A World Heritage site in Mexico has been granted rare double World Heritage status by UNESCO, which deemed the site as of both cultural and natural importance.

Calakmul – a Mayan archaeological site and biosphere reserve – is now one of 31 sites in the world which has the special status, protecting not only the structures, but the surrounding rainforest and marking it as one of the most significant heritage sites anywhere in the world.

Located 35km (22m) from the Mexico/Guatemala border, Calakmul – which dates back to around 300 BC – was one of the largest and most powerful ancient cities ever uncovered in the Maya lowlands. There are 6,750 ancient structures identified at Calakmul; the largest of which is the great pyramid at the site.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto joined the country's UNESCO representative Nuria Sanz for a ceremony to celebrate the occasion,

"Hopefully this place becomes a space for confidence that culture is being developed. I want to say that this site means a lot to me personally and professionally, it represents a lot for the people of the world because it is a window, a necessary development," said Sanz at the ceremony.

The ‘mixed’ World Heritage site features 38 Maya architectural centres to make up the cultural listing, while thousands of hectares of perfectly preserved tropical forest are a known haven for bird watchers.

"We've taken on a greater responsibility and commitment to public works, of preserving and looking after, preserving and promoting sustainable development of all these reserves and these natural riches which are recognised as the natural and cultural heritage of humanity," said President Nieto.