UNESCO Heritage Danger List
Source: Down To Earth
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Overview
- News in Brief
- About UNESCO Heritage Danger List
- The Italian city of Venice
Why in News?
Recently, experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have stated in a new report that the Italian city of Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger.
About UNESCO Heritage Danger List
It has been noted that the list doesn’t have any notable Indian landmarks, monuments or urban centers.
The following sites were on UNESCO’s World Heritage Danger List
| Afghanistan |
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (2003) |
| Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (2002) |
| Austria |
Historic Centre of Vienna (2017) |
| Bolivia |
City of Potosí (2014) |
| Central African Republic |
Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (1997) |
| Côte d’Ivoire |
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (1992) * |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Garamba National Park (1996) |
| Kahuzi-Biega National Park (1997) |
| Okapi Wildlife Reserve (1997) |
| Virunga National Park (1994) |
| Egypt |
Abu Mena (2001) |
| Guinea |
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (1992) * |
| Honduras |
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (2011) |
| Indonesia |
Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (2011) |
| Iraq |
Ashur (Qal’at Sherqat) (2003) |
| Hatra (2015) |
| Samarra Archaeological City (2007) |
| Jerusalem (Site proposed by Jordan) |
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (1982) |
| Kenya |
Lake Turkana National Parks (2018) |
| Lebanon |
Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli (2023) |
| Libya |
Archaeological Site of Cyrene (2016) |
| Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (2016) |
| Archaeological Site of Sabratha (2016) |
| Old Town of Ghadamès (2016) |
| Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (2016) |
| Madagascar |
Rainforests of the Atsinanana (2010) |
| Mali |
Old Towns of Djenné (2016) |
| Timbuktu (2012) |
| Tomb of Askia (2012) |
| Mexico |
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California (2019) |
| Micronesia (Federated States of) |
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (2016) |
| Niger |
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (1992) |
| Palestine |
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (2017) |
| Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (2014) |
| Panama |
Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (2012) |
| Peru |
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone (1986) |
| Romania |
Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (2021) |
| Senegal |
Niokolo-Koba National Park (2007) |
| Serbia |
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (2006) |
| Solomon Islands |
East Rennell (2013) |
| Syrian Arab Republic |
Ancient City of Aleppo (2013) |
| Ancient City of Bosra (2013) |
| Ancient City of Damascus (2013) |
| Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (2013) |
| Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (2013) |
| Site of Palmyra (2013) |
| Uganda |
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (2010) |
| Ukraine |
The Historic Centre of Odesa (2023) |
| United Republic of Tanzania |
Selous Game Reserve (2014) |
| United States of America |
Everglades National Park (2010) |
| Uzbekistan |
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2016) |
| Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) |
Coro and its Port (2005) |
| Yemen |
Historic Town of Zabid (2000) |
| Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (2023) |
| Old City of Sana’a (2015) |
| Old Walled City of Shibam (2015) |
The Italian city of Venice
Danger List
- According to UNESCO experts, the Italian city of Venice should be included on a list of global heritage sites that are under risk.
- Two years prior UNESCO had already suggested adding Venice on the danger list.
- On the list of places to be added to the danger list this year are Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine.
- Why
- There hasn’t been much progress made in solving the complicated problems that have persisted, especially those that are tied to mass tourism.
- These problems are leading urban areas and building structures to deteriorate and suffer harm, compromising the property’s cultural and social identity and endangering the integrity of its cultural, environmental, and landscape assets.
About Venice
- Venice is a historic city located in northeastern Italy.
- Renowned for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Key Facts about Venice
- Unique Geography: Venice is built on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The city is situated in a lagoon, which is enclosed by the Adriatic Sea and the Po River delta.
- Vulnerability to Flooding: Venice is facing environmental challenges, most notably the threat of flooding. High tides, known as “acqua alta,” can cause flooding in parts of the city, posing a risk to its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
- Canals and Gondolas: The city’s primary mode of transportation is by boat, as there are no roads for cars in the historic center. Traditional Venetian boats called “gondolas” are famous for being used to navigate the city’s intricate network of canals.
- Historic Sites: Venice is home to a wealth of historic landmarks, palaces, and churches, showcasing different architectural styles such as Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance. Some notable attractions include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal.
- St. Mark’s Square: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is the main public square in Venice and a central gathering place for locals and tourists. It’s surrounded by important landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile (bell tower).
- Art and Culture: Venice has a rich artistic heritage and has produced many famous artists, including Titian, Tintoretto, and Canaletto. The city is also renowned for its annual Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.
- Carnival of Venice: The city is famous for its Carnival, an annual event where people don elaborate masks and costumes, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Venice was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its exceptional historical and architectural significance.
- Tourism: Venice is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the world every year. Its popularity as a tourist destination has led to some challenges related to sustainability and preservation.
Way Forward
Venice remains one of the most enchanting and iconic cities in the world, captivating visitors with its charm, history, and timeless beauty. However, it’s essential to be mindful of its delicate environment and to support responsible tourism practices to ensure its preservation for future generations.
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