UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan advances Peru’s site protections and Spain’s Ribeira Sacra bid

At the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea from 16‑29 July, Peru – the only Latin American member present – played an active role. The Peruvian delegation secured decisions confirming the conservation status of three World Heritage sites: the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Archaeological Zone of Chan Chan, and the Historic Centre of Arequipa, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protect its cultural and natural heritage.

Spain’s ambassador to UNESCO, Miquel Iceta, announced that the Committee issued a “referral” decision that overturns a negative ICOMOS report and allows the Ribeira Sacra Landscape of Water to be resubmitted within a year. The Spanish government and the Xunta de Galicia will make technical adjustments and aim to present the revised nomination by February 2027.