Møns Klint’s stunning white cliffs and chalk hills have been officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The announcement was made on Sunday, adding the iconic Danish landmark to a prestigious list that recognizes sites of significant cultural and natural importance to humanity.

The inclusion of Møns Klint marks the 12th site from Denmark to be added to the World Heritage List, joining other notable locations such as Roskilde Cathedral, Stevns Klint, and Kronborg. This designation highlights the global significance of Møns Klint and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt expressed his delight at the addition of another Danish site to the list, stating that it puts “another point on the map of very special world heritage” for Denmark. The minister also addressed the issue of security around the cliffs, which have been affected by landslides. While emphasizing the municipality’s primary responsibility, he assured that the government is ready to assist with specific security concerns.

Nils Natorp, director of GeoCenter Møns Klint, previously emphasized the cliff’s unique value for understanding the Ice Age. He described Møns Klint as “the very best place in the world to see the living conditions that the Ice Age has given us,” highlighting the visible cross-section that reveals the processes of the Ice Age.

UNESCO’s World Heritage List, established in 1972, aims to protect irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage sites worldwide. Inclusion on the list signifies a commitment to safeguard these sites for posterity. The World Heritage Committee reviews proposals annually, adding approximately 25-30 sites based on specific criteria. Møns Klint was added to Denmark’s tentative list in 2018, a prerequisite for nomination to the World Heritage List, and the official application was submitted in January 2024.