Lost their glory UNESCO removes World Heritage Sites

It is always sad news when a site loses its World Heritage status, as it signifies that a site of cultural or natural significance has deteriorated beyond repair. UNESCO only removes sites from its World Heritage list if they fail to meet the criteria for which they were inscribed. Image Source : pexels.com

The Dresden Elbe Valley, Germany:

This cultural landscape was removed from the World Heritage list in 2009 due to the construction of a bridge that UNESCO felt had irreversibly damaged the valley's integrity. Image Source : pexels.com

Arabian Oryx Sanctuary,Oman:

This natural site was removed from the World Heritage list in 2007 due to the Omani government's decision to downsize the protected area by 90%, leaving the sanctuary too small to support the Arabian Oryx. Image Source : pexels.com

The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, UK: This cultural site was removed from the World Heritage list in 2021 due to the construction of new buildings that UNESCO felt had irreversibly damaged the city's historic waterfront. Image Source : pexels.com

Everglades National Park, USA:

This natural site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1979 but was later added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1993 due to pollution and habitat destruction. Image Source : pexels.com

The Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania: This natural site was removed from the World Heritage list in 2014 due to poaching and habitat destruction. Image Source : pexels.com

The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal:

This cultural site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1979 but was later added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2003 due to urbanization, pollution, and earthquake damage. Image Source : pexels.com