UNESCO has issued a stern warning to Italy, threatening to add the city of Venice and its lagoon to its list of World Heritage in Danger. The international organization claims that Italy is failing to protect the historical sites of Venice from the combined threats of climate change and mass tourism. The recommendation comes after a review by UNESCO's experts found that the city's iconic heritage is at risk due to longstanding and unresolved issues.
Overtourism in Venice has been a persistent problem for the city, with an increasing number of visitors crowding the historic center. During the 2019 Carnival, a staggering 193,000 people were estimated to have squeezed into the city in a single day. This continuous influx of tourists has put immense pressure on the city's delicate infrastructure and cultural treasures.
In an effort to control visitor numbers and preserve its unique heritage, Venice has been considering the introduction of a fee for day-trippers. However, this measure has faced delays due to objections from various stakeholders.
UNESCO's criticism of Italy focuses on what they see as inadequate corrective measures proposed by the Italian government. The organization states that the proposed solutions are currently insufficient and lack the necessary details to effectively protect Venice's historical sites. Furthermore, UNESCO expressed concern that the Italian government has not adequately communicated its commitment to preserving the city since the last Committee session in 2021 when the blacklisting threat was first issued.
Responding to UNESCO's announcement, a spokesperson for the Venice municipality stated that they would carefully review the proposed decision and discuss it with the government. The Venice authorities seem to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and the need for comprehensive action to safeguard the city's unique cultural heritage.
Classification Process of World Heritage Sites
UNESCO's classification process for World Heritage Sites involves regular expert reviews of over 1,150 cultural and natural sites around the world. During a meeting in Riyadh in September, a committee of 21 UNESCO member states will review more than 200 sites and determine which ones should be added to the list of World Heritage in Danger.
Currently, nearly 10 sites are being recommended by experts to be added to the danger list. The historic center of Odessa, Ukraine, the town of Timbuktu in Mali, and several sites in Syria, Iraq, and Libya are already on the list. This year, UNESCO's experts have also proposed adding the cities of Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine to the danger list.
The pressure of over-tourism and the impacts of climate change underscore the need for proactive and collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term preservation of these precious cultural and natural treasures.
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