Amsterdam’s 17th century canal rings have been placed on the Unesco world heritage list, the UN organisation announced on Sunday.

The area has had official protected status from the Dutch government since 1999.
Opponents say a listing will hinder Amsterdam’s development and turn the city centre into a museum rather than a thriving, creative metropolis. But supporters say no further demands will be placed on the city and the listing will boost tourism.
The Wadden Sea – an area of islands, sea and mud flats stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark – was included on the Unesco’s list in June.
There are now nine Dutch sites on the heritage list. The others are:
* Schokland and Surroundings
* Defence Line of Amsterdam
* Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Netherlands Antilles
* Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
* Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station)
* Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
* Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)