[2026 Update] What are Endangered Heritage Sites? A clear explanation of all 58 sites and how to add/remove them.
Endangered HeritageThis refers to UNESCO World Heritage sites that are seriously threatened by their Outstanding Universal Value and are listed on the "List of World Heritage in Danger." Officially called "World Heritage in Danger," it is often abbreviated as "Dangerous Heritage" in Japan.
In this article,As of July 2026This document summarizes all 58 endangered heritage sites, including their definitions, the 6 sites included in the 2026 list and the 1 site removed, a complete list of all 58 sites, the main factors contributing to their endangerment, and frequently asked questions.
*The list is from the World Heritage Certification Exam materials (July 2026 update PDFBased on UNESCO's official List of World Heritage in Danger This was created by comparing it with the announcements made at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting (Busan, South Korea).
Basic information on endangered heritage sites
| item | Content (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Total number of endangered heritage sites | 58 items |
| Added to the list this time | 6 items(Of these, 3 were new registrations made through emergency procedures and were recorded simultaneously.) |
| This time, I've been removed from the list. | 1 Result(Historic Centre of Vienna / Austria) |
| committee | The 48th World Heritage Committee meeting (Busan, South Korea, July 19-29, 2026) |
| Japan's Endangered Heritage | none |
| Primary information | UNESCO Danger List,Facing major threats…,World Heritage Examination Materials |
The overall picture of the sites that became World Heritage Sites in 2026 is as follows:Summary of new registrations in 2026 (25 total)Please also see the following.
What are endangered heritage sites?
Official name and purpose
The official name of the World Heritage in Danger is in English List of World Heritage in DangerIn Japanese, it's called the "List of World Heritage Sites in Danger." Based on Article 11, Paragraph 4 of the World Heritage Convention, the World Heritage Committee decides whether to include these sites.
According to UNESCO, the purpose of this list is as follows:
- To raise awareness of the threat to the international community.(Armed conflict, natural disasters, pollution, poaching, uncontrolled urbanization and tourism development, etc.)
- Gathering support for conservation(Emergency aid from the World Heritage Fund, a catalyst for international cooperation)
- Adopt a corrective action program.(In consultation with the signatory states, outline a path to eliminate the threat.)
In other words, the endangered heritage list is not a "list of failures,"A framework for warnings and support to protect valuesIt is positioned as follows (see:World Heritage in Danger).
Differences from regular World Heritage registration
| perspective | List of World Heritage Sites | List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|
| subject | Heritage recognized for outstanding universal value | Properties that are already World Heritage Sites but whose value is seriously threatened |
| effect | International recognition and protection framework | Threat awareness, emergency assistance, and monitoring of corrective actions |
| Termination conditions | Continues unless deleted | If the threat is eliminated, it will be removed from the list. If it loses its value, it may be removed from the World Heritage list altogether. |
For both cultural and natural heritage sites, the operational guidelines define criteria for "Ascertained Danger" and "Potential Danger." Examples of potential dangers include the occurrence or threat of armed conflict, weakening of protective legislation, development plans, and the impacts of climate change.
Concepts for adding to and removing from a list
- ListedThe World Heritage Committee makes the decision based on reports from the contracting states and recommendations from advisory bodies. Contracting states may also request to be included on the list themselves.
- Remove from list (unsubscribe)Once corrective measures are taken and the threat is deemed to be sufficiently contained, the site will be removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger.The fact that it is a World Heritage Site will be maintained..
- Removal from World Heritage SitesThis is a last resort, separate from the List of World Heritage in Danger. If it is determined that outstanding universal value has been lost, it may be removed from both the List of World Heritage in Danger and the World Heritage List.
Six sites that will be added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2026
At the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting,Six sites have been newly added to the List of World Heritage in Danger.Three of these sites were inscribed as World Heritage Sites through emergency procedures and simultaneously placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (see:UNESCO announcement).
Three cases were added to the list simultaneously with new registration through emergency procedures.
Animal migration landscape in Boma and Badingiro (South Sudan)
This natural heritage site, located in the savanna of East Africa, is valued for its landscape that supports the mass migrations of large mammals.South Sudan's first World Heritage SiteThe committee identified infrastructure development, commercial poaching, illegal wildlife trade, instability in security, and institutional and financial constraints as serious threats. The registration criteria are **(vii)(ix)(x)**.
Sebastia (Palestine)
It is a multi-layered archaeological site dating back at least to the 9th century BC. The committee cited the risk of the site being fragmented by the planned Samaria (Shomron) National Park, as well as the situation in the Middle East, development and land use, governance, and deterioration of the remains as threats. The inscription criterion is **(iii)**.
The fortresses of Mount Amer (Lebanon)
This group of fortresses showcases the evolution of defense systems from the Crusades to the end of the 19th century. Damage from armed conflict is ongoing, and urgent intervention is needed. The registration criteria are **(ii)(iv)**.
