<strong>Kulangsu Island, China: </strong>Located near Xiamen City, the small pedestrian-only island of Kulangsu was a frontier stronghold for many countries looking to enter Chinese mainland after the First Opium War (1839-1842). Only covering an area of 1.88 square kilometers, its heritage buildings are well-preserved, offering a unique example of a modernized international community in the beginning of the 20th century.
Kulangsu Island, China: Located near Xiamen City, the small pedestrian-only island of Kulangsu was a frontier stronghold for many countries looking to enter Chinese mainland after the First Opium War (1839-1842). Only covering an area of 1.88 square kilometers, its heritage buildings are well-preserved, offering a unique example of a modernized international community in the beginning of the 20th century.
UNESCO
<strong>Yazd, Iran: </strong>The city of<strong> </strong>Yazd, located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, is 270 kilometers southeast of Isfahan. "The earthen architecture of Yazd has escaped the modernization that destroyed many traditional earthen towns, retaining its traditional districts, the qanat system, traditional houses, bazars, hammams, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples and the historic garden of Dolat-abad," says UNESCO of the new World Heritage Site.
Yazd, Iran: The city of Yazd, located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, is 270 kilometers southeast of Isfahan. "The earthen architecture of Yazd has escaped the modernization that destroyed many traditional earthen towns, retaining its traditional districts, the qanat system, traditional houses, bazars, hammams, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples and the historic garden of Dolat-abad," says UNESCO of the new World Heritage Site.
Ali Jadidi/UNESCO
<strong>Aphrodisias, Turkey:</strong> The ancient city of Aphrodisias sits in southwestern Turkey, in the fertile valley of the Dandalas River. It's one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey. According to UNESCO, the site's buildings are remarkable not only for the preservation of their architecture, but also for the many inscriptions, statues, reliefs and other objects associated with them.
Aphrodisias, Turkey: The ancient city of Aphrodisias sits in southwestern Turkey, in the fertile valley of the Dandalas River. It's one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey. According to UNESCO, the site's buildings are remarkable not only for the preservation of their architecture, but also for the many inscriptions, statues, reliefs and other objects associated with them.
UNESCO
<strong>Assumption Cathedral, Sviyazhsk, Russia: </strong>The town of<strong> </strong>Sviyazhsk was founded on May 24, 1551 by Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible, on a small island. Among its remaining heritage buildings is the historic Assumption Cathedral.
Assumption Cathedral, Sviyazhsk, Russia: The town of Sviyazhsk was founded on May 24, 1551 by Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible, on a small island. Among its remaining heritage buildings is the historic Assumption Cathedral.
UNESCO
<strong>Swabian Jura Caves, Germany: </strong>Situated within the valleys of the Ach and Lone rivers in Baden-Württemberg (southwest Germany), this series of six caves has revealed some of the world's oldest ice age art, dating back to the early Upper Palaeolithic (Aurignacian) period -- between 43,000 to 33,000 years ago. Other findings include personal ornaments, musical instruments and small figurines carved from mammoth ivory.
Swabian Jura Caves, Germany: Situated within the valleys of the Ach and Lone rivers in Baden-Württemberg (southwest Germany), this series of six caves has revealed some of the world's oldest ice age art, dating back to the early Upper Palaeolithic (Aurignacian) period -- between 43,000 to 33,000 years ago. Other findings include personal ornaments, musical instruments and small figurines carved from mammoth ivory.
UNESCO
<strong>Kujataa,</strong> <strong>Denmark: </strong>This sub-Arctic farming landscape is located in Greenland's south. Significance? UNESCO says the landscape represents the earliest introduction of farming to the Arctic, and the Norse expansion of settlement beyond Europe.
Kujataa, Denmark: This sub-Arctic farming landscape is located in Greenland's south. Significance? UNESCO says the landscape represents the earliest introduction of farming to the Arctic, and the Norse expansion of settlement beyond Europe.
UNESCO
<strong>Okinoshima, Japan:</strong> The sacred Island of Okinoshima and associated sites in Japan's Munakata region, off the coast of Kyushu island, were singled out by UNESCO for being an exceptional example of the tradition of worship of a sacred island. The island's archeological sites are virtually intact, and provide a "chronological record of how the rituals performed there changed from the 4th to the 9th centuries."
