The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains have been added to the prestigious World Heritage List‚ Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced on Monday. The decision was taken by the 42nd UN Educational‚ Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Committee, which is meeting in Bahrain. "As the government of the republic of SA‚ we would like to make a commitment that we will do all in our power to protect the integrity and the authenticity of this natural property‚" the minister said. Sites that are deemed World Heritage Sites are recognised as having global historical or environmental significance‚ may signify a phenomenal achievement of humanity‚ or reveal ancient civilisations. The recognition allows the country to access funds for conservation from the World Heritage Fund and may increase tourism to the area. To be accepted onto the list‚ a country must meet stringent criteria and show how the site will be conserved. The mountains in Mpumalanga are thought to be ...

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