LEBANON - UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee placed the ancient city of Tyre and the five historic castles of Jabal Amel on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The move is intended to strengthen international efforts to protect some of Lebanon’s most valuable cultural treasures following the damage and risks caused by recent armed conflict.

In an official statement, Lebanon's Ministry of Culture described the decision as an important step toward safeguarding sites that hold exceptional historical, archaeological, and cultural significance.

The endangered status will allow Lebanon to benefit from greater international cooperation, technical expertise, and financial support aimed at preserving these landmarks for future generations.

Commenting on the decision, Culture Minister Dr. Ghassan Salame stressed that the protection of cultural heritage is not the responsibility of a single nation alone.

He stated that historic sites such as Tyre belong not only to Lebanon but also to the shared heritage of humanity. Therefore, their preservation requires collective international action that transcends political borders and ongoing conflicts.

The Ministry noted that in 2025 Tyre was granted enhanced protection under the Second Protocol of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

This recognition reflected the site’s outstanding universal value and highlighted the need for stronger measures to ensure its protection during periods of violence and instability.

Tyre, located on Lebanon’s southern coast, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region, containing remains from several ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Crusaders. The city played a major role in maritime trade and cultural exchange throughout history.

According to the Ministry, the World Heritage Committee’s decision reflects growing international concern about the serious challenges facing the site following the recent conflict. By adding Tyre and the Jabal Amel castles to the endangered list, UNESCO aims to mobilize global resources and expertise to support conservation, restoration, and long-term protection efforts.

The Ministry expressed its gratitude to the members of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and all Lebanese and international experts who contributed to achieving the designation.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNESCO and other partners to document damage, strengthen protection measures, and implement restoration programs to ensure the survival of these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.