Okinoshima, Japan: The sacred Island of Okinoshima and associated sites in Japan's Munakata region, off the coast of Kyushu island, were singled out by UNESCO for being an exceptional example of the tradition of worship of a sacred island. The island's archeological sites are virtually intact, and provide a "chronological record of how the rituals performed there changed from the 4th to the 9th centuries."
UNESCO
<strong>Hebron Old City: </strong>Hebron's Old City is home to one of the region's most contested places: the Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque. It is regarded as sacred by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Israel has <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F07%2F07%2Fmiddleeast%2Fhebron-shrine-unesco-vote%2Findex.html">denounced UNESCO's decision</a> to inscribe Hebron as a Palestinian World Heritage Site.
Hebron Old City: Hebron's Old City is home to one of the region's most contested places: the Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque. It is regarded as sacred by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Israel has denounced UNESCO's decision to inscribe Hebron as a Palestinian World Heritage Site.
Firas AL_Hashlamoun/UNESCO
<strong>Venetian Works of Defense -- Croatia, Italy, Montenegro:</strong> The Venetian Works of Defense, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, consists of 15 components spanning more than 1,000 kilometers between the Lombardy region of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. These fortifications protected the Republic of Venice from other European powers to the northwest and the sea routes and ports in the Adriatic Sea to the Levant. Pictured is the fortified city of Kotor, Montenegro.
Venetian Works of Defense -- Croatia, Italy, Montenegro: The Venetian Works of Defense, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, consists of 15 components spanning more than 1,000 kilometers between the Lombardy region of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. These fortifications protected the Republic of Venice from other European powers to the northwest and the sea routes and ports in the Adriatic Sea to the Levant. Pictured is the fortified city of Kotor, Montenegro.
UNESCO
<strong>Khomani Cultural Landscape, South Africa: </strong>Located at the border with Botswana and Namibia, this large expanse of sand contains evidence of human occupation from the Stone Age to the present and is associated with the culture of the Khomani San people and the strategies that allowed them to adapt to harsh desert conditions, says UNESCO.
Khomani Cultural Landscape, South Africa: Located at the border with Botswana and Namibia, this large expanse of sand contains evidence of human occupation from the Stone Age to the present and is associated with the culture of the Khomani San people and the strategies that allowed them to adapt to harsh desert conditions, says UNESCO.
UNESCO
<strong>Landscapes of Dauria, Mongolia/Russia: </strong>The landscapes of Dauria extend from eastern Mongolia into Russian Siberia and north-eastern China. "Cyclical climate changes, with distinct dry and wet periods lead to a wide diversity of species and ecosystems of global significance," says UNESCO of the site.
Landscapes of Dauria, Mongolia/Russia: The landscapes of Dauria extend from eastern Mongolia into Russian Siberia and north-eastern China. "Cyclical climate changes, with distinct dry and wet periods lead to a wide diversity of species and ecosystems of global significance," says UNESCO of the site.
UNESCO
<strong>Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia: </strong>The archeological site of Cambodia's Sambor Prei, has been identified as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla Empire that flourished in the late 6th and early 7th centuries CE. "The art and architecture developed here became models for other parts of the region and lay the ground for the unique Khmer style of the Angkor period," says UNESCO.
Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia: The archeological site of Cambodia's Sambor Prei, has been identified as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla Empire that flourished in the late 6th and early 7th centuries CE. "The art and architecture developed here became models for other parts of the region and lay the ground for the unique Khmer style of the Angkor period," says UNESCO.
So Sokun Theary/UNESCO
<strong>Qinghai Hoh Xil, China:</strong> Qinghai Hoh Xil, located in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and highest plateau in the world. "This extensive area of alpine mountains and steppe systems is situated more than 4,500 meters above sea level, where sub-zero average temperatures prevail all year-round," says UNESCO."
Qinghai Hoh Xil, China: Qinghai Hoh Xil, located in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and highest plateau in the world. "This extensive area of alpine mountains and steppe systems is situated more than 4,500 meters above sea level, where sub-zero average temperatures prevail all year-round," says UNESCO."
UNESCO
