Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro nicknamed the Marvellous City entered the UN’s list of world heritage sites in recognition of its
massive granite cliffs, urban rainforest and beaches.
UNESCO, highlighted the “extraordinary fusion” of man-made and natural beauty in certifying Rio on the world heritage list during a ceremony held at the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Rio’s tourism was boosted during the 2014 football World Cup and this Aug Olympic Games.
Persistent high crime, Zika virus and political instability have hurt the image of the city.
UNESCO status was announced in 2012.
It became official after Brazil was given 4 years to report plans for protecting numerous sites like Flamingo Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Corcovado, Copacabana beach, the Botanical Garden and Tijuca forest.
UNESCO- Full form: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
- A specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris.
- Purpose: Bring peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights.
- Headquarters: Place de Fontenoy, Paris, France
- Membership: 195 member states
- Head: Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
- Website: www.unesco.org
