UNESCO Grants Nepal More Time to Restore Lumbini

The United Nations' cultural agency, UNESCO, decided on Thursday not to include the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Lumbini in Nepal on its list of endangered heritage sites. Instead, Nepalese authorities were given additional time to address the conservation concerns that threaten the historic gardens and temple.

Lumbini, recognized as the birthplace of Buddha, earned its World Heritage Site status in 1997. UNESCO experts had urged placing it on the endangered list, which numbers more than 50 sites, citing an "alarming state of conservation." Their report highlighted issues such as water damage to the Mayadevi Temple and the disrepair of the Sacred Garden. While UNESCO does not intend for a shift to the list to be viewed as a punishment, some sites do eventually end up losing their UNESCO status.

The World Heritage Committee acknowledged Nepal's ongoing preservation efforts and granted the country until February 1, 2025, to submit a new conservation report. While Nepal's delegation committed to implementing UNESCO's recommendations, Lebanon, backed by Belgium, opposed the extension, noting longstanding concerns dating back to 2002 that they feel haven't been adequately addressed by Nepal despite its assurances it would do so. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)