The pristine forests of Western Ghats have been recommended to be considered as a World Heritage spot. UNESCO members told reporters that the recommendation has been received from the Government of India and the papers are being processed. Herve Barre, representing the culture sector in UNESCO head office, Art Pederson, representing the World heritage Centre and Nicole Bolomey, representing Culture Tangible heritage said that India has about 27 heritage spots and the country has a very unique diversity which is useful in understanding local problems. Answering a query whether declaring Western Ghats as a world heritage spot will restrict the movement of local residents and effect developmental activities, the team said that it should be decided by the local government. The also informed that people can get involved in preserving activities, handicraft business, tourism activities. They said that the theme of the workshop was based on communities, livelihood and tourism. Karnataka tourism department is hosting the three-day workshop. About thirty foreign and Indian delegates were present. H T Ratnakar, AGM from KSTDC, Sridhar were present.