Beauties in danger: the fight to preserve world heritage
In a constantly changing world, many historical and cultural sites face threats that jeopardize their preservation. In particular, the Russian invasion of Ukraine endangered several iconic buildings and monuments. Recently, the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev and the center of Lviv were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger, while the city of Venice once again escaped this classification.
Inscription on this list aims to attract additional attention to these sites and mobilize financial and technical resources to safeguard them. The decision to include them in the list of heritage in danger was taken during the 45th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Among the threatened Ukrainian sites, the Saint Sophia Cathedral in kyiv is of particular importance. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral is a symbol of Orthodox architecture and the cultural heritage of Ukraine. The monastic buildings associated with this cathedral, as well as the historic center of the city of Lviv, are also in danger.
These sites face several threats, including damage caused by war. Direct attacks and bombings can destroy the buildings and historical objects that make these sites rich. Additionally, shockwaves caused by attacks can also cause indirect damage.
The fight to preserve these sites is a major challenge. Restoring damaged buildings and protecting against future attacks requires considerable financial resources. According to UNESCO, the damage already caused by the war in Ukraine has cost 2.4 billion euros. And to rebuild and redress the situation, it will be necessary to invest $6.9 billion in the cultural sector in Ukraine over the next ten years.
However, preserving endangered world heritage is not limited to Ukraine. Across the world, many sites are threatened by factors such as armed conflict, natural disasters, pollution, poaching and overtourism. UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger currently lists 56 sites, from the minaret and archaeological remains of Jam in Afghanistan to the historic town of Zabid in Yemen.
Faced with these challenges, it is essential to raise public awareness and mobilize resources to preserve these cultural treasures. Safeguarding world heritage is a collective responsibility, and it is necessary to work collaboratively to ensure its preservation for future generations.