LONDON- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has decided not to place Stonehenge on its world heritage “in danger” list, despite the United Kingdom (UK)’s controversial plans to build a nearby road tunnel.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee (WHC) had initially considered adding the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire to the list, which aids in international assistance for threatened sites.
However, at a meeting in India’s New Delhi on Wednesday, the committee voted against this recommendation, German news agency (dpa) reported.
The tunnel project aims to ease congestion on the A303 motorway but has faced prolonged legal challenges due to concerns that it could damage the surrounding landscape and archaeological artefacts.
An amendment proposed by the Kenyan delegation was accepted, stating that Britain’s mitigation plans were adequate to protect the site.
The WHC noted that the proposed tunnel design developments provided enhanced protection for the integrity of the property.
Stonehenge, constructed on Salisbury Plain dates back 5,000 years, with the iconic stone circle erected around 2,500 BC.
The site, along with Avebury, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its outstanding universal value.
A Government spokesperson expressed relief at UNESCO’s decision, stating, “We care passionately about the UK’s heritage, especially our iconic World Heritage Sites, with Stonehenge being one of our oldest and most celebrated sites.”
— BERNAMA
