Globalization, cheap lemons and the crumbling away of a world heritage site

Globalization and production outsourcing have been blamed for many woes - Donald J. Trump's recent attacks on China being a classic of the genre - but I've never seen a story this week linking cheap foreign fruit to the possible destruction of one of the world's most iconic world heritage sites.

The Amalfi Coast, located in southern Italy in the Province of Salerno, was inscribed on UNESCO's world heritage list in 1997. With its picturesque villages and dramatic landscape, the region has long been a favourite destination for both Italian and foreign tourists.

Amalfi Coast (photo credit: Gilbert Bochenek

However, leading geologists have reportedly issued a warning that the coastal zone is at risk of crumbling into the sea. The problem is that the region's lemon farmers, who have built and maintained a system of stone retaining walls known as "lemon terraces" over hundreds of years, are abandoning their groves as lemon cultivation becomes a losing proposition in the face of cheaper lemons grown abroad.

The impact, according to geologists, is a mounting risk of landslides, and with it the natural beauty on which the region's world heritage designation and associated tourism depends.

Lemon orchard, Amalfi Coast (photo credit: Jensens)

Without wishing to romanticize what is undoubtedly back-breaking and sometimes dangerous work, it is sad to think that traditional lemon farming on the Amalfi Coast is disappearing, and with it the distinct character, history and perhaps even the physical landscape of a uniquely beautiful region.

Foamhenge saviour wanted as day of reckoning for styrofoam Stonehenge approaches

Replica world heritage sites seem to springing up around the world at an ever increasing pace, as globalization stimulates interest in iconic monuments and entrepreneurs seek ways to capitalize on this interest. Witness for example the outlet mall being built in Dubai that is modelled on San Gimignano, a UNESCO-designated town in Italy's Tuscany region.

However, not everyone seems intent on making money from such ventures. A case in point is Mark Cline's "Foamhenge", an exact copy of the megaliths which have stood in a circle at Stonehenge in Wiltshire since prehistoric times. Mr. Cline erected his monument at Natural Bridge in Virginia in 2004, and the site has become a popular tourist attraction.

The original Stonhenge... (photo credit: Ben Schumin)

Sadly, it appears that Foamhenge's days may be numbered. Not only has the styrofoam begun to deteriorate, media are reporting this week that authorities have ordered Mr. Cline to move the monument by July 2016, as the area will be incorporated into the new Natural Bridge State Park.

...And its styrofoam copy (photo credit: Wigulf)

Anyone interested in ancient megaliths take note: Mr. Cline is reportedly looking for someone who would be willing to host the monument for the continued enjoyment of tourists who can't make the trip across the ocean to see the real deal.

Combatting "heritage pollution" in UNESCO-designated Valleta, capital of Malta

In a delightful turn of phrase, media are reporting this week that "heritage pollution" obscuring views of historic fortifications in Valleta, capital of Malta and world heritage site since 1980, will be removed. The "pollution" in question are billboards erected by the country's two main political parties.

City of Valleta (photo credit: Lleonidas)

 

While the commitment to remove the billboards is certain to be welcomed by tourists wishing to take unobstructed photos of the city's famous walls and bastions, it also underscores the power of social media in mobilizing public opinion in support of heritage promotion and preservation.

Protests erupt at world heritage site in India's Orissa State over hike in entry fees

Officials at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) must be disappointed today if they thought that their implementation of increased entry fees at listed monuments was going to be trouble-free. While ASI spokespersons' assertion that the new entry fees are in line with the cost to visit heritage sites in other countries may be true, this did not stop protesters from massing at the gates to the UNESCO-designated Sun Temple at Konarak in Orissa State.

Sun Temple, Konarak *

Concerned that the increased entry fees would deter tourists from visiting the site, local residents effectively shut down the ticket counter for much day on April 2, 2016. While they finally agreed to end their demonstration after receiving the promise of a meeting with site administrators next week. Expect more protests if the ASI does not back down.

At a broader level, there is a lesson here for any country seeking to impose across-the-board changes to heritage site entry fees. Given that the economic importance of heritage sites is likely to vary widely from one community to the next, early consultation and a sensitive approach to implementation are vital if the changes are to be accepted.

* Photo credit: By Souvik Burman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28028170

Locals at risk of being priced out of the real estate market in UNESCO-designated George Town

Although many real estate investors are attracted by shiny new buildings, heritage properties can attract a substantial premium, despite higher maintenance costs and potential restrictions on alterations and redevelopment.

George Town Harbour (credit: Hajotthu)

As reported this week by The Star Online, the value of heritage properties in UNESCO-designaed George Town, a British colonial era city on the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia dating from the late 18th century, has increased by 37 to 157 percent since 2008. With surging prices the result of strong demand from Malaysians living overseas and Singaporeans, local residents risk being priced out of the market - an all too common problem for those who reside in or near a world heritage site.