The ancient city of Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge cultural significance, but its carefully preserved heritage has come under severe threat amid the ongoing conflict.

CNN: French, Malians seize town from Islamists

Maritime Greenwich was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and is recognised for its cultural heritage and scientific accomplishments.

UNESCO: UK Hosting Meeting for European National Commissions

As illustrated by the collapse of the magnificent antique citadel at Bam, the largest sun dried bricks (adobe) building in the world and a World Heritage Site, during the devastating earthquake that struck this ancient Iranian city, cultural heritage sites themselves are threatened by earthquake destruction.

UNESCO: Tales set in Stone: learning from ancient earthquakes

This month, the U.N. approved Cambodia's application to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site -- places that have outstanding cultural value.

CNN: Thai, Cambodian envoys set temple talks

In 2003 Kew was recognised as a "unique cultural landscape" by the United Nations which gave it World Heritage Site status.

BBC: Kew Gardens given lottery backing to restore glasshouse