of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Danube Limes (Western Segment) on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

Space tech to monitor World Heritage Sites focus of UN event

A side event of the 44th Session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held on Monday focusing on the adoption of space technology on the monitoring and conservation of World Heritage Sites.

Cultural sites in Africa, Arab Region, Asia, Europe, and Lat...

The World Heritage Committee today added 13 cultural sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage List and one extension to an existing cultural site in Mexico. Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (Romania), was simultaneously...

Space Tech to Monitor World Heritage Sites Focus of UN Event

A side event of the 44th Session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held on Monday focusing on the adoption of space technology on the monitoring and conservation of World Heritage Sites.

Focus on HIST Holds 9th Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) held its 9rd board meeting on June 23 via video link.

Meet Jiangxi on Cultural and Natural Heritage Day

A photo gallery on the landscapes of Jiangxi Province is organized by the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) to celebrate this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage D...

Space tech to monitor World Heritage Sites focus of UN event

A side event of the 44th Session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held on Monday focusing on the adoption of space technology on the monitoring and conservation of World Heritage Sites.

The 4th World Heritage Site Managers' Forum has begun

This year’s Forum is being held online with nearly 100 World Heritage Site Managers from around the world from 7 to 13 July, together with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Advisory Bodies (ICCROM, IUCN and ICOMOS...

International Day for Biological Diversity - We are part of ...

International Day for Biological Diversity 2021 is being celebrated under the slogan: "We're part of the solution #ForNature".

Monitoring World Heritage site closures Introduction to the ...

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments have taken measures to restrict movements of people and access to certain areas.

Rivers of China from Space

China designated April 24 as Space Day in 2016 to mark the anniversary of the country's first satellite launch, Dongfanghong-1 in 1970. Since then, China has achieved multiple milestones in space.

China's Lunar Rover Travels 682.77 Meters on Far Side of Moo...

BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 28th lunar day, according to the Lunar Exploration and...

China's Lunar Rover Travels 682.77 Meters on Far Side of Moo...

BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 28th lunar day, according to the Lunar Exploration and...

China's Lunar Rover Travels 682.77 Meters on Far Side of Moo...

BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 28th lunar day, according to the Lunar Exploration and...

China's Lunar Rover Travels 682.77 Meters on Far Side of Moo...

BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have been switched to dormant mode for the lunar night after working stably for a 28th lunar day, according to the Lunar Exploration and...

On 50th anniversary of Man and the Biosphere Programme, UNES...

Following UNESCO’s Forum on Biodiversity on 24 March, the Organization has called for the mobilization of governments, citizens and civil society, including the private sector, in favour of biodiversity through th...

HIST Holds Seminar on Sustainable Development of UNESCO Desi...

An online seminar, organized by the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of UNESCO( hereafter called“HIST”), was held in Beijing on March 16 to explore h...

World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2021

This year’s theme for World Wetlands Day ‘Wetlands and Water,’ highlights the importance of wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages action to restore them and stop their loss. This is especially impor...

APSCO Concluded ‘Competition on Discovering Historical Cult...

The ‘Competition on Discovering Historical Cultural Heritage with Eye in Space’ was successfully concluded on 25 January 2022, via teleconference.

44th session of the World Heritage Committee

In light of the developments in the world related to pandemic COVID-19, it was decided that the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee, initially scheduled for 29 June - 9 July 2020 would be postponed to a la...

2020 report on big earth data in support of the sustainable ...

2020 report on big earth data in support of the sustainable development goals

Early notification of collapse of House of Wonders in Zanzib...

Following news of the collapse of a part of the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) in Stone Town, Zanzibar on 25 December 2020, the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ms Mechtild Rössler joins the peopl...

International Mountain Day 2020: Mountain Biodiversity

Mountain biodiversity is the theme of this year’s International Mountain Day, a day to reflect on the importance of their rich biodiversity, as well as address the threats they face.

Norway increases support of natural heritage in Africa

As part of its new cooperation programme with UNESCO, the Government of Norway committed an additional amount of NOK 50 million over two years (equivalent to USD 5,64 million)

48th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, 16 Novemb...

The 16th of November marks the 48th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. This Convention protects the world’s most outstanding places, belonging to us all.

Monitoring  World Heritage site closures Introduction to th...

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments have taken measures to restrict movements of people and access to certain areas.

Monitoring  World Heritage site closures Introduction to th...

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments have taken measures to restrict movements of people and access to certain areas.

CAS Scientists Propose Deep Learning Method for Atmospheric ...

Small particles suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, scientifically known as aerosols, pose a major environmental problem because they degrade visibility, affect human health and influence the climate. 

Online Meeting: Lessons learned from Covid-19 for marine Wor...

As Covid-19 has impacted most of the world, the pandemic also caused unprecedented challenges for UNESCO marine World Heritage sites. The dramatic drop in tourism revenues left sites struggling to keep rangers on t...

UNESCO Mobilizes Funds and Expertise to Safeguard Yemen’s C...

UNESCO profoundly regrets the loss of life and property in a number of historic centers in Yemen, including in the World Heritage sites of Zabid, Shibam, and Sana’a, in recent days following exceptional extreme we...

Focus on Chinese Researchers Release Reports on Desert Locus...

BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have released a series of reports on monitoring desert locusts in Asia and Africa in order to offer early warnings, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS...

Youth Day – “Youth Engagement for Global Action”

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” aims to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national an...

Space Information Services Safeguard Chinese Ships in Arctic

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers used remote sensing and model forecast data to help Chinese merchant ships Tian'en and Tianyou safely navigate the Northeast Passage of Arctic this summer.

Quake-hit Jiuzhaigou's Water Environment Restoring: Remote S...

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- A remote sensing study shows that the water environment of the Jiuzhaigou scenic spot in southwest China's Sichuan Province has started to rehabilitate after being hit by an earthquake,...

UNESCO and ALIPH to rehabilitate Mali’s Bandiagara World He...

UNESCO will support the social cohesion and resilience of communities suffering from years of armed conflict in central Mali as part of a major new project, made possible through USD 1 million in funding from the I...

China's Probe Radar to Explore Internal Structure of Mars

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- After landing on Mars, China's Tianwen-1 probe will detect the surface and internal structure of the red planet by using its onboard radar equipment.

China Builds Automatic Leaf Area Index Monitoring Network

BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have realized continuous national-scale ground observation of the leaf area index by building an automatic monitoring network, according to the Aerospace Information...

Study Reveals Composition of “Gel-like” Substance Discover...

The unusual dark greenish and glistening "gel-like" substance in a crater on the far side of the moon has attracted widespread interest following its discovery by the Chang'e-4 rover in July 2019.

Study Reveals Composition of “Gel-like” Substance Discover...

The unusual dark greenish and glistening "gel-like" substance in a crater on the far side of the moon has attracted widespread interest following its discovery by the Chang'e-4 rover in July 2019.

Space for New Discoveries

(China Daily)--- A type of archaeology, employing remote sensing and a multidisciplinary approach, is helping researchers unearth significant historical sites, Li Yingxue reports.

Monitoring  World Heritage site closures

Introduction to the global map on the closure of World Heritage sites due to Covid-19 and analysis.

UNESCO designates 15 new Geoparks in Asia, Europe, and Latin...

Paris, 10 July—UNESCO’s Executive Boards has approved the designation of 15 new UNESCO Global Geoparks, which brings the number of sites participating in the Global Geoparks Network to 161 in 44 countries. The E...

The oldest evidence of human presence in the Congo Basin fin...

The Lopé National Park in Gabon is a site inscribed on the World Heritage List since 2007 under the name "Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda".

Efficient Remote Sensing Algorithm Proposed for Landslide Mo...

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have designed an improved remote sensing method for more efficient landslide monitoring.

From Space to Sites: Satellites in Support of China’s Herit...

Since 2006, China marks its Cultural Heritage Day on the second Saturday of June each year. Since 2017, the event goes under the name of “Cultural and Natural Heritage Day”, aiming at strengthening public awarene...

UNESCO welcomes bp commitment to refrain from exploiting oil...

Paris, 5 June - UNESCO has welcomed the announcement by Bernard Looney, CEO of bp, that the energy giant will refrain from undertaking new oil and gas exploration or production activities within natural, cultural...

Big Earth Data Indexed by Scopus

Big Earth Data (hereinafter referred as BEDJ), the world's first big data journal on Earth sciences, has been accepted for inclusion in Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature...

China's First Monograph on Remote Sensing of Urban Green Spa...

HIST Conducts Emergency Assessment of Cyclone Impact on Worl...

Requested by UNESCO World Heritage Center (WHC), the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO conducted

Explore art and archaeological sites in Lebanon through virt...

As we are all locked down and spend time at home to help contain the spread of COVID-19, UNESCO Beirut and Lebanon's Ministry of Culture have partnered together in a unique initiative to allow you to virtually tour...

More than 130 Ministers call for support to culture sector i...

Over 130 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Culture joined the online meeting convened by UNESCO to discuss actions to bolster the cultural sector, which is facing unprecedented upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big Data Platforms for a Global Pandemic

20 leadership with “an extraordinary opportunity to step forward with a strong response package to address the various threats of COVID-19”.

Monitoring  World Heritage site closures

Introduction to the global map on the closure of World Heritage sites due to Covid-19 and analysis.

Notre Dame: One year after the fire

A year has passed since the fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The Cathedral is part of the World Heritage

In moments of crisis, people need culture

COVID-19 has brought into stark relief, as crises often do, the necessity of culture for people and communities.

Technical Meeting on World Heritage Sites in Libya

On 5 and 6 March 2020, the World Heritage Centre hosted a technical meeting to support Libya in the drafting of the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value

Marine World Heritage: 50 Beacons of Hope in a changing ocea...

Last year was a year of highs and lows for marine World Heritage. Sites made progress in strengthening climate adaptation capacity, adopting zero emission policies and establishing fisheries no-take zones. The 2020...

World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2020

Today is World Wildlife Day with the theme, “Sustaining all life on Earth.” This encompasses all wild animal and plant species as a component of biodiversity, as well as the livelihoods of people.

UNESCO and Japan support Afghanistan’s efforts towards remo...

The Government of Japan announced that it would provide USD 3.8 million dollars in financial support to the World Heritage property of ‘Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley’ in Afgh...

CropWatch Bulletin Releases Crop Production Outlook under th...

The latest issue of CropWatch Bulletin, a quarterly report published by the CropWatch research team from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was released on Feb...

CAS Scientists Assess Risk of Desert Locust Invasion China, ...

