Unesco discusses world heritage risks, spotlight on Stonehenge

By Hugo Barcia

New Delhi, July 23 (EFE).- The United Nation’s cultural agency is evaluating the state of 56 World Heritage sites threatened by natural disasters, war, or neglect, which could lead to their loss of unique status.

At its 46th annual meeting in the Indian capital, Unesco will discuss these sites and consider new inclusions on its “in risk” list and the spotlight is shining on the Stonehenge megalith.

The ancient city of Jerusalem and its walls, the historic center of Lviv in Ukraine, and the city of Coro and its port in Venezuela are among the sites currently in danger that will be the focus of the discussion in New Delhi.

The Indian capital is hosting the Unesco World Heritage Committee meeting until July 31.

The agency stresses that the “List of World Heritage in Danger” is to inform the international community of conditions that threaten the very characteristics for which a property was inscribed on the World Heritage List and encourage corrective action for conservation support.

The sites on the “in danger” list require special attention, Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay told the 21-member committee on Monday.

“I think I have to say it again, this listing should not be a cause of fear. Nor should it be considered a punishment or definitive. Our discussions on the ‘in danger’ list may be difficult sometimes, but they are necessary. They have led to a real increase in awareness, and often to an essential tangible change.»

While many historically or naturally significant sites have been removed from the list in recent decades, such as the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Angkor Wat (Cambodia), and Yellowstone National Park (United States), others have remained for more than 40 years.

Jerusalem’s old city and its walls, included in 1982 due to poor conservation and urban planning threats, exemplify this.

Lviv’s historic center was listed last year due to threats from the Russian invasion, alongside Saint Sophia Cathedral in the Ukrainian capital.

Other notable sites include Coro and its port, the sole surviving example of a fusion of local traditions with Spanish and Dutch Mudejar architectural techniques, which suffered structural damage from heavy rains in 2005.

The Jam Minaret in Afghanistan is also endangered due to inadequate conservation plans, especially after the Taliban’s return to power.

Inclusion on the list provides access to financing from the World Heritage Fund and acts as a risk indicator for governments, signaling that if the site’s conditions deteriorate, Unesco may revoke its World Heritage status.

To date, only three sites have faced this: the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman, the Elbe Valley of Dresden, Germany, and Liverpool’s Maritime Mercantile City in the United Kingdom.

Stonehenge and Buddha’s Birthplace

For the current meeting, experts recommend adding two properties to the World Heritage in Danger list: Stonehenge, Avebury and associated sites in the United Kingdom, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, in Nepal.

Concerns about a project to expand a main road just 150 meters from Stonehenge have prompted this recommendation to mobilize international support.

Regarding Lumbini, the report cites damage to the Maya Devi Temple and the stalled conservation project. Unesco has requested an action plan from the Nepalese government and recommended Lumbini’s inclusion on the list.

The banks of the Seine in Paris and the Danube in Budapest, while not currently recommended for the risk list, are highlighted as requiring urgent conservation efforts and may be considered for future inclusion. EFE

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