El Tajín in Veracruz. FÉLIX MÁRQUEZ/CUARTOSCURO

Nine archaeological zones have been added to a UNESCO registry to give them special protection.

Being included on the International Register of Cultural Property under Special Protection is intended to provide the sites with security in the event of armed conflict. But conflict protection isn’t the primary reason for the new designations in Mexico.

Archaeologist Nelly Robles said the sites, already listed as world heritage locations, will enjoy additional protection in the form of new programs and new conservation efforts.

The move is also expected to promote the preparation of emergency measures against natural disasters and combat trafficking in cultural property.

The sites are the pre-hispanic cities of Palenque in Chiapas, Teotihuacán in the State of México, Chichen Itzá in Yucatán and El Tajín in Veracruz; the archaeological sites Monte Albán in Oaxaca and Paquimé in Chihuahua; the pre-Columbian city of Uxmal and its three villages, Kabah, Labná and Sayil in Yucatán; the area of archaeological monuments of Xochicalco, Morelos; and the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul in Campeche.

Source: Reuters (en)