Mount Olympus, known in Greek mythology as the home of the gods, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site after a 12-year campaign. The World Heritage Committee announced the decision in Busan, South Korea, inscribing the mountain as a mixed site in recognition of both its cultural and natural significance.
The head of Greece's UNESCO delegation, Georgios Koumoutsakos, said the decision would ensure Mount Olympus' preservation for years to come. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguarding Mount Olympus for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
World Heritage status means the mountain can receive technical support and financial assistance from UNESCO, and will be protected against overtourism and environmental impacts, mainly forest fires. The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, called the unanimous decision “a national achievement of the highest order”.
Mount Olympus had appeared on UNESCO's tentative list since 2014 before being formally inscribed.