Kathmandu, Jan. 8: The Department of Archaeology (DoA) has initiated study and research to enlist Upper Dolpa, including the Dho Tarap settlement, Shey Phoksundo Lake, the ancient Shey Gumba, Yangjer Gumba, Samling Gumba, Rap Gumba and Bon Gumba in the mixed World Heritage List.

The DoA has formally stepped up efforts to enlist the diverse heritage sites of Upper Dolpa as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.

Studies and research have been initiated as part of the process to enlist Shey Phoksundo Lake, Dolpobuddha, and the ancient religious, cultural, natural and historical heritage sites of Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality.

Sandeep Khanal, Chief of the World Heritage Conservation Section at the DoA, said that the Department had begun study and research on various cultural and natural sites of Upper Mustang last year. From this year, the DoA has begun working more effectively by allocating a budget and coordinating with concerned local bodies.

He further said that coordination with the National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Nepal has been ongoing since last year to prepare the necessary studies.

“Upper Dolpa is an area rich in both natural and historical heritage. Documentation work for listing is currently underway. Continuous discussions are being held with key stakeholders, including the Department of Forests, UNESCO, monastery management committees, local governments and others,” he added.

However, Upper Dolpa is not yet included in UNESCO’s tentative list, which is a prerequisite for nomination to the World Heritage List. Therefore, efforts are under way to enlist Upper Dolpa in UNESCO’s tentative list this year, Khanal informed.

At present, 15 sites from Nepal are included in UNESCO’s tentative list. The list serves as an inventory of properties that a State Party considers to be of outstanding universal value and suitable for nomination to the World Heritage List.

To prepare guidelines for tentative sites, an online workshop is being organised on January 13 and 15 in coordination with national and international organisations, including ICOMOS Nepal and UNESCO, with representatives from all 15 tentative sites participating, he said.

The workshop aims to review the current status of the 15 tentative sites and share information on new potential nominations.

The historical remains of Uku in Darchula, Ajaymerukot in Dadeldhura and Upper Mustang in Dolpa are currently in the process of being enlisted on UNESCO’s tentative list.

He further said that another in-person workshop will be organised following the online sessions.

Most of the natural and ancient heritage sites are located within Shey Phoksundo National Park. The park’s main attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is listed under the Ramsar Convention and is also known for having the highest density of ancient monasteries and rare wildlife, including the snow leopard.