6 UNESCO Endangered World Heritage Sites: One in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Earth is a vast library, with each book chapter carved into the landscape and ruins unfolding at every bound. These rich pages of the past have even endured the turning of millennia, preserving the tales of civilizations, cultures, and nature itself. 

Among these treasures, however, are many that are recognized by UNESCO as endangered heritage sites due to various critical threats. From deterioration to environmental deterioration and illegal logging, sites like the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls, Virunga National Park, and the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra now stand at the brink of loss.

According to UNESCO World Heritage Convention, here are some of the most endangered sites around the world.

List of Endangered Heritage Sites, According to UNESCO

1. Old City of Jerusalem and its walls, Israel

Despite its compact size, the Old City of Jerusalem holds immense significance as a sacred city to three major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Within its ancient walls lie approximately 226 historical and religious monuments, including revered sites such as the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, the Old City was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger just a year later, due to religious violence and rapid urbanization.

2. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Over 1,000 rare species call the national park home, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla. 

Its extraordinary biodiversity, however, has long been under threat, specifically since 1994 due to the violent aftermath of the Rwanda genocide. The armed groups are known to be just a few kilometers away from this fragile sanctuary, turning it into a conflict zone, where animals’ natural behavior has eventually been disrupted.

3. Everglades National Park, United States

The Everglades National Park has long been cited among the US’ endangered heritage sites. Encompassing vast wetlands in southern Florida, this UNESCO World Heritage site supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, and West Indian Manatee.

In 1993, its endangered status was first declared following the devastating impact of Hurricane Andrew. Although it was removed from the list in 2007, it was relisted just three years later, due to the continued deterioration of its aquatic ecosystem.

In addition to that, the Everglades has faced pressures from a combination of factors, such as urban expansion, industrial development, and agricultural runoff.

4. Historic Centre of Vienna, Austria

A harmonious blend of Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassical architecture comes to life in the Historic Centre of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2001. The city has long held a central role in European culture, serving as the continent’s leading hub for music, from the golden age of Viennese Classicism to the early 20th century.

However, UNESCO raised alarms in 2017 over high-rise construction and urban developments that threaten to alter the historic skyline and undermine the visual integrity of this cultural landmark. 

5. Chan Chan Archaeological Zone, Peru

Situated in northern Peru, Chan Chan was once the thriving capital of the ancient Chimú Kingdom. As one of the largest and most significant examples of pre-Hispanic earthen architecture in the Americas, this archaeological marvel once featured over 10,000 structures, including walls soaring up to 30 feet high.

Ironically, what was once its greatest challenge, a lack of water, has now become its greatest threat. Due to excessive rainfall caused by El Niño climatic events, the fragile adobe structures of Chan Chan are slowly being eroded and washed away. In 1986, UNESCO placed Chan Chan on the list of World Heritage in Danger.

6. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, Indonesia

Rounding out the list, the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra is a vital sanctuary for some of the planet's most endangered species. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises three national parks—Gunung Leuser, Kerinci Seblat, and Bukit Barisan Selatan—each playing a crucial role in the long-term conservation of Sumatra’s unique and diverse ecosystems.

However, this irreplaceable biodiversity is under severe threat. Road construction and agricultural expansion have opened the door to illegal logging, poaching, and land encroachment, putting immense pressure on the fragile rainforest and its inhabitants.

Each site on UNESCO’s endangered list represents more than just stone, soil, or scenery. Their loss would be irreversible, not only to the communities that live near them, but to humanity as a whole. 

In light of this, some of the top 10 historical places in the world to visit are not only breathtaking destinations but also urgent calls for awareness and preservation.

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