<strong>Taputapuatea, Ra'iatea Island: </strong>At the center of the "Polynesian Triangle," a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans, this new UNESCO site includes two forested valleys, a portion of lagoon and coral reef and a strip of open ocean. "At the heart of the property is the Taputapuātea marae complex, a political, ceremonial and funerary center," says UNESCO.
Taputapuatea, Ra'iatea Island: At the center of the "Polynesian Triangle," a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans, this new UNESCO site includes two forested valleys, a portion of lagoon and coral reef and a strip of open ocean. "At the heart of the property is the Taputapuātea marae complex, a political, ceremonial and funerary center," says UNESCO.
UNESCO
<strong>Mbanza Kongo, Angola: </strong>The town of Mbanza Kongo was the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, one of the largest constituted states in Southern Africa from the 14th to 19th centuries. Mbanza Kongo illustrates, more than anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa, the profound changes caused by the introduction of Christianity and the arrival of the Portuguese into Central Africa [in the 15th century]."
Mbanza Kongo, Angola: The town of Mbanza Kongo was the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, one of the largest constituted states in Southern Africa from the 14th to 19th centuries. Mbanza Kongo illustrates, more than anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa, the profound changes caused by the introduction of Christianity and the arrival of the Portuguese into Central Africa [in the 15th century]."
Joost De Raeymaeker/UNESCO
<strong>Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine, Poland: </strong>Located in Upper Silesia, in southern Poland, most of the site is situated underground while the surface mining topography features the remains of the 19th century steam water pumping station. "Tarnowskie Góry represents a significant contribution to the global production of lead and zinc," says UNESCO.
Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine, Poland: Located in Upper Silesia, in southern Poland, most of the site is situated underground while the surface mining topography features the remains of the 19th century steam water pumping station. "Tarnowskie Góry represents a significant contribution to the global production of lead and zinc," says UNESCO.
Piotr Gad/UNESCO
<strong>Lake District, UK: </strong>Northwest England's mountainous Lake District was among the new sites added to the list, becoming the UK's first national park to become a World Heritage property. "The combined work of nature and human activity has produced a harmonious landscape in which the mountains are mirrored in the lakes," says UNESCO's statement announcing the inscription.
Lake District, UK: Northwest England's mountainous Lake District was among the new sites added to the list, becoming the UK's first national park to become a World Heritage property. "The combined work of nature and human activity has produced a harmonious landscape in which the mountains are mirrored in the lakes," says UNESCO's statement announcing the inscription.
Nick Bodle/UNESCO
<strong>Valongo Wharf Archeological Site, Brazil: </strong> Located in central Rio de Janeiro, the wharf encompasses the entire Jornal do Comércio Square and is located in the former harbor area of Rio de Janeiro. An estimated 900,000 African slaves arrived in South America via Valongo from 1811 onwards.
Valongo Wharf Archeological Site, Brazil: Located in central Rio de Janeiro, the wharf encompasses the entire Jornal do Comércio Square and is located in the former harbor area of Rio de Janeiro. An estimated 900,000 African slaves arrived in South America via Valongo from 1811 onwards.
Milton Guran/UNESCO
<strong>Los Alerces, Argentina:</strong> The Los Alerces National park is located in northern Patagonia. "Successive glaciations have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clear-water lakes," says UNESCO of this new South American World Heritage Site.
Los Alerces, Argentina: The Los Alerces National park is located in northern Patagonia. "Successive glaciations have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clear-water lakes," says UNESCO of this new South American World Heritage Site.
Ricardo Villalba/UNESCO
<strong>Ahmedabad, India: </strong>The 600-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad has been recognized as a "UNESCO World Heritage Site," making it the first Indian city to be added to the coveted list. The rich culture of Ahmedabad's walled city, which was named in the early 1400s after Sultan Ahmed Shah, draws from its diverse history of Muslim, Hindu and Jain influences.
Ahmedabad, India: The 600-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad has been recognized as a "UNESCO World Heritage Site," making it the first Indian city to be added to the coveted list. The rich culture of Ahmedabad's walled city, which was named in the early 1400s after Sultan Ahmed Shah, draws from its diverse history of Muslim, Hindu and Jain influences.
AFP/Getty Images
UNESCO's 2017 World Heritage sites
CNN  — 

