World heritage sites in danger of disappearing forever
War, climate change or excessive human intervention and tourism are putting many valuable world heritages at risk of disappearing forever.
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| Vienna, Austria:Vienna, the capital of Austria, is famous for its Habsburg architecture, Baroque gardens, cobblestone streets, royal palaces, ancient castles and many valuable historical buildings. However, Unesco is concerned that modern projects, luxury apartments and hotels are likely to destroy the historical space of this city. Photo:Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty. |
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| Historical center of Shakhrisyabz, Uzbekistan:A 90-minute drive south of Samarkand is Shakhrisyabz, a 2,000-year-old city in the Kesh region. Here, visitors will find medieval walls, blue-domed mosques, and a variety of architectural styles. However, the area is under pressure from tourism infrastructure development. Photo:VW Pics/Getty. |
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| Medieval monuments in Kosovo:Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The medieval ruins in Kosovo, recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site, include four churches, monasteries with domes and murals, symbols of Byzantine religious culture on the Balkan peninsula that developed from the 13th to the 17th century. However, this relic area is threatened by the political instability of the region. Photo:Ullstein bild/Getty. |
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| East Rennell, Solomon Islands:Unesco estimates that there are about 62 world cultural heritage sites threatened by climate change, including East Rennell on Rennell Island, the southernmost island of the Solomon Islands in the Western Pacific. It is home to the world's largest atoll, measuring 86 km long and 15 km wide, and many unique species that are being negatively affected by climate change. Photo:Peter Hendrie/Getty. |
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| Timbuktu, Mali:The World Heritage Site of three earthen mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yawhia in Timbuktu has long been a popular tourist destination. However, in recent years, the "golden city" on the edge of the Sahara desert has been suffering from the negative effects of desertification. Photo:Luis Dafos/Getty. |
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| Coro and port area, Venezuela:On the Caribbean coast in the state of Falcón, Venezuela, lies the small town of Coro and its port, a World Heritage Site. Its rammed earth buildings, dating back to 1527, are the only surviving example of a unique fusion of local traditions with Spanish and Dutch Mudéjar architectural techniques. However, Coro was severely damaged by unusually heavy rains in 2005. Photo:Danita Delimont/Getty. |
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| Liverpool, England:Famous historic buildings and structures located in 6 areas of Liverpool city centre are recognized by Unesco as world heritage sites including Pier Head, Albert Dock, William Brown Street Conservation Area, Stanley Dock Conservation Area, Duke Street/Ropewalks Conservation Area and Castle Street Conservation Area. Like Vienna, Unesco is also concerned that new, modern developments will negatively affect the city's world heritage site. Photo:Alexander Spatari/Getty. |
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| Belize Barrier Reef, Belize:The Belize Barrier Reef, home to one of the longest coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Blue Hole, is Belize’s top tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Belize Barrier Reef is made up of atolls, sandbars, mangroves, and coastal lagoons, and is home to turtles, manatees, and crocodiles. However, the entire area is threatened by marine pollution, as well as uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Photo:Jeff Hunter/Getty. |