The Desert Locust has ravaged the Horn of Africa and Southwest Asia, posing serious threats on agricultural production and food security of the inflicted regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United...

New Progress in China-Mymmar Joint Remote Sensing Survey and...

At the invitation of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch), the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Myanmar, the DBAR-Heritage World Natural and Cultural Heritage Working Group(WG)...

22nd L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards recognizes...

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO are announcing the winners of the 22nd For Women in Science Awards, which honour five exceptional women scient...

UNESCO funds nine new projects to support culture in develop...

Nine proposals that will boost the cultural and creative industries in nine developing countries were approved on Wednesday by the Committee of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diver...

Historic visit by Director-General of UNESCO to Somalia to s...

Director-General Audrey Azoulay today carried out a historic visit to Somalia, the first by a Director-General of UNESCO to reestablish the long tradition of cooperation between UNESCO and the country after years o...

HIST Governing Board Convened 8th Session in Beijing

HIST convened the 8th session of its Governing Board on 7 January 2020 in Beijing, China. Mr. Zhuang Yan from International Cooperation Bureau of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) moderated the meeting. In his open...

International Experts Meeting - Heritage in Urban Contexts: ...

The international experts meeting "Heritage in Urban Contexts: Impacts of Development Projects on World Heritage properties in Cities" is underway at Kyushu University

World Heritage Centre vigilant on oil spill in the Galapagos...

The World Heritage Centre has been following with attention and concern the situation in the Galapagos Islands, and in particular in the Island of San Cristobal, where a cargo vessel overturned on 22 December 2019,...

Nine new members elected to World Heritage Committee

The 22nd General Assembly of the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention is meeting on 27 and 28 November 2019 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, convening the 193 States Parties to the World Heritage...

HIST Nanchang Base was Established

On March 25, 2019, HIST inaugurated its Nanchang base. The opening ceremony was held at the Yaohu Campus of Jiangxi Normal University. Zhu Hong, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Director of the Standing Committee ...

47th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention

Today marks the 47th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. This Convention protects the world’s most outstanding places, belonging to us all.

Everything you always wanted to know about UNESCO's General ...

FAQ for UNESCO’s 40th General Conference…only cooler

The DBAR ICoE-Potenza Established and Launched Space Archaeo...

On May 14th, 2019, Prof. WANG Xinyuan, Co-Chair of DBAR-Heritage led a delegation to attend the inaugural ceremony of DBAR International Center of Excellence Potenza (ICoE-Potenza) in Italy.

European Young Heritage Professionals Forum to begin in Zada...

28 young heritage professionals with diverse backgrounds varying from ethnomusicology to architecture and visual computing technologies will come together for the European Young Heritage Professionals Forum to addr...

Heritage and Water: experts call for enhanced inter-sectoral...

The panel on ‘Heritage and Water’ during the UNESCO International Water Conference (13-14 May at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris) highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of water at many heritage sites, ...

Peru sets long-term vision with 18 sites for Tentative List

A year-long process of discussion and collaboration regarding the update to Peru’s Tentative List culminated in April with the unanimous approval of the new proposal that will guide the country’s World Heritage s...

Dire projections by global biodiversity report lead to calls...

Launched at UNESCO in Paris on Monday 6 May, the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services sends an ala...

President of Iraq Barham Salih discusses the revival of cult...

The Unesco Representative to Iraq, Paolo Fontani, met at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad with Ms Maysoon Al Damluji, cultural advisor to the President, to discuss cooperation in the area of culture. The meeting ...

Focus on Gaofen-5 Satellite Image Gives Insight into Global ...

Recently, based on the Directional Polarization Camera (DPC) onboard GF-5 satellite, the first global high-resolution (3.3 km) map of fine-mode aerosol optical depth (AODf) over land has been obtained together by t...

Youth and local communities at the heart of the rebuilding o...

Baghdad, 2 May 2019 — The second Joint Steering Committee for the UNESCO project “Reviving the Spirit of Mosul by Rebuilding its Monumental Landmarks” was convened on Thursday 2 May 2019 in Baghdad at the Prime ...

“Protecting biodiversity is as vital as fighting climate ch...

Describing nature’s decline as unprecedented and citing among many indicators, 1,000,000 species threatened with extinction, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (...

Join the World Heritage Volunteers Campaign 2019

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to publish the selected projects for the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Campaign 2019

Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, ...

Since 2016, we have been celebrating African World Heritage Day on 5 May. Proclaimed by the General Conference at its 38th session in 2015, this day was established to raise public awareness, among young people i...

UNESCO marks 20th anniversary of Second Protocol to 1954 Hag...

From 25 to 26 April, UNESCO will host a high level conference, Protecting Cultural Property, International Conference on the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention, in Geneva, S...

UNESCO solemnly expresses the support of the international c...

Paris, Elysée, 19 April 2019- Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, H.E Lee Byong-hyun, President of the executive Board and H.E Zohour Alaoui, president of the general Conference, accompanied by a delegatio...

International Earth Day 2019: Protect Our Species

International Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22 April to remind us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with sustenance, and that we have a collective responsibility to achieve balance among the econ...

Rural Landscapes and Sustainable Development: International ...

As we celebrate International Day for Monuments and Sites 2019, with the theme of Rural landscapes, we highlight the value of conserving this heritage formed through long-term, harmonious interaction between humank...

Eleven sites and extensions in Asia, Europe, and South Ameri...

UNESCO’s Executive Board today approved the designation of eight new sites demonstrating the diversity of the planet’s geology as new Geoparks. The Executive Board also approved the extension of three existing Ge...

Fire ravages Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a UNESCO World H...

“Our hearts are broken,” Audrey Azoulay

UNESCO and the German Government signed today an agreement o...

UNESCO and the German Government signed today an agreement to work together for the stabilization, restoration and rehabilitation of the Aghawat Mosque Complex in the Old City of Mosul, as an element to safeguard M...

Changsha Initiative adopted at the 3rd International Youth F...

Over 125 participants from 86 countries gathered in Changsha and Nanjing, China, on 31 March 2019 for the Third International Youth Forum on Creativity & Heritage along the Silk Roads.

Vote Now ! UNESCO’s World Heritage Journeys website nominat...

Launched in September 2018, UNESCO’s World Heritage Journeys website (VisitEUWorldHeritage.com), produced in collaboration with National Geographic, is a finalist for a Webby Award—the Internet’s most coveted...

World Heritage Young Professionals Forum

World Heritage Youth Fora are among the flagship activities of the World Heritage Education Programme, serving as a platform for bringing young professionals and heritage experts together to foster intercultural le...

Update on East Rennell oil spill, Solomon Islands

The World Heritage Centre is determined to support Solomon Islands and Australia in exploring all options to hold the responsible company, owners and insurers to account. 

Saving the Silk Road’s cultural treasures

Protection and utilization of heritage sites along ancient trade routes will promote stronger bonds between countries.

ICOMOS 2019 Advisory Committee: Call for Symposium Workshop ...

This year, the ICOMOS Advisory Committee, Annual General Assembly and Scientifc Symposium  will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, from 14 to 18 October 2019, on the generous invitation of ICOMOS Morroco.

World Heritage Site Managers Forum 2019

The Site Managers Forum will be held this year in Baku, from 26 June to 4 July 2019.

UNESCO requests consideration for the possible removal of th...

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has welcomed Member States’ decision—taken during the meeting on Thursday of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural He...

Capacity Building Workshop for Team Leaders of the World Her...

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is organizing a capacity-building workshop for team leaders of the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative, in the framework of the World Heritage Education Programme, from 12 to...

Rapid Response Facility (RRF) releases funds to fight flames...

In response to the fires in Mount Kenya National Park in early March, the Kenyan authorities - Mount Kenya Trust - submitted a grant application to the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) and obtained the maximum amount ...

Call for nominations - 2019 UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri In...

Nominations are now open, with the deadline for submission 30 April 2019.

World Heritage Centre supports Colombia’s efforts to improv...

On behalf of the World Heritage Centre, Director Ms Mechtild Rössler expresses her solidarity with the efforts currently being undertaken by national authorities in Colombia to curb increasing security challenges ...

Kolkata Recommendation adopted for Global Strategy in South ...

UNESCO Sub-regional Conference on World Heritage Global Strategy in the context of South Asia met in Kolkata (21-22 February 2019) released the Kolkata Recommendation as a strategy for future implementation of th...

National Focal Points of the Arab States Region Meet for Per...

On 26 and 27 February 2019, World Heritage Focal Points of the Arab States region came together at UNESCO Headquarters (Paris, France) for a workshop in the framework of the Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting exe...

UNESCO-Africa-China Forum on World Heritage Capacity Buildin...

World Heritage and Sustainable Development: sharing experiences from Africa and China

Tapping and protecting cultural heritage

The Silk Road refers to an extensive network of trade routes linking Asia, Europe and Africa. On these routes, silk was the prominent but not the only product traded; porcelain, glass, metal, jewels and cattle wer...

Concern for oil spill near East Rennell, Solomon Islands, in...

An oil spill has occurred near East Rennell, the only natural World Heritage site in the Pacific that is on the Danger List. Experts from Australia are currently working with the national authorities to ascerta...

UNESCO Director-General deplores fires in Mount Kenya Nation...

For more than a week, devastating fires have raged in Mount Kenya National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 and a part of the Mount Kenya Biosphere Reserve since 1978.

Call for Applications for the International Youth Forum on C...

UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Commission of People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, is pleased to invite young women and men aged 18-30 years, from countries along the maritime and terrestrial Silk Roa...

The conclusion seminar of UNESCO “World Heritage and Sustai...

On January 11th, the conclusion seminar of UNESCO “World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism” China Pilot Studies (“World Natural Heritage Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area” and “World Cultural Heritag...

AIR Scientist Attends Sino-Finnish Seminar on Climate Change...

A Sino-Finnish seminar on climate change and air quality was held in Beijing on January 14, 2019. The event was attended by Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during his state visit to China, together with LI Ganjie...

Databank Puts Info at World's Fingertips

The Chinese Academy of Sciences will release about 5 million gigabytes of data related to Earth sciences, biology and ecology from around globe, allowing scientists and officials worldwide to study and tackle issue...

2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages to be launch...

UNESCO, in its capacity of the leading UN agency of the International Year of Indigenous Languages, will organize the Official Global Launch event of the 2019 International Year on Monday, 28 January 2019 from 15:0...

AIR Scientists Win China’s Annual Science and Technology Aw...

