4 international locations on UNESCO's endangered list

Numerous news outlets have recently highlighted UNESCO's latest proposition – suggesting the inclusion of the entire city of Venice into their 'danger list' sooner rather than later.

This recommendation comes as a concern due to the ongoing challenges that Venice faces in terms of environmental sustainability and preservation.

The 'danger list' maintained by UNESCO encompasses a total of 55 sites globally, each facing varying degrees of risk that threaten their very existence in the foreseeable future. Among these sites, one can find a diverse array of natural and cultural treasures, ranging from the Everglades National Park in the United States to the lush Rainforests of Madagascar, as well as the historic city of Timbuktu in Mali.

As Venice grapples with the delicate balance between maintaining its unique charm and confronting the pressing issues brought about by rising sea levels and over-tourism, its potential inclusion in this 'danger list' serves as a poignant reminder of the complex challenges that our world's most cherished sites continue to confront.

In this piece we look at three other significant international sites that have also been declared as endangered by UNESCO.

Austria

• 

• 

Endangered Site: The Historic Centre of Vienna

Evolving over a prolonged period of time from Celtic and Roman beginnings to becoming a significant Medieval and Baroque city, Vienna was once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Now appreciated for its intrinsic value to the arts, Vienna is also a treasure trove of architectural wonders, including beautiful Baroque castles, gardens, and the grand buildings and parks along the Ringstrasse from the 19th century.

The city was added to UNESCO's endangered list due to increase volume of high-rise buildings in the city.

Added to UNESCO's endangered list in 2017.

Indonesia

• 

• 

Endangered Site: Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra covers a vast area of 2.5 million hectares and consists of three national parks: Gunung Leuser, Kerinci Seblat, and Bukit Barisan Selatan. This protection of expansive site is crucial for safeguarding Sumatra's unique and varied plants and animals, many of which are already endangered.

These national parks a safe haven for about 10,000 plant species, including 17 kinds that are only found in this area, there are also several mammal species that are only found in this part of Indonesia, such as the Sumatran orangutan and the Sumatran tiger. Additionally, this site reveals how the island's life has evolved over time.

The site was added to the list as there has been an increased threat of poaching, illegal foresting and logging and plans by local governments to build through parts of the rainforest.

Added to UNESCO's endangered list in 2004 and again in 2011.

Jerusalem (Proposed by Kingdom of Jordan)

• 

• 

Endangered Site: Old City of Jerusalem and Walls

Jerusalem holds deep spiritual significance for a number of religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making it a holy site. Its 220 historic landmarks tell stories of the past, including the Dome of the Rock, and the Wailing Wall.

The decision to add the city to the in-danger list was driven by various factors, each contributing to the growing concern for the preservation of its historical and cultural treasures. One significant reason was the visible deterioration of the city's invaluable monuments, which stand as testimonies to centuries of human history and achievement.

Additionally, the impact of ongoing archaeological excavations played a role in this decision. While these excavations hold the promise of unearthing hidden insights into the past, they also pose potential risks to the structural integrity of the city's delicate sites.

Added to UNESCO's endangered list in 1982.

Mexico

• 

• 

Endangered Site: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

The wide-ranging site encompasses 244 islands, islets, and coastal areas situated in the Gulf of California in northeastern Mexico. Known as a natural laboratory for studying speciation, the Sea of Cortez and its islands exhibit a multitude of vital oceanographic processes, making it an exceptionally valuable subject for scientific inquiry. The area is known for its dramatic scenery is marked by rugged islands, towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and the stunning interplay of desert landscapes and turquoise waters, alongside unique sea life such as local porpoise called vaquita and a large sealion colony.

The area has been placed on the endangered list due to increased traffic in the region, resulting in pollution and damage to the local sea life and wildlife, including the use of illegal fishing nets that are damaging the population of vaquita in the area.

Added to UNESCO's endangered list in 2019.