more-inThe worn paving stones discovered under a thick layer of modern concrete in Rio de Janeiro doesn’t look like much at first. Next week, the UNESCO will consider whether to award what’s known as Valongo Wharf world heritage status, winning protection as a site of global importance. The UNESCO, which is meeting between July 2-12 in Krakow, Poland, already chose Rio de Janeiro as a heritage site in 2012, recognising the city’s unique combination of landscapes between mountains and the sea. Today, the Valongo site is not on the water, but well inland, following expansion of the original city. The remains were only discovered by accident in 2011 during works to refurbish the port area for the 2016 Olympics.

Source: The Hindu July 01, 2017 15:45 UTC