MOUNT OLYMPUS ADDED TO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

ATHENS, JULY 26 /SRNA/ – Greece's Mount Olympus has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The decision was made at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, being held in Busan, South Korea, through July 29, reports Kathimerini.

Mount Olympus was recognized as a natural and cultural site of outstanding universal value to humanity, officially becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Revered in Greek mythology as the home of the 12 Olympian gods, Mount Olympus is also one of Europe's richest areas in terms of biodiversity. Its peaks are covered with snow for much of the year.

Rising to an elevation of 2,918 meters above sea level from foothills that lie almost at sea level, the mountain was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the location of the throne of Zeus, king of the gods.

The mountain is home to nearly 2,000 plant species, including dozens found nowhere else on Earth, as well as rare wildlife.

With this inscription, the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece has risen to 21, including three mixed /natural and cultural/ heritage sites.

Greek officials welcomed the designation as a significant international recognition that will strengthen efforts to protect and promote the mountain worldwide.

UNESCO also added the Normandy beaches where Allied forces landed during World War II to the World Heritage List. The inscription covers the five historic landing beaches known by their code names: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

According to UNESCO, the sites were inscribed because of their outstanding historical significance, the sacrifices made for the liberation of Europe, and their enduring role in commemorating the events of June 6, 1944.

The Normandy landings are regarded as one of the defining turning points of the Second World War.