Offbeat Traveler: Potential UNESCO World Heritage sites
Starting next week, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will meet to consider 36 sites for its well-regarded list that includes the likes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Arizona's Grand Canyon, Peru's Machu Picchu and Britain's Stonehenge. Besides prestige, inscription offers opportunities for preservation aid.
Though the World Heritage Committee makes the final decisions, two organizations spend months evaluating nominated sites. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reviews natural sites and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) reviews cultural sites. Here's a look at some of their recommendations for inscription.
-- Jason La, Los Angeles
Though the World Heritage Committee makes the final decisions, two organizations spend months evaluating nominated sites. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reviews natural sites and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) reviews cultural sites. Here's a look at some of their recommendations for inscription.
-- Jason La, Los Angeles
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Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, Palau( Jacki Claiborne )
The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon encompasses coral reefs, caves, 445 limestone islands and 52 marine lakes. This varied landscape has given rise to abundant marine diversity that includes many endemic species. Its stunning scenery is also an asset. In its report, IUCN notes that, "The maze of dome-shaped and green Rock Islands seemingly floating in the turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral reef is of exceptional aesthetic beauty."
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