Prof. ZHANG Bing and Prof. DING Chibiao, both from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), received 2018 National Awards for Science and Technology during a ceremony h...

S&T Disaster Relief Highlighted as Hallmark Feat of CAS duri...

A workshop was held on January 7, 2019 in Beijing to mark the work of using Science and Technology (S&T) for Disaster Relief included in the CAS list of 40 hallmark S&T achievements as a result of China’s 40-year ...

HIST Delegation Visited Myanmar

Upon the invitation of Mr. Aung Aung Kyaw, Director of Archeology and National Museum Bagan Branch, Myanmar, HIST Delegation led by Mr. Hong Tianhua, Executive Deputy Director and Secretary-General of HIST, visi...

UNESCO hosts a global policy forum on disaster risk reductio...

In a first for the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme, about 60 experts drawn from ultiple disciplinary backgrounds met at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris during the Organization's inaugural edition of the MoW Gl...

The 3rd Digital Belt and Road Conference Held in Tengchong,C...

The Third Digital Belt and Road Conference was organized in Tengchong in southwest China’s Yunnan Province from Dec. 5 to 7, 2018. Under the auspices of the Digital Belt and Road Program (DBAR), the conference was...

HIST Delegation Visited Pakistan

On Nov. 16-25, 2018, the HIST Delegation headed by Prof. Wang Xinyuan, Deputy Director of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the Auspices of UNESCO which i...

Fifteen elements inscribed on Representative List of Intangi...

Meeting in Mauritius until 1 Decemember, the Intergovermental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, inscribed 15 elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage...

Cooperation Agreement on Second-term Operation of HIST Inked...

On behalf of the Chinese Government and the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) respectively, CAS President BAI Chunli and Dr. Flavia Schlegel, Assistant Director-General for...

The 3rd Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO Sites and Sustainable D...

The 3rd Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO Sites and Sustainable Development, organized by HIST, and hosted by Mt. Huangshan Administrative Committee, took place successfully on 31 October – 3 November 2018 at Tunxi ...

China, UNESCO and EU conference on World Heritage and sustai...

UNESCO will host a EU-China High Level Conferece on World Heritage and SUstainable Tourism at the Organization's Headquarters to examine the leading role that tourism and culture can play in fostering sustainable d...

HIST received a distinguished guest from Myanmar

Mr. Aung Aung Kyaw, Director of Archeology and National Museum Bagan Branch, Myanmar, visited HIST on 17 October, 2018. on the invitation of Prof. Wang Xinyuan, Deputy Director of HIST and Co-Chair of Digital Be...

Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, ...

Every year, disasters caused by natural hazards affect millions of people around the world. THe resultant human losses are tragic and highlight the vulnerabilities shared by our societies. 

First UNESCO-led China-Germany cultural exchange on heritage...

The first China/Germany Cultural Exchange on Heritage Conservation for Sustainable Development, organized at the initiative of UNESCO, took place on 26-30 September 2018 in Berlin, Germany, and gathered internation...

Video on Demand - Opening of the 205th session of the Execut...

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay gave a speech at the Opening of the 205th Session of the Executive Board. She pointed out the big challenges that UNESCO as well as the international community were facing too...

Biodiversity and Culture Conventions Meet at UNESCO

For the first time, on 18-19 September 2018, members of the Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions (BLG) met with the Culture Conventions Liaison Group (CCLG) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. 

Reactive Monitoring mission to “Białowieża Forest” (Bela...

On 24 September 2018, a group of experts from the World Heritage Centre and IUCN arrived in Warsaw to carry out a joint Reactive Monitoring mission to the transboundary World Heritage property “Białowieża Forest...

UNESCO celebrates 70 years of nature conservation with IUCN

On 30 and 31 August 2018, the 70th anniversary of IUCN was celebrated at Fontainebleau, France with the theme “The Future of Landscapes: A New Relationship for People and Nature”. It is at the Chateau de Fontaine...

On the passing of Kofi Annan: the world loses a great defend...

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan," said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.  "A great defender of peac...

Twenty-four new sites join UNESCO’s World Network of Biosph...

The International Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme has added 24 new sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves during its meeting in Palembang (Indonesia) from 23 to 28 July....

Audrey Azoulay, first UNESCO Director-General to be received...

On Monday, Audrey Azoulay began her first official visit to China as Director-General of UNESCO with a historic meeting with the President Xi Jinping.

World Heritage Committee has inscribed a total of 19 sites o...

The World Heritage Committee, meeting in Manama since 24 June under the chair of Shaikha Haya Bint Rashed al-Khalifa of Bahrain, ended today. The next session çof the World Heritage Committee will be in Baku, Azer...

Digital Belt and Road Program Opens Centre of Excellence in ...

The Digital Belt and Road Program opened an international Centre of Excellence (ICoE) in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia on June 25, 2018 to promote cooperation between DBAR and African countries in using big Earth d...

World Heritage Committee in Manama (Bahrain) to examine new ...

The World Heritage Committee will inscribe some of the 30 sites nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during its forthcoming meeting in Manama under the chair of Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of...

Chinese Scientists Discover Overseas Archaeological Sites fo...

Tunisia,located at the western end of the ancient Maritime Silk Road,was an important port for maritime trade in Roman Age.

Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre welcomes Standard C...

Standard Chartered Bank has informed the World Heritage Centre that as part of a review and update of their environmental and social framework, it has strengthened its policy regarding World Heritage sites.

UNESCO Executive Appointments

UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, announced the nomination of four new members of the Senior Management Team of the Organization.

Qatar Fund for Development boosts UNESCO’s Heritage Emergen...

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and UNESCO signed a new agreement this week to supplement the financing of UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) with US$2 million.

Experts develop UNESCO tool for managing tourism

In an effort to improve tourism management at World Heritage sites, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre convened an expert meeting on the development of a new and innovative tool for tourism and visitor management.

Director of World Heritage Centre welcomes oil moratorium at...

In a historic decision for marine conservation efforts, the Government of Belize has adopted a full oil moratorium for all Belize offshore waters, including the entire Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Herit...

Sweden provides additional support to UNESCO’s Cultural Con...

In addition to its generous annual contributions under the Programme Cooperation Agreement (2014-2017), the Government of Sweden decided in November 2017 to provide additional financial support to UNESCO in the amo...

Twelve new members elected to World Heritage Committee

The 21st General Assembly of the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention is meeting on 14 and15 November 2017 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, convening the 193 States Parties to the World Heritage ...

International Criminal Court and UNESCO Strengthen Cooperati...

International Criminal Court and UNESCO Strengthen Cooperation on the Protection of Cultural Heritage

Ministries and customary owners discuss future East Rennell ...

From 16 to 18 August 2017, about 80 people met in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to discuss the future of the East Rennell World Heritage site. The Government, together with the customary owners, is currently striving t...

Audrey Azoulay nominated by UNESCO Executive Board for the p...

Paris — The 58 members of UNESCO’s Executive Board on 13 October nominated Audrey Azoulay of France for the position of Director-General of the Organization, replacing outgoing Director-General Irina Bokova.

Annual Meeting of World Heritage Committee opens in Krakow

The opening ceremony of the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee took place on 2 July at the Royal Palace of Wawel in Krakow, Poland.

2017 State of conservation reports now publicly accessible o...

At its 41st session to be held in Krakow, Poland, from 2 to 12 July 2017, the World Heritage Committee will examine the state of conservation of 154 World Heritage properties.  

Judith Pisar to be named UNESCO Special Envoy for Cultural D...

Judith Pisar, President of the non-profit organization Arts France-USA, will become a UNESCO Special Envoy for Cultural Diplomacy in a ceremony at UNESCO’s Headquarters on 15 June (6pm).

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on...

It may seem hard to believe now, but, fifty years ago, it was thought the best way to protect nature was to make it off-limits to the human population…

Cuba and UNESCO conduct National Education Assessment

Over 6,500 students from 368 primary schools participated in a national education assessment led by the Ministry of Education of Cuba and UNESCO’s Regional Bureau of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue an...

Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achi...

Eight Geological sites in Asia, Europe and Latin America bec...

Paris, 5 May—Eight sites demonstrating the great diversity of our planet’s geology have received the UNESCO Global Geopark label on 5 May......

Plans afoot to seek World Heritage status for Silk Road outp...

Juyan, which lies deep in the Gobi Desert, is familiar to some when it comes to ancient frontier outposts, its fame is largely attributed to its mention in On a Mission Towards the Frontiers by Tang Dynasty (618...

In one of the most dangerous regions on the planet, two hero...

Fighting to preserve the natural richness of Virunga National Park is the deed of two Congolese men, Bantu Lukumba and Josué Kambasu Mukura – at the risk of their own lives. The two men are engaged in its prot...

UNESCO Director-General welcomes the liberation of Hatra and...

Following several reports and discussions with the Iraqi authorities, UNESCO has confirmed the liberation of the archeological site of Hatra, located in the Governorate of Nineveh in Iraq. The Director-General o...

Project Launch Meeting of ‘Conservation and Management of W...

The International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO (HIST), joined hands with the Beijing office of UNESCO

2,200-year-old Qin tomb discovered in Shaanxi

Two tombs from the Qin Kindom in the time of the Warring States are under excavation. The tombs can be dated back to over 2,200 years ago and are estimated to belong to the great grandfather of Emperor Qinshihuang,...

Youth Mobilize for Creativity, Heritage and Peace along the ...

Over 80 young people from 65 countries have adopted an international Declaration affirming their desire to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development through recognition and celebration of the Silk...

China builds world cultural heritage

Forty years ago, the UN passed the "World Heritage Convention" to help preserve special natural and cultural sites. Today, China has over forty official heritage sites, ranking it third behind only Italy and Spa...

UNESCO World Heritage Centre Director Releases Message on In...

    The 2017 International Day for Monuments and Sites is dedicated to the theme “Cultural Heritage & Sustainable Tourism”, chosen in relation to the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for...

UN Security Council Adopts Historic Resolution for the Prote...

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova addressed today’s public briefing of the United Nations Security Council on “Maintenance of international peace and security: destruction and trafficking of cultural heritage ...

6th Session of the HIST Governing Board Meeting held in Beij...

The HIST Governing Board met for its 6th session on March 14, 2017 at The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) headquarters in Beijing. Dr. Ozlem Adiyaman Lopes, representing the Division of Ecological an...

Academic Exchange Seminar and Launch of DBAR-Heritage Projec...

On 13th March 2017, the academic exchange seminar and the project launch of the Digital Belt and Road for Heritage (DBAR-Heritage) were successfully

UNESCO hosts First International Coordination Meeting for th...

