The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture, and the Municipality of Venice warmly welcome the unanimous decision adopted by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee concerning the site “Venice and its lagoon”.
The unanimous vote, passed without debate, represents a recognition of the intense and tangible efforts undertaken in recent years to safeguard the City of Venice, its universal values, its cultural landscape, and its liveability. This result is the outcome of a collective commitment by local, national and international institutions. The Municipality of Venice, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and all other bodies involved in the management of the site have worked in full synergy with the World Heritage Centre to ensure that every measure implemented is consistent with the objectives of protecting and enhancing the site.
The decision taken today in Paris “welcomes improvements in the governance and management of the site”, while encouraging further progress along the same path. Particularly appreciated were the establishment of the Lagoon Authority, the adoption of instruments to mitigate climate change and to protect the built heritage, the ban on large cruise ships entering the San Marco Basin, the introduction of a tourist access contribution for day visitors, and urban regeneration and cultural initiatives such as the Venice City Campus project.
Special thanks go to the President of the Committee, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, for his attention and for accompanying the delegation of the joint advisory mission of the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and ICCROM, who carried out their work with great precision and professionalism. The dialogue established with international technical bodies has been – and will continue to be – a vital stimulus to further improve the governance of the site and to address in a systemic manner the major challenges posed by climate change, tourism pressure, and the need to maintain a living city – one in which people continue to reside and work – while preserving its historical, artistic, landscape and environmental heritage.
No one claims to have ready-made solutions, nor is there any intention to overlook existing challenges. Rather, value is placed on a multi-level strategy for adopting tools that protect the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.
The Municipality of Venice and the Ministries reaffirm their commitment to continuing along the path taken, with a spirit of responsibility and cooperation. The future of Venice concerns the entire world: its protection is a global responsibility, nourished daily by expertise, dedication and dialogue.
