Everyday threats faced by world heritage sites

Beyond their fearsome reputation for killing, maiming and terrorizing local populations (and the few foreigners who happen to fall into their hands), militant Islamist outfits like the Taliban and so-called Islamic State have become known for their enthusiastic pillaging and destruction of cultural heritage. While the razing of ancient monuments at Bamiyan (Afghanistan) and Palmyra (Syria) – both world heritage sites – are certainly among their most infamous handiwork, many lesser sites have also been targeted with equally grim results.

Triumphal arch at Palmyra (now destroyed) *

While the attention and oppobrium that these incidents garner is entirely understandable, it is worth keeping in mind that IS is not the only culprit. Heritage sites the world over are suffering cumulative damage caused by visitors and those working in the tourism business. While the scale of any particular incident is not comparable say to the destruction of an ancient tomb in Timbuktu, over time the impact can nonetheless be highly destructive.

Take for example the ancient rock-art of Tadrart Acacus in Libya. Having survived up to 12,000 years, the world heritage site have in recent times been wantonly vandalised by both tourists and tour guides.

Ancient rock art in Tadrart Acacus in Libya (credit: Robert D'Angelo)

These acts are inexcusable, and while arguably authorities should be doing more to safeguard heritage sites like Tradart Acacus, visitors must take responsibility as well, and be held to account when they are found to have damaged a site, whether through malice, carelessness or ignorance.

* The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1860 - 1929). Triumphal arch of temple at Palmyra, Syria. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-6192-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99