UNESCO Losers - Updated

A little over a decade ago I made a list of countries without UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and made suggestions for each. There were 43 at the time – now there are only 27, so progress has been made. Here, then, are my updated and revised suggestions - differing to actual proposed sites where available, and only those sites unique to the country in question.

The Bahamas – Inagua National Park. A breeding ground for flamingoes, and a waystation for migratory birds with some endemic species. Under consideration by UNESCO.

Bhutan – Dzongs: Centre of Temporal and Religious Authorities. The oldest of the region’s fortress-monasteries were built in the 1600s to aid in the military unification of Bhutan. Under consideration by UNESCO.

Brunei – Ulu Temburong National Park. A wonderful preserve for Borneo wildlife includes habitat for the Bornean Gibbon.

Burundi – Kibira National Park. An ecological preserve especially well-known for its primate protection, being considered for UNESCO status.

Comoros – Marine Ecosystem of the Comoros Archipelago. Full of diversity (more coelacanths are found in the waters around Comoros than anywhere else) it is an important preserve for all of Comoros’ marine species, and has been submitted to UNESCO for consideration.

Djibouti – Day Forest National Park. A threatened oases in the desert with multiple endemic species, submitted to UNESCO for consideration.

East Timor – Nino Konis Santana National Park. Comprising both a rain forest habitat with endangered species as well as part of the world's most diverse coral reef habitat.

Equatorial Guinea – Monte Alén National Park. Described by Lonely Planet as a “hidden gem of Africa” this park has a wide variety of African fauna.

Eswatini – Ngwenya Mines. The world's oldest, and humanity's first mining site from the 43,000 years ago showing our legacy of shaping our land. Under consideration by UNESCO.

Grenada – St. George Historic District. Historic downtown that preserves the legacy of the French Caribbean empire. Being considered by UNESCO.

Guinea-Bissau – Biosphere of the Bijagos Archipelago. An incredibly rich confluence of ecosystems, from mangroves to palm forests, and coastal savanna to dry forests, pending UNESCO status.

Guyana – Shell Beach. Half of the world's sea turtle species breed here, including three endangered and critically endangered species. Submitted to UNESCO for consideration. 

Kuwait – Abraj Al-Kuwait. Global icons of mid-century architecture, and of the modern building boom in the middle east, generally. Pending UNESCO consideration.

Liberia – Providence Island. The first settlement location of the freed blacks from the United States when Liberia was being created. Under UNESCO consideration.

Liechtenstein – Vaduz Castle. Has been, and currently is, the royal residence since the 1100s.

Maldives – Coral Stone Mosques. Dating back to the mid-1600s, built of coral stone with intricate lacquer and carving these mosques are a fine example of Islam's progression through Southeast Asia, and are being considered by UNESCO. 

Monaco – Monte Carlo Casino. Probably the world’s most iconic casino, built in 1865 and a monument synonymous with the tiny nation. 

Nauru – Phosphate Mining Sites. A spectacular limestone karst has remained from years of guano farming which the island economy was originally based on.

Rwanda – Sites of Genocide Memory. Locations where the horrific genocide of the 1990s took place, including the Nyamata Church, Murambi, Bisesero and Gisozi. Under consideration by UNESCO. 

St. Vincent – Grenadines Island Group. A series of islands near the main anchor of Saint Vincent, which boast spectacular reefs and important black Carib heritage. Pending consideration by UNESCO. 

Samoa – Fagaloa Bay – Uafeto Tiavea Conservation Zone. “The largest tropical rain forest of any Pacific Island.” Being considered by UNESCO.

São Tomé and Príncipe – Obo National Park. The islands' largest conservation area, consisting of 30% of the country, with endemic species. 

Sierra Leone – Gola-Tiwai Complex. Sierra Leone's largest area of conserved forest that borders on Liberia, a habitat preserve for a variety of species. Being considered by UNESCO.

Somalia – Laas Gaal. A collection of caves with paintings from 11,000 years ago that are among the oldest ever discovered in Africa.

South Sudan – Sudd Wetland. A remarkably vast swamp – one of the world’s largest – that has been revered and feared by humans since the Ancient Egyptians. Also an important habitat for local species, and being considered by UNESCO.

Tonga – The Ancient Capitals of the Kingdom of Tonga. The Tonga conquered a vast Pacific empire starting around the year 950 CE, orchestrated from these monumental capital sites. Sites proposed to UNESCO.

Trinidad and Tobago – Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve. The world’s oldest protected forest! Set aside in 1776, this forest is a testament to the global origins of conservation and preservation. Submitted for UNESCO consideration.

Tuvalu – Funafuti Marine Conservation Area. A lagoon and series of islets being saved for their habitat, including important green turtle nesting sites.