The iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy were on Sunday inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, marking the culmination of a project launched nearly two decades ago.
Stretching for more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) of coastline in northwestern France, the beaches where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, were the scene of a decisive battle to liberate Europe from Nazism and bring an end to World War II.
The nomination included the five D-Day beaches known by their code names: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
"This decision places a responsibility upon us," said Herve Morin, president of the Normandy Region.
"It compels us to preserve this property, to protect it, to cherish it even more, and to promote its value," he added.
The D-Day landings join more than 50 French sites already inscribed on the list, alongside the spectacular Mont Saint Michel island in Normandy and the Palace of Versailles.
Recognition of their "outstanding universal value" brings international renown and commits authorities to work toward their preservation.
laf-as/cw
