World Heritage status has been given to the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin in northern France . The area is home to a number of rare and endangered species including the European otter, which was declared extinct by UNESCO last year. The Calais basin is one of three mining sites that made the list this year . The locals have been so excited about this . The Lakes of Ounianga in Chad were among 26 additions to the heritage list in 2012 .
World Heritage status has been given to the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin in northern France . The area is home to a number of rare and endangered species including the European otter, which was declared extinct by UNESCO last year. The Calais basin is one of three mining sites that made the list this year . The Lakes of Ounianga in Chad were among 26 additions to the heritage list in 2012 .