The recent conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about the safety of the country’s cultural heritage sites. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has recommended adding three significant Ukrainian landmarks to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger. These landmarks are the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery, and the historical center of Lviv.
The announcement was made by Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, the head of UNESCO in Ukraine, during a briefing. According to Bardeschi, UNESCO recently recommended adding these sites to the list of endangered World Heritage Sites that require preservation efforts. The Saint Sophia Cathedral and its adjacent monastery buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery, and the ensemble of Lviv’s historical center have been identified as cultural treasures in need of protection.
The final decision regarding the inclusion of these landmarks on the list will be made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in September. The committee will evaluate the current situation and the extent of the threats faced by these iconic sites before making a determination.
As of July 26th, UNESCO confirmed damage to 274 sites in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. Among the affected sites are 117 religious landmarks, 27 museums, 19 monuments, 12 libraries, 1 archive, and 98 buildings of historical or artistic significance. The situation has raised concerns about the preservation of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, which holds immense value not only for the country but also for the global cultural landscape.
The inclusion of these landmarks on the list of endangered World Heritage Sites highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and efforts to protect these valuable historical and cultural treasures.
