World Heritage Committee Examines Conservation Issues at Lumbini and Stonehenge

The World Heritage Committee is scrutinizing Nepal's Lumbini and UK's Stonehenge sites during its 46th session in India. Potential threats to these UNESCO properties might place them on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The committee will also review the state of conservation for sites already on the list, including three in Ukraine.

Nepal's Lumbini and UK's ancient Stonehenge, both UNESCO heritage sites, are under review by the World Heritage Committee (WHC) during its ongoing session in India. The 46th session of the WHC, hosted in India for the first time, will address concerns that may affect the values of these iconic landmarks.

The state of conservation of UNESCO properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger, including three sites in Ukraine, is also up for discussion. This key event, taking place from July 21-July 31 at the Bharat Mandapam, has seen lively debates on conservation issues, according to sources.

UNESCO's Director of World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, cited development pressures as a significant concern for both Lumbini and Stonehenge, urging collaborative efforts to find solutions. Meanwhile, Ernesto Ottone R, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Culture, confirmed that threats to Ukrainian sites will also be scrutinized.

(With inputs from agencies.)