UNESCO deems Venice a heritage site at risk

UNESCO experts recently suggested that Venice and its lagoon should be placed on the World Heritage in Danger list. The recommendation stems from concerns that Italy has not taken sufficient measures to protect the city from the damaging effects of climate change and mass tourism. With the list review to take place in September, a committee of 21 UNESCO member states will review more than 200 sites, including about 10 already recommended for the endangered list, such as Odessa, Timbuktu and some sites in Syria, Iraq and Libya. The proposal stresses the need for more concerted efforts by local and national actors to address the urgent challenges affecting the historic site. UNESCO has expressed concern about Italy's response to the challenges facing Venice. The corrective measures proposed by the Italian government were deemed "insufficient and not detailed enough." In addition, UNESCO criticized Italy's lack of consistent and substantive communication since the Committee's last session in 2021.  The slow progress in implementing protective measures raises the urgency for more effective solutions. Inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list will signal the gravity of the situation and serve as an appeal to local and national authorities. The list aims to mobilize stakeholders to take immediate and comprehensive action to protect the city's unique cultural heritage and natural environment.

What are Venice's problems?

Venice has struggled with the impacts of mass tourism for many years. Its center, which has immense historical value, has struggled to cope with the overwhelming influx of visitors. During the 2019 Carnival alone, as many as 193,000 people crowded into the city's narrow streets, putting a strain on its delicate infrastructure and historic sites. In addition to mass tourism, the city of Venice faces the imminent threat of climate change. Rising sea levels and increasingly frequent tides, known as "high water," pose a serious risk to its unique architectural wonders. These factors endanger the city's buildings and cultural treasures, making it imperative that Italy take robust actions to mitigate their impact.

What solutions have been proposed?

To address the challenges posed by mass tourism, Venice is considering the introduction of a one-day visitor fee. This measure aims to control the number of visitors and relieve pressure on the historic center. However, objections have delayed the implementation of this tariff. Now, with UNESCO's recommendation, there is new impetus to overcome obstacles and implement measures to protect the city's treasures.