   UNESCO brought together Syrian stakeholders and international experts to evaluate damage to historic monuments including the citadel, 

UNESCO calls on International Community to Help Revive Iraq...

   A two-day International Coordination Conference on the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Liberated Areas of Iraq ended at UNESCO’s Headquarters on Friday

UNESCO Director-General condemns destruction of the Tetrapyl...

UNESCO received several reports and satellite imagery released today by UNITAR-UNOSAT confirming the destruction of Palmyra’s tetrapylon and parts of the theatre’s proscenium.

Delegation from UNESCO Beijing office visits HIST

A delegation from UNESCO Beijing Office visited HIST on Monday, February 13 to view the facilities and hold discussions on further collaboration in areas of common interest. The delegation of five included Ms Himal...

HIST Representative attends ASEM Workshop on Conservation of...

      HIST representative, Archana Jayaraman, attended a two day workshop in New Delhi, India, on ‘Techniques and Instruments for Conservation of Monuments and Artefacts

The World Heritage Convention has entered into force for Tim...

On 31 October 2016, the Government of Timor-Leste officially deposited its instrument of ratification of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage with the Director-General...

World Heritage Sites getting hammered by human activities

    A new study warns that more than 100 natural World Heritage sites are being severely damaged by encroaching human activities. The study, led by an international team of researchers from the University of Que...

Tomb site of Han marquis chosen for national park

CHINA, January 14, 2017 (China Daily) - Plans are being made to build a national park on the site of China's most complete Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) cemetery, and the park will include a museum to house th...

HIST Delegation attends the Special Meeting of ICC- Preah Vi...

The Special Meeting for the Experts Group of the International Coordinating Committee for PreahVihear (ICC-PV) was held in Sanya, China from January 13-15, 2017.

First performance evaluation of HIST successfully completed ...

The first performance evaluation of HIST towards maintenance of its status as a UNESCO Category II center was undertaken in Beijing. The evaluation was conducted by Professor Stuart Marsh, a UNESCO appointed review...

Publications released on the UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-...

Upon completion of this project, two reports have been published: a Final Report on the UNESCO/Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust Project and a Final Technical Report on the results of the project.

Abu Dhabi declaration on Heritage-at-risk adopted

ABU DHABI, December 3, 2016 (ICOMOS) – The International Conference on Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Conflict Areas came to a close here,

Successful 5th Coordination Meeting of UNESCO World Heritage...

Four coordination meetings have taken place so far: in 2010 (Manama, Bahrain), 2012 (Milan, Italy), 2013 (Oslo, Norway) and 2014 (Shanghai, China). The objective of this year’s meeting was to build institutional c...

Kyzylorda Expert Meeting held for the preparation of the ser...

KAZAKHSTAN, 14 November 2016 (UNESCO World Heritage Centre) – An expert meeting for the preparation of the serial transnational World Heritage nomination “Silk Roads: Fergana – Syrdarya Corridor” took place in ...

2nd Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO sites and climate change op...

    The more than 1,800 UNESCO designated sites around the world – World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks – are impacted by climate change, and can play a significant role in unders...

Kenya to strengthen protection of archaeological sites: offi...

NAIROBI, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government has partnered with industry, bilateral partners and academia to promote conservation of the country's pre-historic sites, officials said.

Climate change and the death of world heritage sites

Climate change has claimed another victim. Almost one-quarter of the coral in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area — one of the world’s richest and most complex ecosystems — has died this year, in...

China is world's 'wonderful example' of protecting, preservi...

A top UN official congratulated China on the inclusion of its Hubei Shennongjia, a national geographical park, in the prestigious World Heritage List, saying that "China is a wonderful example for other countries" ...

Director-General Irina Bokova expresses consternation at the...

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, expressed profound dismay as she condemned the destruction of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, one of the most important 1st

Kekexili landscape to apply for world heritage next year

With the Shennongjia in Hubei province and Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in Guangxi province added to the world heritage list recently, China now boasts 50 world heritage sites, ranking second in the...

UNESCO Science Centres Coordination Meeting Held in Beijing

UNESCO Science Centres Coordination Meeting was held from 16 to 18 May 2016, at Beijing Conference Centre. A total of 160 participants from over 30 countries gathered in Beijin......

Breakfast session on Water and Climate Change Adaptation Str...

   UNESCO and the Secretariat of Habitat III are organizing an “urban breakfast” session on Water and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Megacities ahead of the United Nations conference on habitat and sus...

Revealed: Cambodia's vast medieval cities hidden beneath the...

Laser technology reveals cities concealed under the earth which would have made up the world’s largest empire in 12th century

The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee opens in Is...

Istanbul, 10 July - The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee opened today in Istanbul (Turkey) under the chairmanship of Lale Ülker, Ambassador, Director General of Cultural Affairs and Promotion Abroad of...

World Oceans Day: Healthy Oceans – Healthy Planet

We are living in a time of unprecedented change. As we celebrate our marine treasures this World Oceans Day, we at UNESCO are also reflecting on the

In Beijing, new Prize shines spotlight on heroes of girls’ ...

Director-General Irina Bokova and the First Lady of China and UNESCO Special Envoy Professor Peng Liyuan jointly awarded the first UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education to laureates from Indonesia and Zim...

Gender equality and cultural heritage top the agenda for mee...

The Director-General thanked the President for his visit to UNESCO and expressed deep appreciation for the fruitful relationship between Georgia and the Organization across the full spectrum of the Organization’s ...

Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark responds to increased activit...

Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark is located atop a massive fault line. This location, straddling the border between the Eurasian and North American continental plates

UNESCO reiterates call for unity and coordination to protect...

In the context of the ongoing destruction and rapidly evolving situation of World Heritage sites in the Syrian Arab Republic, UNESCO held several information meetings in April to assess the situation and discuss th...

Niger: A step forward for the safeguarding of intangible Cul...

On 9 March 2016, the latest workshop was held for the restitution of the Niger project on “Capacity building for the implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)”.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre calls for united action to prot...

Mechtild Rössler, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, acknowledges the great efforts of those engaged for World Heritage protection, and calls for civil society as a whole to increase its commitment to p...

CAS President Inspects HIST Project on Angkor Site in Cambod...

At the invitation of the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA), CAS President Bai Chunli recently paid a visit to Cambodia and carried out an inspection on the ...

UNESCO Director-General and President Vladimir Putin discuss...

Following the liberation of Palmyra, the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova, discussed with HE Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, during a telephone conversation on 27 March 2016, the ...

New partnership will shed light on impact from fisheries on ...

Today, more than 30% of World Heritage marine sites struggle with unsustainable fisheries. Addressing this challenge has been a core focus of the World Heritage Marine Programme for years

HIST Hosted the Technical Coordination Meeting on East Renne...

In the framework of the Netherlands Funds-in-Trust at the World Heritage Center of UNESCO, HIST (International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices......

UNESCO and ICRC partner on the protection of culture heritag...

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, signed a partnership agreement paving the way for the two organizations to undertake join...

Following the liberation of Palmyra, the Director-General of...

    Following the liberation of Palmyra, the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova, discussed with HE Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, during a telephone conversation on 27 March 2016...

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme names laurea...

The International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO has named the recipients of the 2016 Young Scientists Awards and the Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Manageme...

Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Historical Monuments at M...

As requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 39th session in 2015 (Bonn, Germany), a joint World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Reactive Monitoring mission will be...

HIST Held the 5th Session of its Governing Board

On January 26, 2016, HIST held the 5th Session of its Governing Board on the New-Tech Campus of AIR. The meeting was attended by Board members, director, deputy directors, secretary general, deputy secretary genera...

1st World Heritage Youth Forum in Asia urges young people to...

The 1st World Heritage Youth Forum (WHYF) in Asia, held from 25 November to 3 December 2015 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, successfully concluded with serious and realistic suggestions by young people to promote participa...

UNESCO Scientific Colloquium on the Access to Underwater Cul...

UNESCO organizes a scientific colloquium in Denmark to deal with one of the key elements in the management and protection of the underwater cultural heritage, the public access to it.

Stakeholders consultation meeting on East Rennell

The stakeholders consultation meeting on “East Rennell, World Heritage site in Danger (Solomon Islands)” will take place in Sanya (China) from 1 to 2 February 2016. The meeting is organized by the International C...

Almaty Agreement adopted in the Fourth meeting of the Coordi...

Following the Fourth meeting of the Coordinating Committee on the World Heritage Serial Nomination of the Silk Roads in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 24-25 November 2015, more than 50 representatives and experts from twelve ...

Director-General condemns destruction of vestiges in the Anc...

Paris, 24 December—The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has condemned the destruction of parts of the Ancient City of Bosra during combats in the World Heritage site on 22 December 2015, as confirmed by t...

The European Commission supports a new phase of the Central ...

The European Commission continues its support of the Central Africa World Heritage Forest Initative (CAWHFI) by allocating 5 million Euro over the course of three years.

UNESCO Director-General and President Vladimir Putin discuss...

“When culture is under attack and when extremists seek to destroy the common heritage of humanity, we need to respond to ignorance, hatred, and violence with more culture, with more knowledge”, she said.

South Sudan hosting a Unite for Heritage event

Juba 4/12/2015: On 6th December the South Sudan Musicians’ Union (SSMU), with support from UNESCO and other partners, will be hosting a Unite for Heritage event aimed at bringing together the people of South Sudan...

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation joins Marine World Her...

The Arctic stretches across the top of the planet, spanning 5.5 million square miles. Its icy waters are home to wildlife found nowhere else, including bowhead whales

Traditional dances, crafts, knowledge and music on the agend...

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will convene from 29 November until 4 December in Windhoek, Namibia under the chairmanship of Trudie Amulungu (Namibia).

World Heritage Youth Project on Marine Biodiversity & Climat...

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the Call for Participants for the Caribbean World Heritage Youth Project on Marine Biodiversity & Climate Change in Panama.

Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Tasmanian Wilderness Worl...

A reactive monitoring mission by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) to the assess the state of conservation of the

Global Geoparks become UNESCO Sites

The 195 Member States of UNESCO have ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, on 17 November 2015. This expresses governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geologic...

Malta’s World Heritage sites are learning cases for interdi...

A workshop - jointly organised by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice (Italy), the Section on Earth Sciences and Geo-Hazards Risk Reduction, Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO

UNESCO and IUCN welcome new no-go pledge for World Heritage ...

UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, the official advisory body on natural World Heritage, have welcomed a new commitment by British company Tullow Oil plc to st...

