Venice UNESCO decision sparks debates on climate change, tourism impact, and conservation efforts, as Italy avoids “World Heritage in Danger” listing

Venice Escapes UNESCO World Heritage Danger Listing Climate Tourism

^{Credit: Google | Venice,Italy | UNESCO}

Venice, Italy – The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has made the decision not to include Venice and its Lagoon on the World Heritage List in Danger, in a move that has spared the Italian government from potential embarrassment regarding the city’s conservation efforts. This decision comes in spite of expert recommendations and ongoing concerns regarding the city’s vulnerability.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano expressed relief, emphasizing that adding Venice to the endangered list would have been an “undue move” based on subjective assessments rather than objective facts. He argued that Venice is not in immediate danger and cited positive evaluations of Italian initiatives, including the MOSE anti-flooding system and a new entry fee for tourists set to take effect next year.

However, UNESCO has underscored that further work is needed to safeguard this iconic city. Concerns persist regarding mass tourism, development projects, and climate change’s impact on Venice’s delicate ecosystem.

Venice avoids being added to UNESCO list of endangered sites https://t.co/4Kl94R419m pic.twitter.com/wGzK1h22Hj
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 14, 2023

While Venice has taken measures to address these issues, including banning large cruise ships from its waters and deploying barriers to fend off high tides, experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites urged placing Venice on the “World Heritage in Danger” list. They contend that Venice’s efforts to combat tourism’s negative effects came “very late“, and more urgent action is required.

The debate over Venice’s status highlighted the broader global issue of climate change’s impact on cultural heritage sites. Italy’s efforts were commended by some member countries, who argued against singling out the country when climate change poses a shared challenge for numerous sites worldwide.

Despite concerns from citizen groups and over 5,000 petition signatories, Venice’s exclusion from the endangered list has been celebrated by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro as a “great victory“. The city council has also approved a 5 euro entry fee for day-trippers during peak tourist seasons, aiming to alleviate overcrowding.

However, the ongoing decline in local residents, attributed to excessive tourism, has led to a loss of historic authenticity and an alteration of the city’s spirit. Venice’s struggle with tourism and climate change serves as a stark reminder of the need for global conservation efforts.

While Venice has escaped immediate inclusion on UNESCO’s list of endangered sites, the decision underscores the city’s ongoing vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of continued conservation endeavors and vigilance against the threats posed by climate change and mass tourism.