PARIS, November 15. /Dunyo IA/. Representatives of Uzbekistan have discussed with international experts the prospects for preparing the nomination of the Sarmishsay Petroglyphs for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The online meeting was organized at the initiative of the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO. It was attended by Benjamin Smith, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Western Australia and President of the International Scientific Committee on Rock Art of ICOMOS.

Representatives of the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, the Art and Culture Development Foundation, the Cultural Heritage Agency, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and the Navoi Regional Administration also took part in the discussion.

Located in the Navoi region, Sarmishsay is one of Uzbekistan’s most prominent rock art sites. Its numerous petroglyphs reflect different historical periods and cultural traditions of ancient communities, making the site an important source for studying the heritage of Central Asia.

During the meeting, participants explored the possibility of nominating Sarmishsay as a mixed cultural and natural World Heritage site, combining the cultural significance of its rock carvings with the area’s distinctive natural features.

Benjamin Smith highlighted the site's considerable historical and cultural value, as well as the importance of existing scientific research in demonstrating its Outstanding Universal Value. He also stressed the need for further studies of the area’s natural characteristics to support a potential mixed nomination.

The participants also reviewed UNESCO World Heritage Convention requirements, including comparative analysis, defining the site's boundaries and buffer zones, developing a management plan, and ensuring the long-term preservation of the petroglyphs.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working together through the exchange of scientific materials, additional expert consultations, and the development of long-term cooperation.

Preparations for the nomination dossier will proceed in accordance with international requirements and UNESCO expert recommendations.