COP 21: World Heritage Centre Director Mechtild Rossler disc...

In the framework of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), Mechtild Rössler

Youth Start Digital Conversations about Heritage

Social media can be a powerful tool to engage youth around the world. The young members of NET-MED Youth working within the media group in Palestine could not agree more

Qatar Development Fund boosts UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund

The Qatar Development Fund (QDF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) signed today their first Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of UNESCO's prog...

The road to 2030 to take shape at UNESCO’s General Conferen...

The 38th session of UNESCO’s General Conference opened today with an eye on the future. The biennial meeting of the governing body will set the path for UNESCO as it reviews 

International Course on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Ti...

Many different types of professionals respond to an unfolding crisis.This course provides strategies for interlocking culture specialists with humanitarian specialists during an emergency situation and aims to unif...

Korean National Commission for UNESCO donates 100,000 USD to...

On 1st November 2015, the Korean National Commission for UNESCO announced a donation of 100,000 USD to the World Heritage Fund.

2015-2016 World Heritage Map Published

The latest version of the World Heritage map, produced by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and National Geographic Maps with the generous support of Turkey, can now be ordered from the World Heritage Centre website...

AIR Signs MOU with Tribhuvan University of Nepal to Provide ...

An MOU is signed between The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Tribhuvan University of Nepal in Kathmandu on November 20, 2015 on cooperation in the use of Sa...

China’s Scientific Satellites to Enter Uncharted Territory

A series of scientific satellites, including one to probe dark matter, will be launched later this year and next year, said WU Ji, director of the National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences...

9th UNESCO Youth Forum puts climate and sustainable developm...

Over 500 young people from all over the world are due to meet at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 26 to 28 October 2015 to ensure that youth remains top of the agenda ahead of COP21, the UN Climate Change Conferen...

UNESCO's preservation of Kosovo's cultural heritage and dive...

On 21 October, 2015, the UNESCO Executive Board recommended to the 38th session of the General Conference, by roll-call vote, the admission of Kosovo to UNESCO.

9th International Symposium on Digital Earth held in Canada

The 9th International Symposium on Digital Earth was successfully held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada from October 5 to 9, 2015, under the theme of “Towards a One-World Vision for the Blue Planet”

State of conservation of Venice and its lagoon (Italy)

In October 2015, a joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/RAMSAR reactive monitoring mission will take place to the World Heritage site "Venice and its lagoon”(Italy), as requested by the World Heritage Committee to assess current c...

International Advisory Committee inscribes 47 new nomination...

Paris, 9 October – Following a three-day meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 4 to 6 October 2015, the International Advisory Committee of UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme has inscribed 47 new no...

West Norwegian Fjords and Glacier Bay join forces to strengt...

Last month, the Marine World Heritage Programme traveled to Norway to facilitate an exchange between the West Norwegian Fjords -Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord and Glacier Bay National Park.

UNESCO workshop “African World Heritage: challenges, opport...

Following the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee and in view of the 10th anniversary of UNESCO/African Union launching of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), the World Heritage Centre brought 

2nd CAS-NASA Workshop on Earth Observation for Global Change...

Sponsored by CAS and the US NASA, the 2nd Joint Workshop on Snow and Glacier Change and Related Natural Disasters in High Mountain Asia (HMA) was held on September 9, 2015 in California

Nine new sites added to Global Geoparks Network

Nine new sites were added to the UNESCO-supported Global Geoparks Network during the 4th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium that took place in the San’in Kaigan Geopark, Japan, from 15 to 20 September.

UNESCO Director-General deplores destruction of parts of anc...

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has deplored the recent destruction to the pre-Islamic walled city of Baraqish in Yemen and has reiterated her appeal to 

Astronomical Heritage: Progressing the UNESCO–IAU Initiativ...

Focus Meeting of the 29th IAU General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union on 11-13 August 2015.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova Presents World Heritage...

Paris, 16 July – Director-General Irina Bokova presented the President of Mexico, HE Enrique Peña Nieto, the certificate of inscription to UNESCO’s World Heritage List of the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydrauli...

HIST PARTICIPATION AT THE 39TH SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE...

A HIST Delegation led by Mr. Hong Tianhua, Executive Deputy Director and comprising Prof. Natarajan Ishwaran, State Recruited Expert of China at HIST and Ms. Huo Sijia, Program Coordinator

HIST SIGNS ITS FIRST MOU FOR COOPERATION WITH AFRICAN PARTNE...

Mr. Hong Tianhua, Executive Deputy Director of HIST and Prof. Natarajan Ishwaran, State Recruited Expert of HIST/AIR attended the 27th session of MAB/ICC convened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France from 8 to 1...

UNESCO and the Comité Colbert unite to promote cultural her...

On June 23, UNESCO and the Comité Colbert, an association of French luxury houses and cultural institutions, are launching a poster campaign to raise public awareness of the need to foster creativity and safeguard...

HIST Delegation Visits UNEP-WCMC Office in Cambridge, United...

HIST Delegation composed of Mr. Hong Tianhua and Prof. Natarajan Ishwaran visited UNEP-WCMC in Cambridge, UK on 15 June 2015 following their participation in the 27th session of the MAB/ICC from 8 to 12 June 2015 a...

UNESCO raises safety concerns on the reopening of Kathmandu ...

Less than two weeks after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal, UNESCO is coordinating emergency measures aimed at securing and protecting the remains of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Reinforcing cooperation and sustainability in East-Asian Bio...

Biosphere Reserve managers, experts and lecturers from 15 countries across Asia as well as Europe and Africa gathered during 20-30 in Wudalianchi Biosphere Reserve and Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province

World Heritage Committee to meet in Bonn 28 June to 8 July

The World Heritage Committee will examine proposals to inscribe 37 properties on UNESCO’s World Heritage List when it meets at the international conference centre of Bonn (Germany) from 28 June to 8 July.

International Biosphere Reserve training workshop opens in W...

The opening ceremony of the 6th East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN) international training workshop was held in the morning of 20 May 2015 at the Wudalianchi Biosphere Reserve in Heilongjiang Province, Chi...

UNESCO Director-General calls on all parties to protect Yeme...

Amid alarming reports about bombing of the World Heritage Site of the Old City of Sana’a, UNESCO’s Director-General calls on all parties to protect Yemen’s unique cultural heritage.

The Executive Board paves the way for stronger UNESCO in the...

The 196th Executive Board of UNESCO adopted a Decision on “Culture in Conflict Areas: a Humanitarian Concern and a Safety Issue. UNESCO’s Role and Responsibilities” on 21 April. Condemning the continuing

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) trek in the Dja Faunal...

Following an AWF-led great apes conservation workshop in Yaoundé scheduled from April 22nd to 23rd, the AWF will lead a trek initiative from April 25th to May 1st through the center of the Dja Faunal Reserve.

UNESCO to assess the impact on Nepal’s cultural heritage of...

“As we are receiving more information from the ground, I am deeply aggrieved by the magnitude of human loss caused by the earthquake in Nepal. I am also shocked by its devastating impact on the unique cultural her...

UNESCO Director-General to Brief UN Security Council on the ...

on 27 April, the Director-General of UNESCO will participate in an open meeting of the UN Security Council (Arria Formula) alongside the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Jürgen Stock. Co-hosted by the Permanent 

Inventory and cultural mapping of Sultanate’s architectural...

In 2008 the NGO “Collectif du patrimoine des Comores” launched an inventory and cultural mapping project of the architectural and urban heritage of the Sultanates of the

Launch of Website – Germany looking forward to hosting Worl...

Upcoming 39th session due to take place in Bonn, Germany.

UNESCO Director General condemns destruction of Nimrud in Ir...

“I condemn in the strongest possible manner the destruction of the archaeological site of Nimrud site in Iraq. This is yet another attack against the Iraqi people, reminding us that nothing is safe from the cultur...

Mr. Benjamin Schreiber, Industrial Policy Manager of the Eur...

Mr. Benjamin Schreiber, Industrial Policy Manager of the European Space Agency (ESA) during 1987-2015 visited HIST in the morning of 10 April 2015.

World Heritage Young Experts Forum 2015 in Germany “Towards...

Prior to the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee, a Young Experts Forum will be held from 18 to 29 June 2015 in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage site and in Bonn

The 4th Session of HIST Governing Board Held

On 4 February 2015, HIST held the 4th session of its Governing Board at the Meeting Room 504 in AIR Olympic Campus. The meeting was attended by Board Members and their representatives

The Director-General of UNESCO calls for all Syrians to comm...

“All Syrians must unite for the protection of their shared cultural heritage.” said the Director-General. “This heritage belongs to all Syrians and to all humanity.

Unite4Heritage: United Nations University joins UNESCO campa...

The United Nations University (UNU) and UNESCO today brought together scholars, archeologists, historians and writers to discuss ways of opposing the widespread destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq, Syria and o...

UNESCO Director-General meets the Director-General of ICRC t...

On 31 March, 2015, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova met with Mr Yves Daccord, Director-General of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC)

UNESCO Director-General welcomes UN Security Council Resolut...

The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova, welcomed the adoption of a new UN Security Council Resolution 2199 that condemns the destruction of cultural heritage and adopts legally-binding measures to counter ...

HIST Base Established in Harbin

On January 9, 2015, the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the Auspices of UNESCO opened abranch in Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang

The 2nd Workshop on Applying Spatial Technologies in World H...

The 2nd workshop on applying spatial technologies in world heritage protection organized by the UNESCO International Center on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) was held at the AIR New Tec...

HIST Summary Meeting for 2014

On December 29th, HIST Summary Meeting for 2014 was held on AIR campus. All the HIST Staff including the director, deputy directors and secretary-general, attended the meeting.

21st session of the International Coordinating Committee (IC...

Mr. Hong Tianhua, Executive Deputy Director and Secretary-General of HIST and Prof. Natarajan Ishwaran, State Recruited Expert working with HIST on international cooperation projects attended the 21st

UNESCO Conference calls for protected cultural zones to be e...

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova today called for the creation of “protected cultural zones” around heritage sites in Syria and Iraq. Opening an international conference on threats to cultural heritage and di...

HIST DELEGATION PARTICIPATES IN THE 6th WORLD PARKS CONGRESS

World Parks Congresses (WPC) are decennial events hosted under the auspices of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the International Union of Conservation of

NASA Administrator Visits AIR

On November 13, AIR Director-General and CAS Member GUO Huadong met with a visiting US delegation headed by NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden in Beijing.

Prof. Natarajan Ishwaran Attended the Beijing-Tianjin Academ...

