If more proof were needed of the fine line between politics
and cultural heritage, one need look no further than the furore that has
erupted in Florence following the receet disclosure of a letter sent by UNESCO
to Italian authorities. Echoing concerns that have already been voiced locally
for some time, the letter raised concerns regarding the sale of historical
palaces, the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects, including a
high-speed train, and the lack of a tourism strategy for one Italy's most
picturesque cities.
While it is difficult anywhere to get the balance right
between preservation on the one hand and commerce on the other, unfortunately the
lure of unbridled commercialism is particularly hard to resist where massive
tourist volumes provide the temptation of easy money to individuals and
businesses alike.
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