Andaman Proposes Inclusion of Four Natural Landmarks in UNESCO Tentative List

Andaman Proposes Inclusion of Four Natural Landmarks in UNESCO Tentative List

ANALYSIS

• The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has proposed the inclusion of four natural landmarks in the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage status.
• The initiative aims to promote structured, sustainable, and internationally recognised tourism, while strengthening conservation and local economic development.
• The administration is collaborating with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for scientific documentation and geo-heritage tourism planning.

Proposed Sites

1. Barren Island
   • Recognised as India’s only active volcano.
   • Holds high geological significance in the Indian Ocean region.
2. Narcondam Island
   • Habitat of the rare and endemic Narcondam Hornbill.
   • Ecologically sensitive and significant for biodiversity conservation.
3. Mud Volcanoes of Baratang
   • Geological rarity with eco-tourism and wellness tourism potential.
   • Compared with global examples such as Jeju Island (South Korea) for tourism prospects.
4. Natural Bridge at Shaheed Dweep
   • A prominent rock formation attracting significant tourist footfall.
   • Geomorphological importance combined with tourism appeal.

Administrative and Policy Context

• Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar highlighted that the initiative seeks to showcase the region’s geological and ecological legacy.

• Focus areas include:

• Scientific documentation
• Infrastructure development
• Responsible and sustainable tourism
• Economic upliftment of local communities

• The proposal reflects an integrated geo-heritage and eco-tourism strategy for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Static Relevance for UPSC

• UNESCO Tentative List: A mandatory preliminary list before nomination to the World Heritage List.
• Geo-heritage Tourism: Combines geological conservation with sustainable tourism practices.
• Barren Island: Only confirmed active volcano in India, located in the Andaman Sea.
• Narcondam Hornbill: Endemic species, highlighting biodiversity value in island ecosystems.

• Linkage with themes of:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable development
• Eco-tourism
• Island ecosystem management

Updated - 29 July 2025 ; 01:31 PM IST | News Source: The Print