UNESCO has officially inscribed several culturally significant sites on its World Heritage list, spotlighting the ancient Murujuga rock art site in Western Australia and two African landscapes steeped in history and tradition.

The Murujuga site, situated on the Burrup Peninsula, features over a million petroglyphs, some potentially 50,000 years old, making it one of the most extensive collections of Aboriginal rock carvings in existence. 

For the Mardudunera people, custodians of this sacred land, the recognition is a monumental affirmation of their ancestral legacy.

“These carvings are a gift from our forebears, a sacred archive of knowledge meant to keep our culture alive,” said Mark Clifton, part of the Aboriginal delegation who welcomed the decision in Paris.

While the inscription marks a major step toward global recognition, preservation concerns loom large. Environmentalists and Indigenous advocates warn that industrial emissions from nearby mining operations are eroding the ancient artwork. 

Rock art expert Benjamin Smith described Murujuga as “arguably the world’s most important rock art site,” urging stronger protective measures.

Woodside Energy, which operates locally, acknowledged Murujuga’s cultural value and claimed to be implementing responsible practices to limit environmental harm. 

However, Raelene Cooper, leader of the Aboriginal delegation, said the UNESCO listing serves as a call for transformative policy change.

Meanwhile, Africa’s rich heritage gained overdue visibility with the addition of Cameroon’s Mandara Mountains and Malawi’s Mount Mulanje. 

The Mandara region is home to centuries-old archaeological treasures and traditional settlements, while Mount Mulanje, shrouded in spiritual lore, is considered sacred by local communities.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the importance of amplifying Africa’s cultural voice, noting the continent’s underrepresentation despite its vast historical depth.

Also added to the list were three infamous sites in Cambodia associated with Khmer Rouge-era atrocities, a sobering reminder of genocide and resilience.

Inclusion on the World Heritage list doesn’t guarantee legal protection, but it increases international pressure on governments to safeguard these irreplaceable landmarks—where ancient wisdom, art, and memory endure against the odds.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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