A team of experts from Unesco is holding a meeting in Krakow of Poland to decide whether Kathmandu Valley, devastated by a massive earthquake in 2015, should go onto the Unesco list of World Heritage in danger. 

According to Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, Kathmandu Valley could also be enlisted as Unesco endangered designation. “The Valley area includes seven monument zones, three of which were badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake that killed more than 8,000 people.” Buddhism and Hinduism flourished in tandem in the Valley over centuries, producing a powerful artistic fusion.

Joining the list could mean extra funding for rebuilding efforts. “The body will also debate whether Kathmandu Valley, devastated by a massive earthquake in 2015, should go onto the endangered list. Nepali authorities, who fear such a listing would discourage tourists, are opposed to such a designation,” it reported. Vienna’s historic centre could be added to the UN’s list of endangered sites. 

Secretary at the Tourism Ministry Shankar Prasad Adhikari left for the Polish city on Tuesday to take part in the 41st annual Unesco World Heritage Committee’s Conference. Representatives from 21 members states, more than 170 observer nations and a number of non-governmental organisations are participating in the four-day event that kicks off on Sunday.