OREANDA-NEWS. August 27, 2012. Question turn Reserve "Gnezdovo mounds" in the Smolensk region as a World Heritage Site to be Discussed at Russia's first international scientific conference "Geomorphological processes and geoarheologiya" on the problems of archeology, preservation of historical and cultural heritage and tourism, According to the press service of the government of the region.

The conference started on August 21 in Smolensk.

Event brought in more than 40 international participants from 20 countries and more than 80 Russian scientists.

"Selection of Smolensk due to the presence here of unique archaeological sites - Reserve" Gnezdovo mounds and complex Serteyskogo pile settlement. "In addition, the participants have the opportunity to get acquainted with the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region on the eve of the celebration of the 1150th anniversary of the first mention of Smolensk the chronicle, "- said at the conference, Vice-Governor Nikolai Kuznetsov.

He also expressed hope that the scope of the conference and the personal authority of the participants will recommend Gnezdovo Serteysky archaeological complexes and for inclusion in the list of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, which will contribute to the image of the Smolensk region as a promising region in the global tourism market.

Gnezdovo archaeological complex is a complex of ancient monuments, burial grounds and settlements, located near the village cluster, on the banks of the Dnieper River, 12 km west of Smolensk.