10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Risk

By Nivritti Khatri | October 10, 2025

Historic Centre of Vienna

The historic skyline and architectural harmony of the city are at great risk since the modern high-rise projects pose a threat to the cultural identity of the city.

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Garamba National Park

Elephants and rhinos are among the wildlife that have been threatened by poaching and armed conflict in this previously prosperous ecosystem in Congo.

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Tropical Rainforest Sumatran Heritage

Illegal logging, deforestation and encroachment have continued to wipe out this important rainforest habitat of tigers, orangutans and rhinos.

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Lake Turkana National Parks

This is a delicate Kenyan ecosystem that is under threat by hydroelectric activities and climate change, which impacts the wildlife and the lives of the locals.

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Rock-Art Sites Tadrart Acacus

These ancient Saharan rock carvings are threatened by vandalism and oil exploration: the carvings are thousands of years old.

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Timbuktu

Historic mosques and libraries have been destroyed as a result of armed conflicts and extremist attacks, which have destroyed a section of the Malian cultural soul.

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Chan Chan Archaeological Zone

The ancient adobe city of the Chimu people in Peru is endangered by heavy rainfall, the effects of climate and urban growth.

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Monuments in Kosovo, Medieval

These great Serbian Orthodox monasteries have been threatened by political instability and poor conservation.

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Everglades National Park

This important wetland ecosystem in the United States has continued to be destroyed by pollution, invasive species and urban development.

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The old town of Shakhrisyabz

The redevelopment of the city has destroyed important historical areas of this ancient Uzbek city due to uncontrollable urbanisation.

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Next: 12 Lesser-Known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
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