Venice Should Be Kept On The List Of World Heritage In Danger: UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says the iconic Italian city of Venice should be added to its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. UNESCO was established on 16 November 1945 with the aim of promoting international peace through education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication. UNESCO said in its report that the city is at risk of irreversible damage from rising sea levels due to heavy tourism, development and climate change.

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a constituent body of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote international peace through education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication.

• The headquarters of UNESCO is located in Paris and the organization has more than 50 regional offices around the world.

• It has 193 members and 11 associate members and is governed by the General Conference and Executive Board.

• Three countries are not members of UNESCO: Cook Islands, Niue and Palestine.

What is the UNESCO Heritage Danger List?

• The List of World Heritage in Anger, compiled by UNESCO, includes sites facing threats like natural disasters, armed conflicts, pollution, urbanization, and more. 

• These sites are recognized for their cultural or physical significance and are added to the list if they meet specific criteria set by the World Heritage Committee.

World and India Heritage Sites

• Globally there are 1154 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries. Meanwhile, India has 40 World Heritage Sites which include 30 cultural properties, 7 natural properties and 1 mixed site.

• The Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat is India's 40th World Heritage Site.

• Ramappa Temple (Telangana) was the 39th World Heritage Site of India.

• Kangchenjunga National Park, Sikkim has been inscribed as India's first and only "Mixed World Heritage Site".

• In 2022, the Union Ministry of Culture nominated the Sacred Groups of Hoysalas Temples for consideration as a World Heritage Site for the year 2022–2023.

UNESCO and India: Perspectives

• India has been a member of UNESCO since its inception in 1946.

• Two offices are located in New Delhi for eleven countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

World heritage convention:

• World Heritage Convention-1972 This convention defines natural or cultural sites (World Heritage Sites) that may be considered for inclusion in the World Heritage List.

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• President: Sergio Mattarella

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