Made it your mission to visit every single UNESCO World Heritage Site on the planet?

That challenge is about to get tougher.

UNESCO’s huge list of World Heritage properties has grown even longer this month, with the global body voting to add 21 sites during the 41st annual World Heritage Committee session in Krakow, Poland.

That brings the total of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to 1,073.

Click here to see photos of the full list

Northwest England’s mountainous Lake District was among the new sites added to the list, the UK’s first national park to become a World Heritage property.

“The combined work of nature and human activity has produced a harmonious landscape in which the mountains are mirrored in the lakes,” says UNESCO’s statement announcing the inscription.

READ: Japan’s UNESCO site where women are forbidden

India’s walled city of Ahmedabad, founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the 15th century, was also added to the list, becoming the country’s first city to get a UNESCO nod.

Located on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river, it “presents a rich architectural heritage from the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, the walls and gates of the Fort city and numerous mosques and tombs as well as important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods,” says UNESCO’s description of the city.

Now on the list: The English Lake District.
Now on the list: The English Lake District.
Nick Bodle/UNESCO

Two South America properties were added to the list, including Brazil’s Valongo Wharf, an archeological site.

Located in central Rio de Janeiro, the wharf encompasses the entire Jornal do Comércio Square and was built to receive enslaved Africans who began landing the South American continent from 1811.

“It is the most important physical trace of the arrival of African slaves on the American continent,” says UNESCO.

READ: Ahmedabad becomes India’s first UNESCO Heritage city

UNESCO decisions draw protests

Controversial: The Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Controversial: The Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque.
HAZEM BADER/AFP/Getty Images

This year’s committee meeting wasn’t without controversy. Israel has denounced UNESCO’s decision to inscribe the old city of Hebron in the West Bank as a Palestinian World Heritage Site.

Israel accused UNESCO of making a politically motivated move, part of what it says is an attempt to deny the Jewish character and heritage of certain key sites in the Holy Land.

Meanwhile, UNESCO’s decision to approve China’s nomination of Hoh Xil, part of the high-altitude Tibetan plateau in Qinghai Province, has also drawn protests.

The International Campaign for Tibet says the nomination poses a threat to Tibetan nomads and their way of life.

“The Committee ignored the reality that Tibetans – and nomads in particular – are stewards of the landscape whose role is essential to sustaining the wildlife, the long-term health of the ecosystems, and the water resources that China and Asia depend upon,” said Kai Mueller, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet, in a statement.

Here’s this year’s list of newly inscribed sites, several of which can be viewed in the above gallery:

Turkey: Aphrodisias, archeological site and marble quarries

Eritrea: Asmara, modernist city of Africa

Russia: Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of Sviyazhsk

Germany: Caves and ice age art in the Swabian Jura

Palestinian territories: Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town

Iran: Historic city of Yazd

Denmark: Kujataa Greenland, sub-arctic farming landscape

China: Kulangsu, historic international settlement

Angola: Mbanza Kongo, political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo

Japan: Sacred Island of Okinoshima

France: Taputapuātea, center of the “Polynesian Triangle”

Poland: Tarnowskie Góry, lead-silver-zinc mine

Cambodia: Sambor Prei Kuk temple zone

United Kingdom: English Lake District

Brazil: Valongo Wharf, archeological site

Croatia, Italy, Montenegro: Venetian Works of Defense

South Africa: Khomani Cultural Landscape

Mongolia, Russia: Landscapes of Dauria

Argentina: Los Alerces National Park

China: Qinghai Hoh Xil, world’s highest and largest plateau

India: Historic city of Ahmedabad

READ: 8 endangered UNESCO sites to see now in the Americas

<strong>12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of: </strong>Surrounded by forests of beech, fir and spruce, a multi-level system of 16 lakes spills into waterfalls and pools in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are known for their distinctive colors, which can be turquoise, green, blue or gray. No swimming is allowed in the pristine pools.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) —
12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of: Surrounded by forests of beech, fir and spruce, a multi-level system of 16 lakes spills into waterfalls and pools in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are known for their distinctive colors, which can be turquoise, green, blue or gray. No swimming is allowed in the pristine pools.
Courtesy Damir Fabijanić
Sailing or kayaking Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord offers spectacular views of a calving glacier as it cascades into the fjord. Not just an incredible sight, the thunderous roar of ice breaking is a primal thrill.
Ilulissat Icefjord (Greenland) —
Sailing or kayaking Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord offers spectacular views of a calving glacier as it cascades into the fjord. Not just an incredible sight, the thunderous roar of ice breaking is a primal thrill.
Courtesy Andre Schonherr/Visit Greenland
The core of Shirakami-Sanchi in the mountains of northern Honshu is the last of the Siebold's beech forest that once dominated the slopes of northern Japan. The largest in East Asia, the untouched beech forest has very few visitors, partly due to permit requirements and lack of man-made facilities.
Shirakami-Sanchi (Japan) —
The core of Shirakami-Sanchi in the mountains of northern Honshu is the last of the Siebold's beech forest that once dominated the slopes of northern Japan. The largest in East Asia, the untouched beech forest has very few visitors, partly due to permit requirements and lack of man-made facilities.
Akita Prefecture/JNTO
The 18 interconnected lakes of Ounianga in the landlocked African nation of Chad are lined with palms, dunes and sandstone formations. Some of the lakes are covered with floating green reeds, offering an intense contrast against the blue water. Others are so salty the rocky shore is encrusted in white salt deposits.
Lakes of Ounianga (Chad) —
The 18 interconnected lakes of Ounianga in the landlocked African nation of Chad are lined with palms, dunes and sandstone formations. Some of the lakes are covered with floating green reeds, offering an intense contrast against the blue water. Others are so salty the rocky shore is encrusted in white salt deposits.
Courtesy Isabelle Boutriau
Covering four national parks in Canada and Alaska, one of this UNESCO Heritage Site's biggest draws (literally) is Mount Logan in Kluane National Park. At 5,959 meters (16,404 feet), Canada's tallest mountain is a haven for hikers and campers.
Kluane /Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek (Canada, Alaska) —
Covering four national parks in Canada and Alaska, one of this UNESCO Heritage Site's biggest draws (literally) is Mount Logan in Kluane National Park. At 5,959 meters (16,404 feet), Canada's tallest mountain is a haven for hikers and campers.
Courtesy Christoph Schlatter
Among Socotra's unique plant life is the dragon blood tree, which oozes dark red sap when damaged, and the bottle tree, which looks like a massive elephant leg with pink flowers sprouting on top. Not yet discovered by the masses, Socotra has pristine white coastal dunes that are constantly reshaped by wind during the monsoon.
Socotra (Yemen) —
Among Socotra's unique plant life is the dragon blood tree, which oozes dark red sap when damaged, and the bottle tree, which looks like a massive elephant leg with pink flowers sprouting on top. Not yet discovered by the masses, Socotra has pristine white coastal dunes that are constantly reshaped by wind during the monsoon.
Courtesy Socotra.info
Reunion Island is dominated by two volcanic peaks, the dormant Piton de Neiges and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise. Helicopter rides are among the best ways to see the French island's massive walls and three cliff-rimmed cirques.
Reunion Island (France) —
Reunion Island is dominated by two volcanic peaks, the dormant Piton de Neiges and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise. Helicopter rides are among the best ways to see the French island's massive walls and three cliff-rimmed cirques.
RICHARD BOUHET/AFP/Getty Images
Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages." The park consists of crystal clear, electric blue, green and purple pools, terraced lakes and waterfalls surrounded by snowy mountains. The giant panda and elusive snow leopard, as well as endemic species such as the Tengmalm's owl, are among rare wildlife that lives in the forests.
Jiuzhaigou (China) —
Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages." The park consists of crystal clear, electric blue, green and purple pools, terraced lakes and waterfalls surrounded by snowy mountains. The giant panda and elusive snow leopard, as well as endemic species such as the Tengmalm's owl, are among rare wildlife that lives in the forests.
Jason Kwok/CNN
Te Wahipounamu includes four national parks, from Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring to Fiordland and Westland. New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook at 3,755 meters (9,842 feet), is found in Te Wahipounamu. So are the country's largest glaciers, tallest forest, most rugged coastline and deepest fjords and lakes.
Te Wahipounamu (South Island, New Zealand) —
Te Wahipounamu includes four national parks, from Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring to Fiordland and Westland. New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook at 3,755 meters (9,842 feet), is found in Te Wahipounamu. So are the country's largest glaciers, tallest forest, most rugged coastline and deepest fjords and lakes.
Rob Suisted/naturespic.com
Divers and snorkelers can spot three species of turtles on the Ningaloo Coast. An estimated 10,000 turtle nests are found on the coast each year. Whale sharks are another marvel found off Australia's western shores during an annual gathering that draws 300 to 500 of the sea creatures. Many of Ningaloo's pristine snorkeling sites are accessible from the beach.
Ningaloo Coast (Australia) —
Divers and snorkelers can spot three species of turtles on the Ningaloo Coast. An estimated 10,000 turtle nests are found on the coast each year. Whale sharks are another marvel found off Australia's western shores during an annual gathering that draws 300 to 500 of the sea creatures. Many of Ningaloo's pristine snorkeling sites are accessible from the beach.
Courtesy Australia's Coral Coast
The Skocjan Caves house one of the world's largest known underground river canyons, created by the Reka River. The system of limestone caverns includes four picturesque chasms, which can be up to 150 meters deep and 120 meters wide.
Skocjan Caves (Slovenia) —
The Skocjan Caves house one of the world's largest known underground river canyons, created by the Reka River. The system of limestone caverns includes four picturesque chasms, which can be up to 150 meters deep and 120 meters wide.
Borut Lozej/Archives PSJ
Uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans, the Aldabra Atoll consists of four islets around a large shallow lagoon, encircled by coral reefs. The raised coral atoll is the largest of its kind and one of the few not yet impacted by human influences.
Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles) —
Uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans, the Aldabra Atoll consists of four islets around a large shallow lagoon, encircled by coral reefs. The raised coral atoll is the largest of its kind and one of the few not yet impacted by human influences.
Courtesy Seychelles Islands Foundation
12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of

Places of ‘outstanding universal value’

The United Nations’ World Heritage Committee, made up of representatives from 21 countries, meets annually to vote natural, cultural and sites of mixed significance around the world to its prestigious preservation list, which includes places of “outstanding universal value.”

The inscribed sites must meet at least one of 10 criteria such as “representing a masterpiece of human creative genius,” containing “exceptional natural beauty” or being an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement.

UNESCO has been adding sites to the World Heritage List since 1978.

In the travel world, being able to add the words “UNESCO World Heritage Site” to destination marketing materials is the equivalent of striking tourism gold, bringing fame and cultural cachet as well as resources for sites in need of restoration and protection.

As a result, nations often spend years developing pitches for inclusion on the list and must convince the UNESCO committee they will protect their sites and support them financially.

Go to whc.unesco.org/en/newproperties to learn more about the newly named sites.

READ: UNESCO omits Great Barrier Reef from ‘List of World Heritage in Danger