Spain's Ribeira Sacra bids for UNESCO World Heritage status in Busan

The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee convened in Busan, South Korea, to evaluate roughly thirty cultural and natural nominations. Among them, Spain's Ribeira Sacra – a landscape of river canyons and viticulture in Galicia – is the sole Spanish candidate on the agenda.

The advisory body ICOMOS issued a negative recommendation, questioning whether the site demonstrates outstanding universal value, integrity and authenticity, and raising concerns about potential impacts from dams and industrial projects. Despite the report, both the Xunta de Galicia and the Spanish government have reaffirmed their support and are lobbying committee members ahead of the vote.

Committee members from 21 countries are expected to deliver the final decision between 24 and 27 May, which could make Ribeira Sacra the fifth World Heritage site in Galicia if approved. Other notable nominations under review include Brazil's historic Amazonian theatres, the Palestinian archaeological site of Sebastia, and several European and Asian landmarks.