Princess Sumaya also underscored the importance of sciences for archaeology and, in particular, for long-term cultural heritage preservation referring to the World Heritage site of Petra.

UNESCO: The Director-General met with HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The ancient city of Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance, but its carefully preserved heritage has come under severe threat amid the ongoing conflict.

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Maritime Greenwich was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and is recognised for its cultural heritage and scientific accomplishments.

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As illustrated by the collapse of the magnificent antique citadel at Bam, the largest sun dried bricks (adobe) building in the world and a World Heritage Site, during the devastating earthquake that struck this ancient Iranian city, cultural heritage sites themselves are threatened by earthquake destruction.

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This month, the U.N. approved Cambodia's application to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site -- places that have outstanding cultural value.

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In 2003 Kew was recognised as a "unique cultural landscape" by the United Nations which gave it World Heritage Site status.

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Inscription on the World Heritage Site could increase commercialization while at the same time promoting more sustainable management of this unique cultural landscape.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES