The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has revealed around 21 new heritage sites worth preserving by the end of the year 2016. As of July 2016, there are approximately 1,052 sites inscribed by the UNESCO.
Around 814 of these are categorized as cultural sites, another 203 cataloged for its ecological value and 35 others classified as 'mixed properties.' The 21 new UNESCO sites recently revealed by Telegraph Co. UK on July 19, 2016, completed the list discussed World Heritage Committee in Istanbul, Turkey.
Curiously, UNESCO's earlier 2016 list started with merely five sites formally inscribed on July 17 of that year. The following new locations identified as of 2016 are as follows:
Hubei Shennongjia
Located in its namesake province in China, this dense forest makes one of the latest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ecological sphere is noted for its treasured local fauna which includes clouded leopards, snub-nosed monkeys, and Asian black bears. This ancient forest has also been a popular site for botanical research conducted by local scientists.
Archipelago de Revillagigedo
More popularly known as the Revillagigedo Islands, this chain of volcanic islets are located 390 kilometers southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The four islands comprising this archipelago were the highest points of the once submerged mountain range. Once sited by the Spanish explorers in the early and mid-1500's, this archipelago remains sparsely populated. As of today, there are only 45 registered inhabitants in these islands.
Nan Madol
This 'artificial archipelago' is located on the eastern shore of Pohnpei Island, Micronesia. As one of the new UNESCO sites, the 99 man-made ruins comprised an entire colossal city submerged by the rising sea waters. This city was constructed between the 13th and 16th Century by the powerful Saudeleur Dynasty.
Ennedi Massif
Apart from being a haven for rock climbers around the world, the Ennedi Massif is home to some of the most ancient cave paintings in the African continent. It is the second iconic location in Chad officially recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Antigua Naval Dockyard
The Antigua Naval Dockyard was one of the earliest new UNESCO sites mentioned during the Istanbul conference. The construction of this 18th Century harbor was made possible by the conscription of indentured Africans. This site is a reminder of the turbulent international relations of European powers in The New World.
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