UNESCO’s approval
India is no doubt emerging as a global leader in almost all fields. The country is getting recognition from international bodies spread across the globe and the latest edition to the list is the addition of seven new properties, including Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, and Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh to the Tentative List of UNESCO’s World Heritage for India.
India currently has 69 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, including 49 cultural, three mixed, and 17 natural properties. The latest edition of properties was announced by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO adding that these properties highlight India’s commitment to the preservation and conversation of its rich cultural heritage.
These seven properties under the natural category include Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra); Geological Heritage of St Mary’s Island Cluster (Udupi, Kamataka); Meghalayan Age Caves (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya); Naga Hill Ophiolite (Kiphire, Nagaland), the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO said in a statement.
Other properties are Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh); Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh); and Natural heritage of Varkala (Kerala), it said.
Notably, addition to the Tentative List is a mandatory requirement before the inscription of any property on the World Heritage List. More importantly, declaring a site as a heritage site can benefit the local population in several ways.
Heritage sites can generate income and create jobs for local communities through sustainable tourism, innovation, and local entrepreneurship. This can lead to improved livelihoods and economic stability.
Besides, recognizing a site as a heritage site helps preserve the local culture, traditions, and history, which can foster a sense of community pride and identity.
The declaration process encourages local participation and engagement in the preservation and management of the site, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. This leads to several benefits for the community as heritage sites can contribute to the well-being of local communities by providing opportunities for social learning, personal enrichment, and community cohesion.
Importantly, UNESCO World Heritage designation increases international recognition and visibility, attracting more tourists and investment to the area.
This is where India can make its presence felt more effectively as the major world powers see India as an emerging economy that will shape the destination of the world in the years to come.
