The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is taking place in Busan, South Korea, from July 19 to July 29, 2026.
As of 2025, 53 World Heritage sites have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as being in danger. The reasons for this status include armed conflicts, climate change, and excessive development.
From 2008 to 2024, the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) initiative brought together over 200 implementing organizations from 84 countries and regions. More than 10,000 volunteers participated in this program, working to promote and preserve cultural and natural treasures.
The joint efforts of these participants contributed to the protection of invaluable cultural and natural assets for future generations.
Large-scale measures are being conducted in the country aimed at the rational use of fuel and energy resources, energy saving, and the widespread implementation of digital technologies in this industry. Special attention is paid to identifying and eliminating problems in this area.
The Inspection for Supervision of Electricity, Petroleum Product, and Gas Usage provided information received from the Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition, and Industry of the Supreme Majlis Laws Chamber. The report presented data on measures taken to increase the efficiency of using fuel and energy resources and prevent their unjustified consumption.
According to the report, the Inspection conducted 11,374 preventive measures at consumer facilities regarding the efficient and rational use of fuel and energy resources. During these inspections, 4,301 units of non-standard gas equipment were discovered and replaced with standard equipment. This allowed for savings of 2,348.1 thousand cubic meters of natural gas.
In addition, inspections were carried out on equipment at 1,641 facilities. As a result of eliminating most of the identified problems, 308 accidents were prevented, and technological losses in equipment and networks were reduced by 1.05 million kW.
During the hearings, issues of implementing regulatory documents in the industry, energy resource accounting and rational use systems, as well as measures to prevent violations and the effectiveness of responsible agencies, were discussed in detail. The need to eliminate existing systemic problems was emphasized, and proposals for practical measures and legislative improvements in this area were considered.
Residents of South Africa employ two different approaches to protect their food heritage. High-tech seed banks use deep-freeze storage to preserve rare varieties, while community seed libraries pass on heirloom seeds to local farmers.
Despite external differences, both strategies pursue one urgent goal—maintaining the viability of local crops. One method provides a seed reserve for future emergencies, while the other supports their current growth in local soil. Together, they safeguard food security, helping to combat hunger in subsequent generations.
Zaiyan Khan, head of the seed library at SEED (Seed Biblioteek of Schools Environmental Education and Development), works to preserve the country's agricultural heritage. This volunteer-run initiative has permanent branches in Muizenberg and Mowbray, as well as a mobile point in Mitchells Plain. It operates solely on a unique barter system: instead of money, farmers contribute compost, worms, or collected seeds to support the library.
According to Khan, preserving traditional varieties in urban settings is a complex task. 'The main problem is access to land for growing seeds,' she notes. 'We connect with people who have space in gardens or on farms, creating such guardian gardens.'
Because they categorically reject commercial, pesticide-treated seeds, proper natural conservation is critical. Khan explains that they rely on traditional methods, such as wood ash and diatomaceous earth, to protect stocks from pests, such as weevils. She emphasizes that seeds must be thoroughly dried before storage. 'Drying means it is dry, with one molecule of water, so it doesn't die and can maintain that vitality much longer.'
Despite spatial difficulties, the growing interest in local seed preservation demonstrates that this movement resonates within communities. For Khan, every seed has value, even those that do not germinate. 'We do not discard a seed,' she adds. 'Seeds that are non-viable can be used to make musical instruments or works of art, so nothing is ever lost.'
For Cholelwa Honkkoshe, an agroecology farmer in Nsera village in Gugongqo town (East London), the seed bank is as important as the financial one. She explains that the seed bank is a place to store seeds in dark, airtight containers. This ancient practice, passed down by ancestors who selected and dried the best harvest, ensures a constant food supply.
Today, she considers it a vital shield against climate change. During an extremely dry summer in the Eastern Cape, her maize died, but her local sorghum thrived. 'Sorghum is resilient, very nutritious, and for me, it is the best choice for planting instead of maize,' she says. She also notes that despite heavy bird damage, she managed to harvest a plentiful yield and save seeds for the next season.
However, Honkkoshe points out that commercial hybrid and patented GMO seeds threaten this independence because they cannot be saved. While the National Agroecological Framework of South Africa offers hope to community seed banks, she argues that true transformation must start at home to fix the complex healthcare system. 'Even if we restore sorghum as our staple crop instead of maize, malnutrition will stop being a problem,' she explains. She adds that poor nutrition directly affects school attendance rates and contributes to the rise of lifestyle diseases.
Experts emphasize the crucial interaction between different systems. Dr. Tsudufhadzo Chikhala, a gardener and postdoctoral researcher at Tshwane University of Technology, notes that while community initiatives and conservation institutions protect food systems, their functions are entirely different. 'Seed libraries focus exclusively on localized, short-term rotation,' Chikhala explains. 'They borrow seeds, grow them, and save the best seeds. They do not freeze seeds or store them for decades; it is strictly local.'
Meanwhile, Dr. Maanea Rampinhwa, a lecturer in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Venda, notes that these local collections directly contribute to community gardening development. 'You take seeds to plant, and you are expected to return them for future use,' says Rampinhwa.
Regarding seed banks, Chikhala indicates that they function as long-term repositories managed by governments, universities, and large organizations such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 'They have a long-term preservation system; they preserve rare, heirloom, or endangered crop varieties,' says Chikhala. 'Some seeds are stored at temperatures of -18°C or below and can last over 100 years.'
Rampinhwa adds that this high-tech setup serves deeply scientific purposes. 'Seed banks store seeds under controlled conditions to preserve their genetic makeup, protect endangered species, and support research,' she concludes.
The famous beach huts at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town will be dismantled next week. The city of Cape Town has explained the reason for this decision.
A statement from the city reports that the contractor will dismantle the remaining four huts located on the eastern side of the promenade. The city emphasized that its renewal project is progressing successfully, and work will soon move to the eastern part of the beach.
According to information from the City, after the project is completed, the huts will be replaced with similar structures that will maintain the historical appearance of the promenade. The Muizenberg promenade reconstruction includes replacing old sea dams and significantly improving public amenities. The project started in February 2025 and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
Alderman Eddie Andrews, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment, reported that the contractor has installed about 60% of the prefabricated stair blocks and walking area. These elements will provide coastal protection and access to the beach at different levels. He specified that most of these stairs will be below beach level and invisible to visitors under normal conditions.
Andrews also noted that the concrete work on site for the 'Surfer's Corner' strengthening is almost complete, and work on the parking area near the railway line and landscape design of the land has begun.
The committee member explained that the existing huts need to be removed from their current location because the new modernized promenade will be situated further inland, set back by approximately 2 meters. This setback is necessary in response to the consequences of climate change, including sea-level rise and storm surges, as well as to ensure the new sea dam does not reduce the width of the beach.
Andrews acknowledged that residents are very concerned about the iconic Muizenberg beach huts, so the city decided to announce the dismantling of the remaining four huts in advance to begin work on the eastern side of the promenade. He added that this is a good sign indicating good project progress and adherence to deadlines.
It was noted that eight previously dismantled huts on the western side will be replaced with eight new, higher-quality huts to increase durability, while still conforming to the historical design and layout within the renewal program. Huts located further along the coast, closer to the river mouth, will not be affected and will remain in place.