The registration history for these three items is as follows:Summary of New Registrations in 2026: Emergency Procedures SectionBut we also carry it.
Three existing World Heritage sites were added to the list.
Ancient cities of the Taurica Peninsula and Chola (Ukraine)
The official English name is Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora. The committee decided to add it to the List of World Heritage in Danger because Ukraine is unable to fulfill its responsibility for protection and management due to the temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and because satellite imagery monitoring has confirmed a significant deterioration in its authenticity and integrity.
Historic district of Paramaribo (Suriname)
The official English name is Historic Inner City of Paramaribo. While the development of the management plan was praised, construction proceeded without an impact assessment, and the new parliament building and parking facilities were deemed to be a "confirmed threat" that would damage the historical urban landscape and significantly impair its authenticity and integrity.
The Phoenician city of Tyre (Lebanon)
The official English name is Tyre. The Committee determined that the conditions for preserving its outstanding universal value were not being met due to ongoing hostilities in Lebanon. The decision to include it on the List of World Heritage in Danger was made in response to requests from the signatory states.
Heritage sites that will be removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2026
Vienna's historic district (Austria)
The 48th World Heritage Committee meeting was heldThe Historic Centre of Vienna has been removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger.I did (see:UNESCO World Heritage: 25 new sites inscribed).
The property was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2001.Added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2017The main issue was that a city development plan (around Heumarkt) including high-rise buildings could damage the historical landscape. After a review of the plan, the committee decided to lift the ban, but it has been reported that domestic procedures such as environmental impact assessments for related projects are continuing.
What's important is,Even if it is removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger, it will still remain a World Heritage Site.That's the point. Lifting the alert means that "progress has been made in responding to the threat," but it doesn't mean that future monitoring will no longer be necessary.
List of World Heritage in Danger (58 sites in total, as of July 2026)
The following information is based on the Japanese names used in the World Heritage Examination materials, and the years of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger are based on those materials and the official UNESCO list. The classification (cultural/natural) is based on the UNESCO classification. For heritage sites listed in multiple periods, the previous periods are also listed.
Asia-Pacific
| Heritage Name | Countries and regions that possess this information | classification | Year of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Minaret and Archaeological Sites of Jarm | Afghanistan | culture | 2002 |
| Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Sites of the Bamiyan Valley | Afghanistan | culture | 2003 |
| Sumatra's Tropical Rainforest Heritage | Indonesia | nature | 2011 |
| Nan Matol: A ceremonial center in eastern Micronesia | Federated States of Micronesia | culture | 2016 |
| East Rennell | Solomon Islands | nature | 2013 |
| Historic district of Shakhrisabz | Uzbekistan | culture | 2016 |
Arab countries
| Heritage Name | Countries and regions that possess this information | classification | Year of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls | Jerusalem (application by Jordan) | culture | 1982 |
| Ash (carat shell cut) | Iraq | culture | 2003 |
| Ancient city of Samarra | Iraq | culture | 2007 |
| The circular city of Hatra | Iraq | culture | 2015 |
| Historic District of Zabid | Yemen | culture | 2000 |
| Old town of Sana'a | Yemen | culture | 2015 |
| The walled city of Shibam | Yemen | culture | 2015 |
| Malibu: A representative archaeological site of the ancient Sabaean kingdom. | Yemen | culture | 2023 |
| Archaeological site of Cyrene | Libya | culture | 2016 |
| Archaeological Site of Sabratha | Libya | culture | 2016 |
| Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna | Libya | culture | 2016 |
| The rock art sites of Tadralt Akakus | Libya | culture | 2016 |
| Old City of Aleppo | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| Caravan city of Bosra | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| Damascus Old City | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| Ancient settlements in northern Syria | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| Krak des Chevaliers and Qalat Salah al-Din | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| Ancient city of Palmyra | Syria | culture | 2013 |
| The Land of Olives and Wine – Battyr Hill: A Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem | Palestine | culture | 2014 |
| Hebron: Old City of Al-Khalil | Palestine | culture | 2017 |
| Monastery of St. Hilarion / Tell Umm Amer | Palestine | culture | 2024 |
| Sebastia | Palestine | culture | 2026 |
| Rashid Kalamy International Fairgrounds in Tripoli | Lebanon | culture | 2023 |
| The Fortresses of Mount Amer | Lebanon | culture | 2026 |
| The Phoenician city of Tyre | Lebanon | culture | 2026 |
Africa
| Heritage Name | Countries and regions that possess this information | classification | Year of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve | Guinea/Côte d'Ivoire | nature | 1992 |
| Nature Reserves of Aïr and Ténéré | Niger | nature | 1992 |
| Virunga National Park | Democratic Republic of Congo | nature | 1994 |
| Galamba National Park | Democratic Republic of Congo | nature | 1984-92, 1996- |
| Okapi Wildlife Reserve | Democratic Republic of Congo | nature | 1997 |
