New Delhi, Sep 21, 2024: World Monuments Fund (WMF) has found a host of specific human factors such as war, overdevelopment, lapse in oversight and rising temperatures to be the major factors threatening over 200 heritage sites under review for its 2025 World Monuments Watch.
The data classifying such threats was collected in the course of determining which global landmarks will appear on the latest iteration of the Watch list, which will mark WMF's first since 2022 and be released mid-January 2025.
“Since its inception in 1996, the World Monuments Watch has been a crucial tool for WMF to understand the evolving needs of heritage sites and the communities that rely on them. Our data-driven approach has deepened our insights, enabling us to craft more effective strategies and take meaningful action where needed most. In the face of these issues, the 2025 Watch will demonstrate the potential for heritage preservation to help communities adapt and thrive within our dynamic world,” said Benedicte de Montlaur, CEO of World Monuments Fund.
“Since 1996, 30 sites in India have been nominated to the Watch, with some undergoing preservation efforts. We’re thrilled that leading architect and urban conversationist Brinda Somaya is among the extraordinary panelists reviewing the nominations. We eagerly await the announcement of the 2025 Watch to help guide the next chapter of our continuing preservation efforts in India,” said Malini Thadani, Executive Director of World Monuments Fund’s India affiliate office.
The Watch has established itself as a leading voice in the heritage field. Throughout its 30 years, the Watch has evolved into an advocacy program collaborating with nominators to make sure local communities are heard and involved with their site’s preservation.
During the data analysis, specific themes emerged as predominant challenges across regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 74% of nominated sites highlighted climate hazards and impacts as a critical issue. In Asia & the Pacific, 51% of the sites pointed to rapid urbanization and development pressures. Europe & North America faced significant financial challenges, with 58% of the sites citing insufficient funding and resources. In Latin America & the Caribbean, 43% of the sites were concerned with overuse and tourism.
The Middle East & North Africa region identified two key challenges: 40% of the sites reported issues related to human conflict and crises, while another 40% highlighted limited local expertise and capacities. These percentages underscore the diverse and pressing challenges that heritage sites face globally.
“The key challenges identified through WMF’s Watch nomination analysis — such as lack of community engagement and disasters linked to climate change — pose serious threats not only to our global heritage but to the communities that care for them,” said Lynn Meskell, Professor of Anthropology and Historic Preservation the University of Pennsylvania and chair of the World Monuments Watch International Expert Panel.
“Protecting these sites is vital not only for preserving the past but protecting the communities that have social, economic, and spiritual ties to place," Meskell said.
The 2025 World Monuments Watch will be revealed mid-January 2025.
