The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO = United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization decided on the 25th to register the historic center of Odesa in southern Ukraine as a World Heritage Site.

Odesa has developed as a port city since the time of imperial Russia, prospering as a key point for maritime trade where diverse cultures and ethnic groups meet, and is also called the "Pearl of the Black Sea."

In July last year, part of the building in the historic district was damaged by the attack by Russia that invaded Ukraine, and this time it was also registered as a heritage in danger.



The World Heritage Convention stipulates that parties to the Convention must not commit acts that would damage the World Heritage Sites.



"It demonstrates our resolve to protect Odesa from further destruction as the war continues," said UNESCO Director-General Azoulay in a statement.