UNESCO Experts Visit Odessa: Preserving Cultural Heritage
A team of UNESCO experts is currently in Odessa to assess the condition of the city's cultural heritage.
«We are delighted to be in your beautiful city of Odessa. Our mission is to gather information and hold consultations to develop recommendations for safeguarding the world heritage site from various threats,» stated Ms. Berta de San Cristobal, head of the mission.
This monitoring mission was originally scheduled for 2023 but was postponed due to escalating hostilities.
The primary aim is to evaluate the state of the world heritage site and the implementation of recommendations provided by the World Heritage Committee.
One of the recommendations is to preserve the site in its original form, taking into account its universal value and preservation challenges, including management issues.
Experts noted that some challenges arise from the war, while others stem from emotional and political factors.
«UNESCO is about history and culture, and for us, the people of Odessa, it is vital to maintain the integrity of our heritage,» said Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.
The mission will be in Odessa for several days, during which a series of meetings are planned. During the war, approximately 10 major attacks have been recorded on the world heritage site, resulting in damage to around 170 cultural heritage monuments.
