The Australian Greens have welcomed the decision of UNESCO to include Koongarra on the World Heritage List.

Senator Scott Ludlam said the 1,228 hectare site within Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory has tremendous cultural and environmental significance.

"Koongarra is very important to Traditional Owners and I congratulate Jeffrey Lee for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Djok people.

"Koongarra should have been in Kakadu National Park long ago but was excluded in 1979 solely because of its uranium reserves. Finally, it has the protection it deserves – I look forward to its official inclusion in the Park.

Senator Ludlam congratulated the World Heritage Committee in Paris on rejecting the demands from French nuclear giant Areva to remove Koongarra from its agenda.

"This is a win for the Traditional Owners and their supporters, for the integrity of the Kakadu World Heritage area, for the long-term future of the region and for common sense," he said.