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UNESCO eyes Batanes as a World Heritage SiteBASCO, Batanes - Nov. 5, 2005 Batanes Philippines is being considered as a potential World Heritage site due to its unique archaeological, cultural and natural treasures.
As early as 2000, a series of consultations among the stakeholders have been conducted to explain the significance of the listing for the preservation of the province's heritage. The UNESCO consultants have already made a number of site visitations and verifications as well as awareness campaign for the local residents to know the implications of the declaration. Merin said the consultants emphasized that once Batanes is declared a heritage site, a number of restrictions have to be observed. For its archeological treasures, Batanes is home to the Nakamaya burial area at the Batan island, Vutun in Sabtang island and other burial sites in Itbayat island. Findings of research activities conducted by experts have shown that the burial areas are like no other in the entire country as its burial grounds are similar to that of the Vikings in the early days of navigation. The burial grounds in Batanes are shaped like boats with two bigger stones at both sides facing the sea. Several bones have been excavated from these areas and it is expected that more will be discovered in the next few months. The natural gifts of the island consists of volcanoes, mountains, rock formations blending beautifully at the passing of time that one would mistake it for New Zealand. The landscape can also be an alternative location shooting for the blockbuster movie "Lord of Rings".
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