UNESCO advised state and federal governments to address concerns about nearby acid emissions, including those from Woodside’s Burrup gas hub, potentially harming the art.

The North West Shelf gas project is seen alongside a petroglyph of a turtle at Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. Source: Supplied / Save Our Songlines / Conservation Council of Western Australia

The peninsula in northwest WA near Karratha is home to two gas plants, a fertiliser plant and iron ore and salt export facilities.

“This is a landmark day for our ancestors and future generations, to have Murujuga’s exceptional universal heritage values acknowledged globally,” she said.

“We will continue to fight for protection for this very special place, and the world is now aware of what we are up against.”