Binhai New Area is a sub-provincial region under the jurisdiction of Tianjin Municipality, China. Building upon previous experiments in Shenzhen and Pudong of Shanghai, Binhai has been set up a new growth area

First Entrepreneurship Field Training held for African site ...

This Field Training Workshop was devoted to developing a Business Plan and budget for seven pilot projects aimed at bringing direct economic benefits to communities living in or nea

11 new sites added to Global Geoparks Network

Eleven new sites were added to the Global Geoparks Network at the 6th Global Geoparks Conference, held in the Stonehammer Global Geopark, Canada from 18 to 22 September.

AIR and HIST Sign MOU with Cambodian APSARA to Provide China...

An MOU is signed between The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural

Emergency Response Action Plan to safeguard Iraqi heritage

©UNESCO/Ala Elfellah -(Right to Left): Kishore Rao, Director of UNESCO’s Heritage Division and interim Assistant UNESCO Director-General for Culture, Irina Bokova Director-General of UNESCO , and Mahmood Al-Mulla...

The World Heritage Convention has entered into force for the...

On 15 May 2014, the Government of the Bahamas officially deposited with the Director-General of UNESCO its instrument of ratification of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural He...

UNESCO strengthens action to safeguard cultural heritage und...

Recent events in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Mali have highlighted the multiple threats to cultural heritage during crisis, including deliberate attacks, destruction as collateral damage in fighting, the greed of unscru...

Chinese tourists to Cambodia's Angkor heritage site up 17 pc...

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese visitors to Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple, one of the World Heritage Sites, has reached 161,700 in the first six months of this year, a 17 percent rise over the s...

Feature: Denmark's white cliff rises to fame after being lis...

COPENHAGEN, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Denmark's Stevns Klint cliff, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is attracting a growing number of visitors from home and abroad with its unique charm and special geolo...

Emergency Response Action Plan to safeguard Iraqi heritage

UNESCO today held a consultation with Iraqi and international cultural heritage experts and agreed on an Emergency Response Action Plan to safeguard Iraq’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

The 2nd International Workshop of Space Technologies in Mana...

The 2nd International Workshop of Space Technologies in Management and Conservation of World Heritage Sites was opened in AIR on 2nd July. The workshop was jointly organized by AIR and the International Centre on S...

'Biosphere' recognition for Brighton and Lewes Downs from Un...

A part of Sussex has been recognised by the United Nations as a "biosphere reserve", ranking it alongside the Amazon and Mount Olympu

Participants in the 3rd African Ministers Roundtable Discuss...

On the occasion of the 38th Session of the World Heritage Committee (Doha, Qatar), the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, joined the Dire...

Cambodia celebrates 6th anniversary of Preah Vihear Temple o...

PHNOM PENH, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia marked the sixth anniversary of the inscription of the 11th century Preah Vihear Temple on the UNESCO's World Heritage List on Monday.

Explore China's World Heritage Site: Zhangjiajie

The 100 Expats event, which is aimed at engaging the foreign community by cultivating their interest in exploring China's rich culture and heritage through their travels, will be held at the scenic area of Zhangjia...

List of World Heritage in Danger

The 46 properties which the World Heritage Committee has decided to include on the List of World Heritage in danger in accordance with Article 11 (4) of the Convention.

HIST and Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies ...

The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) is mandated by the Government of Sri Lanka to promote application of space technology for the social and economic development of Sri Lanka. Prof. Guo ...

S. China Karst extension listed as World Heritage Site

DOHA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The World Heritage Committee on Monday added an extension of South China Karst, a natural World Heritage Site since 2007, to the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scie...

World Heritage List reaches 1000 sites with inscription of O...

Doha, 22 June – Botswana’s Okavango Delta became the 1000th site inscribed on the World Heritage List today. Okavango was inscribed as a natural site by the World Heritage Committee

City of Potosí (Plurinational State of Bolivia) added to Li...

Doha, 17 June – The World Heritage Committee meeting in Doha (Qatar) today inscribed the City of Potosi (Plurinational State of Bolivia) on the List of World Heritage in Danger, because of continued and uncontroll...

Project of “Remote Sensing for Environment of Angkor site”...

For the second-year implementation of “Remote Sensing for Environment of Angkor site, REAS”, two research fellows, Wang Cheng and Chen Fulong

World Heritage Committee meeting opens in Doha

Qatar announces $10m donation for new heritage protection initiative. Doha, 15 June —The Prime Minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, today announced a 

Canal's World Heritage status to be announced soon

The vast inland waterway system in the north-eastern and central eastern plains passes through eight of the country’s present-day provinces and municipalities.

Australia Great Barrier Reef outlook 'poor and deteriorating...

The outlook for Australia's Great Barrier Reef is poor despite conservation efforts, with further deterioration expected in coming years, a report says.

New Zealand provides Cambodia with 3.7 mln USD to preserve A...

PHNOM PENH, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The government of New Zealand on Wednesday signed up to provide Cambodia with 3.7 million U.S. dollars for the preservation and protection of Angkor Wat Temple

Agreement for Phase II of 'Strengthening Conservation and Ma...

Phase II of “Strengthening Conservation and Management of Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, World Heritage Property” (2014-2017): Japan continues funding to safeguard Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace

Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO Designated Places and Sustainab...

Huangshan Dialogue, which is organized by HIST (International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO) and AIR (Aerospace Information Research Institute of

Call for Applications: Master's in World Heritage Studies

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (Germany) is receiving applications for the Master’s programme in World Heritage Studies.

Space technologies helping protect UNESCO designated sites

An international dialogue on the use of space technologies in the protection of UNESCO sites took place at China's Mount Huangshan, a World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, from 26-30 May 2014.

Xinhua Insight: Silk Road inscription into World Heritage li...

XI'AN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The multinational campaign to include the Silk Road into the World Heritage list has entered the final countdown, with officials and experts sanguine about its success.

Twenty six new properties added to World Heritage List at Do...

The inscriptions of the 1000th site and Myanmar’s first property on the World Heritage List, were among the highlights of the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee

"Engineering powers human progress" -- Director-General in C...

On 3 June, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, and the President of China, Xi Jinping opened the International Conference on Engineering Science and Technology.

World Landslide Forum in Beijing

On 3 June, the Director-General delivered an address to the Third World Landslide Forum, held in Beijing, on 2-6 June, 2014.

Safeguarding sites for sustainable development in Ethiopia

UNESCO Sites are symbols of our work in support of sustainable development. The international community helps us ensure these sites, of outstanding universal value, function as models of heritage conservation and s...

UNESCO Director-General calls for the protection of all reli...

 The UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, has learnt with dismay of the destruction of the historical synagogue of Eliyahu Hanabi in Damascus.

UNESCO to create an Observatory for the Safeguarding of Syri...

UNESCO will establish an observatory in Beirut (Lebanon) to monitor and assess the state of Syria’s cultural heritage. The decision was made during an international meeting of experts held at

2014 Annual Conference of China's GGN Chinese Members Held i...

On May 15th and 16th, 2014 Annual Conference of China's GGN Members was successfully held in Shennongjia Global Geopark of China. 

UNESCO Huangshan Dialogue to Kick off Next Week

More than 100 experts from 22 countries will gather in Huangshan of East China's Anhui province between May 26 and May 30 to talk about using space technologies to protect UNESCO designated

Rally slams Tasmanian World Heritage move

Winding back Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness is terrible economics, a rally in Hobart has heard.

Grand Canal of China: World Heritage?

A couple of years ago, China applied for World Heritage status for the country's famous Grand Canal. But the result won't be known until next month.

Building capacity to collect the heritage of South Sudan

During these troubled times for South Sudan, the need to strengthen a sense of common national identity is as important as ever. UNESCO's Office in Juba continues to assist in the establishment of a public 

UNESCO publishes a practical guide on climate change adaptat...

A practical guide on climate change adaptation for natural World Heritage sites has been published in the latest edition of the UNESCO World 

In China, Double-Edged Sword Of World Heritage Status

The Fujian Tulous, mysterious circular Chinese buildings, were named a World Heritage site in 2008. It has raised both investments and fears.

China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan seek UN World Heritage status ...

A major cultural initiative is underway. China is working closely with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to seek United Nations World Heritage status for the ancient silk road. The result of the project will

60th anniversary of the Hague Convention on the Protection ...

Declaration by Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 1954 (First)...

Training Workshop on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigatio...

CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation (STDM) is formally established in Beijing in 2013, jointly sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) 

Prof. Douglas Comer Visits HIST

On September 21th, 2013, Prof. Douglas Comer, Co-president of the International Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM) of International Council on Monuments and 

Representatives of UNESCO and IUCN visit HIST

On September 18th, 2013, Mr. R. Jayakuma of UNESCO Bangkok Office, Mr William Logan, Deputy Director of the International Center for Integrated Water Resources Management(ICIWaRM) under the auspices

Africa Nature risk preparedness workshop held in South Afric...

The Africa Nature risk preparedness workshop took place from the 20th-25th May 2013 at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Organized by African World Heritage Fund with the support of the Government of South A...

Director-General and CEO of Zhongkun Investment Group Agree ...

On 28 June, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, and Mr. Huang Nubo, Founder and CEO of the Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group, signed a one Million Dollars’ partnership agreement to support the Organizati...

"Rivers and heritage" UNESCO Chair created

This project stems from a partnership between the University François Rabelais in Tours (France), the University of Angers (France) and the Mission Val de Loire which is the management body of the Val de Loire sit...

Dr. Ishwaran Attending Symposium of SAFEA to Commemorate D...

The State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (SAFEA) convened a symposium on 10 July 2013 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mr. Deng Xiaoping’s Remarks on Introduction of Intellectual Resources from all...

Dr. Ishwaran at Meeting in Seoul

Dr. Natarajan Ishwaran of HIST/AIR was invited as an expert to the Consultative Meeting on a Sustainable Development Goal on Land Degradation Neutral World (LDNW) and on the associated target of Zero Net Land degra...

Closing ceremony of World Heritage Committee brings to life...

The stone elephants that flank the impressive platform built some eight centuries ago by Angkor's King Jayavarman VII for public ceremonies were surrounded by live elephants as the delegates filed into the celebrat...

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Meets the AIR Delegation HI...

On the afternoon of June 20, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sok An met in his residence the delegation of The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Int...

Sites in Ukraine, the Iran and the Democratic People’s Rep...

Three sites were inscribed by the World Heritage Committee on Sunday morning. 