| Kahuzi Viega National Park | Democratic Republic of Congo | nature | 1997 |
| Manovo-Gunda San Floris National Park | Central African Republic | nature | 1997 |
| The legendary city of Timbuktu | Mari | culture | 1990–2005, 2012– |
| Askia's Tomb | Mari | culture | 2012 |
| Old town of Djenné | Mari | culture | 2016 |
| Selous Game Reserve | Tanzania | nature | 2014 |
| Lake Turkana National Parks | Kenya | nature | 2018 |
| Animal migration landscapes in Boma and Badingiro | South Sudan | nature | 2026 |
Europe and North America
| Heritage Name | Countries and regions that possess this information | classification | Year of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medieval Monuments of Kosovo | Serbia | culture | 2006 |
| Mining landscape of Montana, Russia | Romania | culture | 2021 |
| Odesa Historic District | Ukraine | culture | 2023 |
| Kyiv: St. Sophia Cathedral and Associated Monasteries, Kyiv Pecherusk Lavra | Ukraine | culture | 2023 |
| Lviv Historic Centre | Ukraine | culture | 2023 |
| Ancient Cities of the Taurica Peninsula and Chola | Ukraine | culture | 2026 |
| Everglades National Park | united states of america | nature | 1993–2007, 2010– |
Latin America and the Caribbean
| Heritage Name | Countries and regions that possess this information | classification | Year of inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Site of Chan Chan | Peru | culture | 1986 |
| Koro and its port | Venezuela | culture | 2005 |
| Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve | Honduras | nature | 1996-2007, 2011- |
| Panama's Caribbean Fortresses: Portobello and San Lorenzo | Panama | culture | 2012 |
| The city of Potosi | Bolivia | culture | 2014 |
| Islands and nature reserves in the Gulf of California | Mexico | nature | 2019 |
| Historic district of Paramaribo | Suriname | culture | 2026 |
The official English name and the latest country list are always UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger Please consider this correct.
Main reasons for being registered as a World Heritage Site in Danger
Crisis factors are not limited to one, but often involve multiple factors. Typical types are as follows:
| Types of factors | Examples of content | Current and existing examples |
|---|---|---|
| Armed conflict and deteriorating security | Bombing, looting, out of control | Tyre, the fortresses of Mount Amer, various assets in Syria, and multiple assets in Ukraine. |
| Urban development and infrastructure | Damage to the landscape and integrity caused by high-rise buildings, roads, and park plans. | Paramaribo, Sebastia (National Park Project), Vienna in the past |
| Poaching and destruction of ecosystems | Commercial poaching, habitat fragmentation, illegal trade | Boma-Badingiro, Natural Heritage Site of the Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Climate change and environmental pressures | Water level changes, coral and wetland degradation, extreme weather | Everglades, Lake Turkana, etc. |
| Weakening of the protection system | Lack of legal frameworks, funding, and personnel; inability to control due to occupation. | Ancient cities of the Taurica Peninsula and Chola, etc. |
YemenOld town of Sana'aCases like this, where traditional urban landscapes are damaged during conflict, are a classic example of a crisis in cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Japan have any endangered heritage sites?
As of July 2026, there are no World Heritage Sites in Japan designated as World Heritage in Danger. Japan has 27 World Heritage Sites (22 cultural and 5 natural), none of which are listed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The most recent registration in Japan is:Asuka and Fujiwara PalaceIt was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2026. A representative example in Japan...Cultural properties of the ancient capital KyotoorItsukushima ShrinePlease also refer to the following.
Will a site be removed from the World Heritage list if it becomes a World Heritage Site in Danger?
No. Being placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger does not immediately mean removal from the World Heritage List. Rather, it is a mechanism to attract international attention and support and to promote corrective measures. If the value is restored, it will be removed from the list, and only if it is judged that the value has been lost will removal from the World Heritage List be considered. Removal is an exceptional last resort.
When will the List of World Heritage in Danger be updated?
In principle, it is held every year.World Heritage CommitteeThe additions and removals are decided by a resolution. The number of items changes during or immediately after the session, so summaries like this article are not always accurate.Dynamic content to be updated after the committee meeting.It is appropriate to treat it as such. Please check the latest number on UNESCO's official List of World Heritage in Danger.
summary
Endangered HeritageThis is a list intended to inform the international community about serious threats to the value of World Heritage sites and to encourage conservation support. Following the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting (July 2026, Busan), six sites were added to the list and one was removed.There are a total of 58 sites designated as World Heritage in Danger.The main developments this time were three new listings added simultaneously through emergency procedures, three additions from existing properties, and the removal of the Vienna Historic Centre from the list.
The number of cases and the status of individual assets will continue to change. For learning and checking current events, please refer to this article as well. UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger and Summary of New Registrations in 2026 Please refer to the following.
Reference (as of July 30, 2026): World Heritage Examination July 2026 MaterialsUNESCO World Heritage in Danger,List of World Heritage in Danger,Facing major threats, six new sites…,UNESCO World Heritage: 25 new sites inscribed
