Nan Madol is inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the Danger List at the same session, in Istanbul (Decision 40 COM 8B.22).

What happened

UNESCO recognized Nan Madol’s huge basalt structures, built about 1,000 years ago, as an outstanding example of a ceremonial centre and of the rise of chiefly societies in the Pacific, a tradition that continues in the Nahnmwarki system. It was put on the danger list at the same time because of overgrowth, storm surges and collapsing stonework.

Why it matters

It has stayed on the danger list since; in 2026 UNESCO asked for a new management plan better aligned with Pohnpeian living traditions.