UNESCO recommends putting Venice on the ‘Danger List’; know why?

Venice, one of the most romantic and beautiful Italian cities, might soon be under UNESCO’s danger list. UNESCO has recommended adding Venice to its heritage danger list calling on the Italian government to “ensure the utmost dedication”.

UNESCO wants the Italian government to address “long-standing problems” in the city, which has been affecting tourism in the region.As of now, Venice is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having an “outstanding universal value”. The city’s rich cultural and natural heritages have been attracting travellers from across the globe.
The recommendation was made by UNESCO and its advisory body experts ahead of the 45th session of the agency’s World Heritage Committee. The session will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2023.

As per draft resolution, there has not been a “significant level of progress in addressing the persistent and complex issues related in particular to mass tourism, development projects and climate change.”
The draft resolution also says that “deterioration and damage to building structures and urban areas, degrading the cultural and social identity of the property and threatening the integrity of its cultural, environmental and landscape attributes and values.”

The weather and tourism issues in Venice are real as the city has been trying to deal with weather-related problems in recent years. For example, in February 2023, the city suffered a major drought situation. The condition got so bad that it was impossible for gondolas or water taxis to travel through some canals.

Back in November 2019, Venice was struggling with a severe flood situation. Meanwhile, the city is already battling overtourism.