UNESCO has announced the addition of 26 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage List, recognizing locations of exceptional cultural, historical, and natural value. The newly inscribed sites span across continents, from ancient ruins in Turkey to biodiversity hotspots in Africa and sacred landscapes in Australia.
In Turkey, the ruins of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe—remnants of a powerful Iron Age civilization—were added to the list. The site includes a historic settlement, cemetery, and ancient temples.
In Africa, several key locations earned recognition:
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa, first inscribed in 1999, has had its boundaries extended into Mozambique to include Maputo National Park, featuring lagoons, mangroves, and coral reefs.
- The Gola-Tiwai Complex in Sierra Leone, home to over 1,000 plant species, 55 mammals, and nearly 450 bird species.
- The Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau, notable for its diverse bird colonies and marine life.
- Two cultural landscapes—Mount Mulanje in Malawi and Diy-Gid-Biy in Cameroon’s Mandara Mountains—have also joined the list.
In Brazil, the Peruaçu River Canyon was recognized for its dramatic landscapes, extensive cave systems, and more than 2,000 plant and animal species.
Australia’s Murujuga Cultural Landscape, featuring ancient rock formations and spiritual heritage sites of the Ngarda-Ngarli people, was also inscribed for its cultural and spiritual significance.
UNESCO’s list also grew with several Asian sites, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity.