KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP)

— The United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO, has opted not to designate Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as a World Heritage Site in danger, granting Nepal additional time to address the site's deteriorating conditions. Lumbini, recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1997, has faced significant conservation challenges, prompting UNESCO experts to recommend its inclusion on the endangered list due to alarming levels of disrepair. Nepalese expert Basanta Maharjan criticized the government for neglecting previous UNESCO recommendations, emphasizing the global significance of Lumbini. He urged immediate action from Nepalese authorities to restore the site, which is vital not only for the nation and Buddhists but for the world at large. The decision to delay the endangered designation aims to encourage international support for conservation rather than serve as a punitive measure. During the annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee, delegates acknowledged Nepal's ongoing preservation efforts, with the Nepalese delegation pledging to fully implement UNESCO's recommendations. However, Lebanon, backed by Belgium, expressed concerns over the prolonged state of neglect, highlighting that discussions about placing Lumbini on the endangered list have been postponed since 2002 due to unfulfilled promises from Nepal. UNESCO's report detailed the destruction of ancient remains within Lumbini's buffer zone, inadequate maintenance of the Sacred Garden, and ongoing water damage to the Mayadevi Temple. Experts stressed the urgent need for conservation efforts, particularly at the Mayadevi Temple Shelter, to prevent further deterioration of this historically significant site.