India Hosts Historic 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting

Current Context: The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee took place from 21st to 31st July 2024 at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

• Here are the key highlights:
• Purpose and Participants:
• The session was hosted by India for the first time.
• The World Heritage Committee examined proposals for 28 sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.
• It also assessed the state of conservation of 123 sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List and those on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
• Inauguration:
• The session was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 21st July 2024.
• India also took the initiative to pledge a 'Virasat Par Garv' (Pride in Heritage) campaign, underscoring its proactive approach to heritage conservation.
• Decisions:
• Removal from UNESCO World Heritage List in Danger:
• Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger due to positive conservation efforts by the State Party.
• Additions to the World Heritage List:
• The Committee inscribed 24 new sites (19 cultural, 4 natural, and 1 mixed) on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing the total to 1,223 inscribed properties (952 cultural, 231 natural, and 40 mixed).
• They also decided to extend 2 existing sites on the List.
• Notable Site Inscribed:
• India - Moidams:
• This property, located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, contains the royal necropolis of the Tai-Ahom dynasty.
• For 600 years, the Tai-Ahom created moidams (burial mounds) that accentuated the natural topography of hills, forests, and water, forming a sacred geography.
• Sado gold and silver mines in Japan have become part of UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage
• During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $1 million grant to support UNESCO’s global conservation efforts.

Question:

1 What campaign did India pledge during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee?

• A) Heritage for Future
• B) Preservation Initiative
• C) Legacy of the Past
• D) Virasat Par Garv

Answer: D) India also took the initiative to pledge a 'Virasat Par Garv' (Pride in Heritage) campaign, underscoring its proactive approach to heritage conservation.