Vice Chairman of ICOMOS Mr. Guo Zhan Visited HIST

On May 31, 2013, Mr. Guo Zhan, Vice Chairman of both International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and ICOMOS CHINA, 

UNESCO and Italy launch new cooperation to restore and conse...

Most people know Bamiyan as the site where giant statutes of the Buddha were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.But it is the location of other important archaeological sites too, 

Twelve sites added to UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserve Netw...

The International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), which met in Paris from 27 to 30 May, has added 12 sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The additions bring th...

Iraq and UNESCO Join Forces to Safeguard Cultural Heritage i...

On 27 May, UNESCO Director-General, Mrs. Irina Bokova, and the Minister of Sunni Endowment of Iraq, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Ghafoor Al-Samarai,

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hosts World Heritage Fel...

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a World Heritage Fellow, Mr. Anoop K.R., Director of Keoladeo National Park in India and Deputy Conservator of Forests in the Bharatpur District of Rajasthan.

A Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage

The event, intended to highlight the dangers threatening submerged cultural heritage and the need to preserve it, 

Director Guo Huadong meet with the UNESCODirector-General I...

The 28th “Chinese National Commission for UNESCO” (CNC) Conference was hosting in Hangzhou on May 14. The 28 institution members of the committees in China and the UNESCO’s category II centers had sent represent...

UNESCO Director-General deplores continuing destruction of ...

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova expressed her deep distress over reports of the continuing destruction which has severely damaged the ancient city of Aleppo

Famous emperor's tomb found in Yangzhou

The tomb of one of the most famous emperors in Chinese history was discovered on Sunday at a construction site in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, while a fake burial site has been a tourist attraction for many years.

The village is alive

Surrounded by mountains, Zhujiayu is a rustic holiday destination with buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ju Chuanjiang and Wang Qian visit the village and are charmed by the unpolished gem.

Buddhist temple seeks to preserve on-site buildings

Experts called for more discussions and consultations on protecting a famous Buddhist temple, which was asked by the local government to remove most of its buildings.

Lawmakers call for preventive measures towards cultural heri...

The discussion on the draft law on Cultural Heritage Protection continued yesterday, during which the recent fire at Na Tcha Temple was put on the table for discussion. Lawmakers believe the government is also resp...

C-Salon: Conservation through conversation

The high speed of modernization, along with demolitions and environmental damage hasresulted in a loss of heritage for China. Outside of official efforts, ordinary citizens are now coming up with new ideas to contr...

HIST Delegation visits Sri Lanka

Prof. Guo Huadong, Director General of AIR and Director of HIST, was invited by the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) of Sri Lanka to deliver the 7th annual Arthur C Clarke Memorial Lecture...

Mr. 0.yai, Former Chairman of UNESCO Executive Board and Pe...

On March 18, 2013, H. E. Mr. 0.yai, Former Chairman of UNESCO Executive Board and Permanent Delegate and Ambassador of Benin to UNESCO, accompanied by Mr. Shao Weiliang,

Dimensions of ancient Egypt

A virtual tour of the Temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak, one of the largest archaeological sites in Egypt. Photos by Katherine Taylor/Harvard Staff Photographer

Agreement signed for reconstruction of Kasubi Tombs, Uganda

On 1st March 2013, UNESCO signed the Plan of Operation with the Government of Uganda for the project “Technical and financial assistance for the reconstruction of Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, architectural masterpiece of...

Syria: The Director-General of UNESCO Appeals to Stop Violen...

For more than a year now, I have been expressing on behalf of UNESCO my deep concern about the dramatic humanitarian situation in Syria and the threats to the outstanding cultural heritage of the country, which bea...

Evolution & the Ice Age

 Dr John Stewart has made important contributions to a growing body of work that shows how the evolution of ecosystems has to be taken into account when speculating between different geological eras. 

An Action Plan for Mali’s cultural heritage and manuscript...

An Action Plan for the Rehabilitation of Cultural Heritage and the Safeguarding of Ancient Manuscripts in Mali was adopted at an international experts’ meeting organized by UNESCO and France at the Organization’s...

Vietnam's stone stelae received World Documentary Heritage c...

A certificate awarding ceremony was held in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Monday night to recognize the 82 stone stelae in the historic Temple of Literature as World Documentary Heritage.

Natarajan Ishwaran attends the meeting with Chinese Premier...

With the Chinese Lunar New Year around the corner, Chinese Prime Minister Wen extended new year's greetings to about 20 veteran foreign experts working in China's education, research, culture and health sectors. Na...

Three Chinese geoparks given UNESCO warning

Three Chinese scenic areas classified by UNESCO as "Geoparks" have been given a "yellow card" warning. Among the reasons given by UNESCO, the parks were criticized for "inadequately disseminating knowledge of earth...

U.S. Nomination of Poverty Point State Historic Site to UNES...

WASHINGTON, D.C. /eNewsChannels/ — The United States is pleased to announce the nomination of Poverty Point State Historic Site and National Monument in West Carroll Parish,

4,000-YEAR-OLD SHAMAN’S STONES DISCOVERED NEAR BOQUETE, PAN...

Archaeologists working at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama have discovered a cluster of 12 unusual in the back of a small, prehistoric rock-shelter near the town of Boquete. The cache represent...

Archaeologists unearth more than 300 prehistoric clay figuri...

Archaeologists from the University of Southampton studying a Neolithic archaeological site in central Greece have helped unearth over 300 clay figurines, one of the highest density for such finds in south-eastern E...

UNESCO-HIST at the 18th Conference of Parties of the UN Fram...

As UNESCO-HIST begins to increase its activities that have an international profile, it is making an effort to be present at selected events organized by UN organizations outside of UNESCO,

UNESCO holds the first International Colloquium on the Conse...

Within framework of the World Heritage Earthen Architecture Programme (WHEAP), an international colloquium on the conservation of earthen architecture was organized at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, in partnership w...

Professor NatarajanIshwaran Participated in the 11thConfere...

      Professor Natarajan Ishwaran, the expert of International Center on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage(HIST) under the Auspices of UNESCO through the “Thousand Talents” Program particip...

Lijiang celebrates World Heritage Day

     Lijiang, with its numerous natural and humanistic heritage sites, is the only city who simultaeneously holds the titles of Chinese Historical and Cultural City, UNESCO World Heritage Site and national 5A to...

Delegation of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) ...

      On November 30th, 2012, Professor Plinio Innocenzi, the Science ＆ Technology Counselor of Embassy of Italy in China, Dr. Rosa Lasaponara and Dr.

World Heritage application temporary suspended

At the opening ceremony of the 2012 mayoral forum on historical, culturally prominent towers in China and the 9th annual meeting on famous towers, 11 cities signed the "Changsha Declaration"

Turkey: Istanbul might lose world heritage status

     Istanbul might get struck off the UNESCO World Heritage list because of a bridge being built over the Golden Horn, Zaman daily reported Monday.

Councils consider UNESCO World Heritage Site bid for Mt Loft...

FOUR councils are about to decide whether to proceed with a bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site listing of the Mt Lofty Ranges agricultural landscape.

Cuban institutions thank UNESCO for its contribution to the ...

© UNESCO Havana. Dr. Eusebio Leal speaking. He is accompanied (from left to right) by Berarda Salabarría, Herman van Hooff, and Gladys Collazo.

Kyoto celebrates the closing of the 40th anniversary of UNES...

     "Japan is an outstanding and longstanding champion of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention -- its commitment reflects values deeply held in Japanese society, values that are sustained by national authorities,

4 Costly Myths About World Heritage

     How can the issue of Palestine end up costing American jobs in New Mexico? Or hobble protection of great places worldwide? That tortuous path winds through four common American misconceptions

4th International Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeolog...

      The 4th International Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology (ICRSA4) opened at the Friendship Hotel in Beijing on 24 October, 2012. The conference, themed "A New Era of Earth Observation on Natural a...

The opening ceremony of the 1st International Workshop on Sp...

On 09 October the opening ceremony of the 1st International Workshop on Space Technologies for World Heritage was held in Beijing. 20 participants from 15 Asian developing countries including Iran, Sri Lanka, Cambo...

Getting back to the grassroots

      At the age of 60, Natarajan Ishwaran is a well-known figure in the international conservation community- he has 30 years of experience in teaching and research in and building international partnerships fo...

ISEO2012 Convenes in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

      On 20 September, the International Symposium on Earth Observation for Arid and Semi-Arid Environments (ISEO2012) convened in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China.

Many world heritage sites facing development pressures

      Many of the planet’s 217 world heritage natural sites are facing increasing threats, including oil and gas development, and need more protection, conservation leaders said at an occasion marking the 40th ...

UNESCO and National Geographic partner with Intercontinental...

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Responsible Business Week to run from 17-23 September 2012

Pagoda's woodblocks to receive World Heritage certificate

A collection of 3,000 woodblocks carved by Buddist Sutras in the 14th century at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in the northern province of Bac Gang will be given a UNESCO certificate and Word Heritage status at a ceremony in ...

Cambodia, UNESCO sign agreement to continue safeguarding Ang...

      The Government of Cambodia and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday signed an agreement on safeguarding of the Angkor Wat Temple, one of the World Herit...

South Sudan Preserves Historical, Cultural Sites

      Just over a year since independence, South Sudan is working with the United Nations to preserve its most important historical, natural and cultural sites for future generations to enjoy. 

Preparation for “1st International Workshop on Space Techno...

      The objective of the Workshop is to help build capacity of the policy-makers, site managers of researchers of cultural and natural heritage in some of the UNESCO member states in Asia on how to apply space...

Mt. Fuji Heritage Site field survey begins

      KOFU--The International Council on Monuments and Sites, an advisory body for UNESCO, has started a field survey on Mt. Fuji, 

Local Family to Host World Heritage Exchange Student

      World Heritage Student Exchange Programs has qualified Nina Willis of Valley Spring as a host family for Till Oliver, a student from Germany. Oliver will be attending Llano High School for the upcoming sem...

Ministry Defends Costly Protection for Heritage Site

      Culture heritage authorities on Thursday issued a statement to address public concerns regarding an ongoing protection project for a renowned world heritage site.

Panasonic to Present New UNESCO World Heritage Program on Na...

     Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC)(TOKYO:6752)8-29 announced the sponsorship of a new television series focused on UNESCO World Heritage sites to be aired on the National Geographic Channel (NGC) across the wo...

Website launched for astronomical heritage protection

BEIJING - A new web portal dedicated to protecting astronomical heritage sites has been launched during the 28th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

“World Heritage and indigenous peoples” - on the occasion ...

