India, July 16 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced that two island regions from West Africa - the Bijagos Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau and Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, have been added to its World Heritage list, acknowledging their exceptional ecological and cultural importance.

The announcement was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris. As stated by UNESCO, both locations exemplify distinctive natural ecosystems.

Located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, the Bijagos Archipelago, which consists of 88 islands, has been designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1996. It boasts a rich biodiversity, including dugongs, dolphins, and more than 870...