The World's Most Endangered Sites
The World Monument's 2008 Watch List has just been released. Every two years this list of the 100 most endangered sites throughout the world is determined, calling attention to sites whose cultural heritage is at risk. The list, which was initiated in 1996, is chosen by an independent panel of international experts.
It comes as no surprise that each of the countries we cover at OTR has at least one site on the list. Site endangerment is often a problem with developing countries whose tourism industry takes off.
Peru has the largest list of the bunch. It comes as no surprise that Machu Picchu tops the list. We have written previously of the problems that have arisen in the area due to its popularity. Other sites in Peru include: Laraos Terraces, Lima's historic city center, Macusani-Corani rock art, San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas Church, and one of my favorites - the Santa Catalina Church in Arequipa.
Guatemala's list includes: Capitanes Generales Palace in Antigua and the Ceibal Archaeological Site in Sayaxche.
Only the Brener Synagogue in Moises Ville was on Argentina's list while in Brazil the Porangatu historical district also made the cut.
This is the first time that the committee has considered environmental factors in its decisions. For more information and to find out site in other countries, check out the fun, interactive map on the World Monuments Watch website.
Some of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites are not doing too well either, according to this recent study by National Geographic Traveler:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/whsrated0611/whsrated.html
Posted by: travelina | June 13, 2007 at 12:28 PM