UNESCO bid for Normandy beaches

SEVENTY years after the Normandy Landings, the beaches stormed by Allied troops may be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The Ministry of Culture has put the beaches on its “indicative list” - an inventory of possible sites that it intends to put forward for World Heritage status.

Laurent Beauvais, President of Basse-Normandie region, said: “The registration of beaches on the French “indicative list” is a tribute to the soldiers who took part in the Normandy Landings in the Second World War.

“The 70th anniversary commemorations will be an excellent opportunity to highlight the beaches as a unique symbol of universal peace and reconciliation between the former warring states."

The beaches were put on the list following a hearing of the French Committee of World Heritage Properties in January, where Mr Beauvais put forward the case.

France has 37 sites on its indicative list. Many have been on there since 2003.

Once an application is passed to UNESCO, it is considered by a committee made up of representatives from 21 member states. A decision takes a minimum of 18 months.

Anyone who wishes to support the application of the Normandy beaches is asked to log on to www.liberte-normandie.com

Photo: Bastian Greshake