UNESCO Removes Three African Sites From ‘In Danger’ List: What It Means And Why It Matters | Travel News - Times NowOpen PopupUNESCO Removes Three African Sites From ‘In Danger’ List: What It Means And Why It MattersCompiled by: Updated Jul 10, 2025, 13:01 ISTUNESCO World Heritage sites in Madagascar, Egypt, and Libya have regained protected status thanks to improved preservationUNESCO Removes Three African Sites From ‘In Danger’ List: What It Means And Why It Matters. Credit: IUCN/Joanna Durbin/egymonuments.gov/whc.unesco.orgfollow usfollow usThree important African heritage sites — in Madagascar, Egypt, and Libya — have been removed from the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger List after successful conservation efforts. The decision was made on July 9, 2025, during the ongoing 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.According to a statement from UNESCO, the removal reflects the hard work done by the countries involved, with support from UNESCO, to reduce the threats to these sites and protect their cultural and ecological importance.What Is The World Heritage In Danger List?The World Heritage in Danger List is used by UNESCO to highlight sites that are under serious threat, whether from conflict, natural disasters, environmental degradation, or human activity. It helps raise awareness, attract international attention, and increase access to technical and financial support.Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar. Credit: IUCN/Joanna DurbinWhich Sites Were Removed From The Danger List?Rainforests of the Atsinanana, MadagascarIt was added to UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 for its rich biodiversity and was placed on the in danger list in 2010 due to illegal logging, deforestation, and the trafficking of precious woods, which threatened key species like lemurs. According to UNESCO, conservation efforts have improved the condition of the forest and reduced threats.Abu Mena, Egypt. Credit: egymonuments.govAbu Mena, EgyptInscribed in 1979 as a historic Christian pilgrimage site and a symbol of early monasticism, it was placed on the danger list in 2001 after rising groundwater levels, due to nearby farming methods, caused damage to ancient structures. Authorities have now taken measures to protect the site from further damage.Old Town of Ghadamès, LibyaRecognised by UNESCO in 1986 for its unique desert architecture and cultural ties across Africa and the Mediterranean. It was listed as endangered in 2016 due to conflict, wildfires, and flooding. Restoration and protective efforts have helped stabilise the situation.Old Town of Ghadamès, Libya. Credit: whc.unesco.orgWhy Removal From UNESCO’s In Danger List Is Good NewsRemoving a site from the UNESCO ‘in danger’ list means it is now better protected and the issues that threatened its heritage value have been managed. These sites also regain their full status as World Heritage Sites and can attract more support for tourism and conservation.UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said, "When sites are removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger, it is a great victory for the countries and communities concerned, for UNESCO, and for the shared heritage of humanity." She also highlighted that UNESCO is placing special focus on supporting African countries, helping them protect existing sites and nominate new ones. Since 2021, other African sites in Senegal, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also been removed from the danger list. Previous NextMallika Bhagat authorMallika Bhagat is a journalist with over eight years of experience at leading print and digital publications like The Times of India, Hindustan Times,...End of ArticleRead MoreSubscribe to our daily Lifestyle Newsletter!SubmitFollow us :Top TrendsTop SearchesEntertainmentLifestyleCompany© 2025 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited, The 53 properties which the World Heritage Committee has decided to include on the List of World Heritage in danger in accordance with Article 11 (4) of the Convention., Three important African heritage sites — in Madagascar, Egypt, and Libya — have been removed from the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger List after successful conservation efforts. The decision was made on July 9, 2025, during the ongoing 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris..