Seven sites in the United States have been selected to receive government backing in an effort to gain Unesco World Heritage status
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York City Centre, Birkenhead Park and an iron age settlement in Scotland could be in the running to join the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The three sites have been shortlisted by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for inclusion on its World Heritage List of Sites in Danger. The list is made up of sites that are at risk from natural or man-made threats, and includes sites in danger from development, pollution, war or persecution.
The sites shortlisted for the list are: the Historic Centre of Bruges in Belgium; the Silk Road Sites in China; and the Historic Centre of Yerevan in Armenia. If chosen, the sites would join the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger that already includes the Grand Canyon, the Galapagos Islands and the Statue of Liberty.
The York City Centre, Birkenhead Park and Iron Age settlement in Scotland sites were all nominated by Scottish heritage body Historic Scotland. The nomination process involved a public consultation and an assessment by an expert panel.
The York City Centre site covers an area of around 1.5 square kilometres, and includes the city centre, the Roman and medieval suburbs and the industrial area. Birkenhead Park, which covers an area of around 1.5 square kilometres, includes the park, the village and the surrounding countryside. The Iron Age settlement in Scotland covers an area of around 9 square kilometres and includes the settlement and the surrounding prehistoric landscape.
The nomination process for the World Heritage Sites in Danger list is open to nominations from around the world. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2019.
