UN cultural agency decides against placing Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, on endangered list
Associated PressKATHMANDU, Nepal — The United Nations’ cultural agency decided Thursday against putting the Buddhist pilgrimage destination of Lumbini on its list of heritage sites in danger, instead giving authorities in Nepal more time to help restore the famous gardens and temple that are falling into disrepair. Experts from UNESCO had recommended placing it on the agency’s list of sites in danger, saying that the deterioration of key features to the site shows an “alarming state of conservation.” Basanta Maharjan, a Nepalese expert on the site and Buddhism, said Nepal has “totally ignored” UNESCO’s past suggestions and warnings. In the report on the state of the site, UNESCO experts said remains at an ancient Lumbini village located within the site’s buffer zone had been destroyed, its Sacred Garden is not being maintained, and the centerpiece Mayadevi Temple is suffering continuing water damage. “The need for immediate conservation efforts at the Mayadevi Temple Shelter is critical.” Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Lord Buddha, was born in the famous gardens of Lumbini in 623 B.C., according to UNESCO, although experts differ on his exact date of birth.
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