Beijing Central Axis, Sado Island Gold Mines Recognised by UNESCO

A historic Chinese site featuring former imperial palaces and gardens, Japan's Sado Island Gold Mines, and a complex of interconnected caverns in Malaysia were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday. Over the past two days, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has approved at least 26 inscriptions during its ongoing 46th session in New Delhi.

New Additions to the UNESCO List

In addition to these sites, Russia's Cultural Landscape of Kenozero Lake, Germany's Schwerin Residence Ensemble, Saudi Arabia's Al-Faw Archaeological Area, and Romania's Frontiers of the Roman Empire - Dacia were also included on Saturday. On Friday, 13 sites were added to the list, including five in the cultural category, four in the natural category, and two in the mixed category. Two other inscriptions involved significant boundary modifications: Moravian Church Settlements and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China Phase II.

China's inscription named Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital and Japan's Sado Island Gold Mines were among the first nominations approved by the WHC earlier in the day. Three sites from China have been approved for inclusion at this session, the highest number among all countries. The other two sites, one each in natural and mixed categories, were inscribed a day earlier.

Beijing Central Axis

Running north to south through historical Beijing, the Central Axis includes former imperial palaces and gardens, sacrificial structures, and public buildings. According to UNESCO's website, it showcases evidence of China's imperial dynastic system and urban planning traditions. The layout and design reflect the ideal capital city as described in Kaogongji, an ancient text known as the Book of Diverse Crafts.

Officials noted that Beijing Central Axis was nominated by China for this cycle while the other two nominations belonged to previous cycles but were delayed due to COVID-19-related contingencies. Members of the Chinese delegation celebrated their achievement by taking pictures.

Sado Island Gold Mines

The Sado Island Gold Mines are located on Sado Island, about 35 kilometres west of Niigata Prefecture's coast. According to UNESCO's website, these mines illustrate various unmechanised mining methods. The island is volcanic in origin with two parallel mountain ranges separated by Kuninaka Plain. Gold and silver deposits formed through hydrothermal activity were initially submerged but later raised by tectonic movements.

Reports indicate that during World War II, forced labour from the Korean Peninsula was used at these mines. Initially opposed by South Korea for this reason, Seoul agreed to the site's registration on Saturday. A Japanese representative indicated efforts would be made to address this historical aspect.

Other Celebrations

Malaysia also celebrated its nomination with The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex being inscribed. Located near Borneo Island's west coast within Niah National Park, this complex contains records of human interaction with rainforests spanning at least 50,000 years. Rich archaeological deposits and prehistoric rock paintings found here contribute significantly to understanding human development in Southeast Asia and globally.

Germany’s Schwerin Residence Ensemble was another site added to the list. Bettina Martin, Minister of Culture of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State in Germany said, "We are very proud that the palace in Schwerin, which is the capital of our state and certain buildings in the residence ensemble are inscribed now. Very proud, very happy."

A set of historic sites in South Africa associated with Nelson Mandela’s liberation struggle was also added to the World Heritage List on Saturday. The Japanese delegation rejoiced over Sado Island Gold Mines' inclusion as well.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee continues its session in New Delhi with more inscriptions expected before it concludes.