SEMINYAK ~ Three sites – Tukad Pakerisan river area in Gianyar, the Jatiluwih terraced ricefields in Tabanan and the Ayun Park Temple in Mengwi – are being examined by UNESCO for possible inclusion as the UN body’s world heritage sites.

Officials from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization visited the three areas last week and said they would conduct further studies with the aids of maps and other details.

UNESCO says “it seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.”

Its decision on the three Bali sites is to be announced in 2008. (BT/RD)