Overview

• Of 32 nominations this year, the World Heritage Committee approved 21 cultural sites, four natural wonders and one mixed property for inscription.
• Cultural highlights include King Ludwig II’s Bavarian palaces, six Minoan palatial centres on Crete and the Neolithic megaliths of Carnac in France.
• Cambodia’s Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek memorial sites join the list to preserve the memory of Khmer Rouge atrocities and support public education.
• The sunken Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal in Jamaica becomes UNESCO’s latest underwater heritage site, showcasing submerged colonial remains.
• These additions follow early July removals of three African properties from the Danger List and reaffirm member states’ obligations for legal protection and sustainable tourism management.