At its tenth session, the UN Permanent Forum on indigenous issues (UNPFII) made several recommendations relating to UNESCO, its World Heritage Committee and the advisory bodies ICOMOS, ICCROM and IUCN. 

UNESCO and the Smithsonian Institution team up to celebrate ...

The project ‘Protection, Preservation and Prosperity: Stories of World Heritage,’ is being launched today by UNESCO and the Smithsonian Institution to celebrate the World Heritage Convention.

The Director-General of UNESCO appeals for the Protection of...

      In light of escalated violence in the vicinity of several historic urban areas in Syria, the Director-General reiterates her appeal of 30 March 2012, to all parties involved in the conflict to protect all ...

Creation of a Special Fund for the Safeguarding of Mali’s ...

      Echoing the call of UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the World Heritage Committee has established a Special Fund to support Mali’s efforts to safeguard the World Heritage properties affected by the a...

RRF grant awarded to rebuild the Okapi Wildlife Reserve

      On June 24, a group of armed rebels attacked the headquarters of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, situated in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing seven park staff- and their family membe...

UNESCO’S Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) announces l...

     The laureates of the 2012 Young Scientists Awards and of the Michel Batisse Award were announced Thursday by the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO (MAB) dur...

20 new Biosphere Reserves added to UNESCO’s Man and the Bio...

    The International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), meeting in Paris from 9 to 13 July, has added 20 new sites, including two transboundary, 

World Heritage Centre signs Memorandum of Understanding wit...

      The World Heritage Centre and the French Marine Protected Area Agency (AAMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the conservation of marine World Heritage sites. 

Meeting at UNESCO to designate new biosphere reserves

New biosphere reserves will be added to the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) World Network during its meeting in Paris. The 24th session of the International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme will be held from 9...

End of 36th session of the World Heritage Committee marked ...

The World Heritage Committee Friday closed its 36th session after almost two weeks of work under the chair of Eleonora Mitrofanova, the Ambassador of Russia to UNESCO.

Emergency appeal for Okapi Wildlife Reserve (DRC) following ...

     UNESCO and the nongovernmental organization Fauna & Flora International are launching an emergency appeal to support the staff and rebuild the headquarters of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Epulu, a small vi...

Beech Forests of Europe – Further Sites for the WH list?

After a three-day expert meeting held in Italy and ending on 20 June 2012, participants concluded that there is further potential for European beech forests as World Natural Heritage. 

World Heritage Committee calls for end to destruction of Mal...

The World Heritage Committee on 2 July condemned the destruction of World Heritage sites in Mali and decided on measures to help the country protect its heritage.

Twenty-six new sites inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage Lis...

The World Heritage Committee on Monday morning inscribed Lena Pillars Nature Park of the Russian Federation, the last site to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List during this year’s session. Chad, Congo, Pala...

Four natural and four cultural properties added to UNESCO’...

     The World Heritage Committee on Sunday inscribed eight new sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including Chad’s first World Heritage property. Inscriptions will continue tomorrow Monday. The new sites ...

Sites in Iran, Malaysia, Canada, Slovenia, Spain, Germany, ...

The World Heritage Committee on Saturday afternoon added the following sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage List: Gonbad-e Qābus (Iran), Archaelogical Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (Malaysia), The Landscape of Gran...

UNESCO Director-General calls for a halt to destruction of ...

      UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova today expressed her distress and dismay over the destruction of three sacred tombs that are part of a World Heritage site in Timbuktu, Mali. Ms Bokova called on the bel...

Bahraini pearling site and the Mosque of Isfahan inscribed o...

Pearling, testimony of an island economy (Bahrain) and the Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan (Iran) were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Saturday morning. The World Heritage Committee, the independent 21-memb...

Xanadu (China), Bassari Country (Senegal) and Grand Bassam ...

     The Site of Xanadu (China), the Bassari Country: Bassari and Bedik Cultural Landscapes (Senegal) and the Historic Town Grand Bassam, the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire have been added to UNESCO’s World H...

Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route in Bethlehem...

New sites including the Birthplace of Jesus have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

HONG Tianhua met Professor Maurizio Forte

HONG Tianhua (HONG), Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of UNESCO , met with Prof. Maurizio Forte of the Uni...

Heritage sites in northern Mali placed on List of World Her...

     The World Heritage Committee on Thursday accepted the request of the government of Mali to place Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. The decision aims to raise coop...

Panamanian fortifications inscribed on List of World Herita...

     Environmental factors, lack of maintenance and uncontrollable urban developments have been cited as reasons to inscribe the Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo on UNESCO’s...

World Heritage Committee places Liverpool on List of World ...

     The World Heritage Committee has placed Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to the proposed construction of Liverpool Waters, a massive redevelopment of the histor...

Better conservation in Pakistan and the Philippines allow Co...

The World Heritage Committee on Tuesday morning recognized the success of two countries, Pakistan and the Philippines, in improving the conservation of sites that had been inscribed on the List of World Heritage in...

Day 1 in St Petersburg: 2012 World Heritage Committee

     Of the 33 sites nominated this year, which ones will make the cut to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status? The first day of the World Heritage Committee session began this morning, 

36th session of World Heritage Committee opens with focus on...

     The challenges facing heritage preservation as UNESCO celebrates the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention were the focus of the opening of the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee. The ...

Successful World Heritage Candidates for the 2012 Business P...

     Participants to the 4th annual World Heritage Centre / Earthwatch / Shell "Business Planning for natural World Heritage site managers" have just been informed of their successful candidacies. 

Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences Delegation Visited HIST

       A delegation of 8 people, led by Vice president GUO Chunjing of Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Sciences (HAS), visited the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage...

UNESCO mission assesses earthquake damage to sites in northe...

        Following the earthquakes that struck the region of Emilia in northern Italy, notably since May 20, with 7 major shocks (Magnitude>5) on 20 May (3 events), 29 May (3 events) and then again on 3 June 201...

UNESCO mission assesses earthquake damage to sites in northe...

As requested by Director-General Irina Bokova, a team of experts has traveled to northern Italy to assess damage to World Heritage sites following recent earthquakes.

Euromed 2012: International Conference on Cultural Heritage ...

The International Conference on Cultural Heritage (CH) brings together researchers, policy makers, professionals and practitioners to explore some of the more pressing issues concerning cultural heritage today. 

40th anniversary ceremonial event at Stralsund (event) Thurs...

The German Commission for UNESCO will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention with a ceremonial event taking place on 21 June 2012 at the Art Nouveau Theatre of the World Heritage cit...

World Heritage Committee to consider inscription of 36 sites...

        The forthcoming 36th session of the Committee, an independent body of 21 States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention, will be chaired by. Eleonora Mitrofanova, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of ...

LUO Jing Visits AIR

On 12 April, LUO Jing, the Deputy Director-General of the Dept. of Science and Technology, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, visited the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural ...

AIR Director-General GUO Huadong Meets withUNESCO Assistant ...

      On 6 April, AIR Director-General GUO Huadong was invited to the UNESCO Beijing office to meet with UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Dr. Gretchen Kalonji. 

UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector Executive Director HAN Qunli...

On 6 January, UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector Executive Director HAN Qunli visited the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of UNESCO (HIST) hosted by AIR.

GUO Huadong Elected Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences

       Professor GUO Huadong, Director-General of the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), was elected as a member of Earth Science Department of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on December 9th,2011....

UNESCO A World of SCIENCE: Heritage research based on space...

Recently, A World of SCIENCE, Vol. 9, No. 4, October–December 2011, issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), published an article entitled Space Tech for Heritage G...

THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON EARTH OBSERVATIONS FOR...

ISEO2014, a follow-up of ISEO2012 convened in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China, was successfully convened in the Issy Kul Lake Biosphere Reserve of Kyrgyztan from 10 to 12 September 2014. The Institute of Physical and Tech...

Representatives from the National Commissions of Korea ， J...

     On 24 August, 2011, representatives from the National Commissions of Korea, Japan and Thailand for UNESCO paid a visit to the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HI...

First International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural...

        On July 24th, 2011, the first-of-its-kind World Heritage research and training organization based on space technologies ---- the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Herit...

HIST Science Committee Meeting and Symposium on Space Techno...

        On June 20th, 2011, the 1st Session of the Science Committee of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO and the Symposium on ...

Bai Chunli Signs Agreement on New Centre with UNESCO

On June 2nd, 2011, Bai Chunli, President of CAS, signed an agreement establishing the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) on behalf of the Chinese Government. 

Li Rusheng and other delegates visit AIR

        Li Rusheng, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and other delegates visited the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) on April 28th at the invitation...

4th EABRN-UNESCO Training Workshop Successfully Closed

     The 4th EABRN-UNESCO Training Workshop on “Remote Sensing and GIS for Biosphere Reserve Management” concluded on 22 April 2011 at the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR),

REDD+ Task Force in Indonesia Visits AIR

Four representatives of the REDD+ Task Force in Indonesia visited AIR at the invitation of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO on the...

4th EABRN-UNESCO Training Workshop Opened at AIR

    The 4th EABRN-UNESCO Training Workshop on “Remote Sensing and GIS for Biosphere Reserve Management” was opened at the East Campus of the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sc...

“Steps to the digital Silk Road” Published in Nature

In the newly released Nature, CAS Academician Prof. GUO Huadong(HIST director) from The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) published a comment titled “Steps to the digital Silk Road”, in which he invi...

Scholars Gather in Hong Kong to Discuss Prospect of"Digital ...

HONG KONG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- About 200 scholars from over 20 countries or international organizations gathered here Wednesday at a "Digital Belt and Road" conference to discuss promotion of sustainable development...

World Heritage Committee’s 42nd session to be hosted by Bah...

The Government of Bahrain, newly elected member of the World Heritage Committee, will host the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee from 24 June to 4 July 2018, in Manama, Bahrain.

Five Laureates Named for 2018 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women in ...

Paris, 13 November–The L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO have selected five outstanding women scientists from Argentina, Canada, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom who will receive the 2018 L'Oréal-UNESCO F...

UNESCO more necessary than ever, declares Audrey Azoulay

Audrey Azoulay was sworn in as the new Director-General of UNESCO on Monday before the 39th session of the General Conference. Invoking the challenges facing the Organization, she focused on the pertinence of UNESC...

Side Event Concerning Preserving the UNESCO Designated Place...

The 41th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held at Krakow, Poland from 2 to 12 July 2017. At this session, two China's sites: Qinghai Hoh Xil located in the north-western extremity of the Qinghai-T...