Erra Matti Dibbalu and Tirumala Hills added to Tentative List of UNESCO

Andhra Pradesh is also home to two distinct natural features in its unique list of natural features in the list of Tentative List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO the Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes) near Visakhapatnam and the Tirumala Hills, the location of the Eparchaean Unconformity. This can be the beginning of the global recognition and long-run conservation of such sites.

Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes)

• The dunes, which are almost 1500 acres, are declared a National Geo-heritage Monument and run along the Bay of Bengal.
• They are made of sand, silt, and clay which have been oxidized naturally over thousands of years giving them their red colour.
• They contain a record of climate changes and sea level in the late Quaternary.
• They are among three such coastal formations in the world, the others being located in Spain and Belgium.
• Threats: Tourism and filming activities have been a threat to the vulnerable dune system that should be enhanced with greater protection.

Tirumala Hills and the Eparchaean Unconformity.

• The hills show a geological divide between the rocks which are more than 2.5 billion years old and the young Proterozoic formations.
• It is a rare rock formation that is known as the Natural Arch (Silathoranam), which is about 1.5 billion years old, and can be found nearby the Tirumala temple.
• The area is in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve and Venkateswara National Park with rich biodiversity of the endangered red sanders and Jerdon Courser.
• Besides the geology, the region has cultural importance being the home to Tirumala temple and other heritage.

Significance of UNESCO Recognition.

• To be fully nominated to the World Heritage List, it is a condition to be included in the Tentative List.
• Recognition would have the global exposure, conservation assistance and possible investments.
• of tectonic and coastal system The Erra Matti Dibbalu is notable, whereas the Tirumala is notable in the themes of the history of the Earth and evolutionary history.