As the selection process to determine new world heritage sites unravels at the annual UNESCO conference in Qu?bec City, we shine the spotlight on some more worthy candidates. From natural to cultural sites, only a precious few of the over forty submissions will earn World Heritage List status. Nonetheless, they all represent great tourist attractions.

Here are some more likely honorees.

Housing Estates in the Berlin Modern Style, Germany

The Berlin Modern Style in Germany refers to the architectural fruits of efforts to improve conditions for the poor from the late 19th century until about 1930. The initial structures built for less fortunate portions of the population came about in the wake of the Life Reform Movement, with emphasis in urban Berlin on green space. The calamity of World War One gave the Weimar Republic political motives to concentrate on the social welfare of people in the capital. As a result, a number of avant-garde settlements were built in Berlin and persist as architectural marvels of note to the present day.

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San Miguel El Grande, Mexico

Mexico is a country with deep roots and a cultural heritage that illustrates the need for a body like UNESCO. The town of San Miguel El Grande in the state of Guanajuato contains a network of near-pristine 18th century structures indicative of the architectural style of the time. With palpable influence from Spain, the urban development of the town is one of the best examples of early colonial settlement.

The civil and religious landmarks are wonderful reflections of the period and range from the Royal Customs House, Indigenous People of the Pure and Immaculate Conception Hospital and a number of cathedrals. A vital component in the UNESCO submission of the town of San Miguel El Grande is the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno. The Baroque colonial compound contains priceless murals, a number of distinct architectural features and covers more than one hectare. Many refer to the Sanctuary as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico.

The Antonine Wall, United Kingdom

One of the most ancient of potential new heritage sites, the Antonine Wall is a remarkable example of Roman Empire defense. Built around A.D. 142 on orders from the Emperor Antoninus Pius, the original Wall was almost 60 km in length and ran from Bo’ness on the Firth of Forth to Old Kilpatrick. On the natural curvature of the Central Valley of Scotland between the Rivers Carron and Kelvin, the Antonine Wall was built from turf on a stone foundation, behind a deep ditch. As a defensive fortification, the structure was immense, with forts every 3.5 km and a great road to connect it all together. If the Wall wins the hearts of UNESCO, it will join other proximate structures as part of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.

Khovsgol Lake, Mongolia

The cultural heritage of Mongolia is inversely proportionate to the annual tourism the country receives. Perhaps if the Khovsgol Lake region merits inclusion as a World Heritage Site, the industry will get a shot in the arm. The lake certainly deserves consideration. In terms of sheer biodiversity, Khovsgol is above par and contains 1% of the fresh water in the world. Amid dense coniferous forests and mountainous stepps, the area around Khovsgol is remarkably pristine and supports 68 types of mammals alone. Eight dozen rivers and streams pour into the lake. But the prominent feature of Khovsgol that hopefuls in Mongolia anticipate will push the candidate over the top are the Tsaatan Reindeer Herdsmen who live off the land. A sect of the Dukha ethnic group, the Tsaatan are on the verge of extinction and to the astonishment of cultural anthropologists, maintain a way of life that harkens back to the Ice Age. With a culture wholly reliant on the ecology of Khovsgol Lake, the Tsaatan are the most archaic nomadic tribe in Asia.

San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

Tiny San Marino is small but old. The Serene Republic is a country in the Apennine Mountains of Italy with a settlement that dates back to A.D. 301 and habitation since the Bronze Age. As such, the entire country, with a population of 30,000, may indeed win status as World Heritage Site. The cultural and natural landscape of San Marino has undergone enviable preservation over time, from Mount Titano, home of the town of San Marino, to the Basilica of San Marino, Public Palace, State Museum and a vast network of narrow streets that herald from the Middle Ages.

The medieval Church of Saint Francis and the trio fortress compound of Cesta, Guiata and Montale illustrate the great historical allure of the country. In tandem with the cultural import is the distinct geological formation of Mount Titano, representative of the Miocene Age. The endemic microclimate attracts scientists and tourists of course, from all over the world.

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