Flooding in San Marco Square in Venice, Italy on November 13, 2019 due to the highest tide in 50 years. Photo: THX/TTXVN
On July 31, the United NationsEducational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommended putting the Italian city of Venice on the list of World Heritage in danger.
The organization also stressed that the Italian government needs to do more to protect the historic city and the lagoon surrounding the area.
UNESCO said Venice is in a state of constant deterioration due to intense human intervention, development, climate change and mass tourism , putting it at risk of “irreversible” damage that would alter its unique universal value.
In addition, the dual impact of man and nature has taken its toll on buildings and urban areas. A number of long-standing problems have gradually eroded Venice’s inherent character and values.
UNESCO said the Italian government “lacks significant progress” and “a common strategic vision” to address the situation.
The agency stressed that Italy has not maintained substantive, sustained contact since the July 2021 session of the World Heritage Committee in China.
Here, UNESCO warned the city government to "manage tourism more sustainably" or it would be placed on the list of World Heritage in danger.
UNESCO's recommendation is expected to be raised at a session of the World Heritage Committee, taking place next September in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh.
UNESCO hopes that this warning will motivate local, national and international stakeholders to make further efforts and mobilize more resources to address outstanding issues.
Speaking to the media, a spokesman for the Venice metropolitan area said the city government will discuss with the government and carefully consider this proposal from UNESCO.
The next session of the World Heritage Committee is scheduled to take place from September 10-25, bringing together a committee of 21 UNESCO member states to assess more than 200 global sites before announcing the list of World Heritage in Danger.
VNA
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