July 7th, 2021

One of the most famously known intergovernmental organizations to exist today is the United Nations, also abbreviated to UN. This group of representatives, and their nations, focus on the multitude of social, cultural, economic, and political issues our world is plagued with today. However, what does this have to do with the environment?

Well, part of the United Nations’ job is to protect the environment. For instance, the United Nations Environmental Program, also known as UNEP, focuses on any international issue related to the environment. In this committee, representatives from each member state discuss solutions to address environmental issues, such as air pollution, radioactive waste from nuclear plants, and global warming affecting the arctic and arctic life. UNEP serves as the center of anything environmental and focuses on only the better good of the world. Additionally, the creation of UNEP allows for a multitude of nations, both poor and rich, big and small, to discuss environmental issues. In these meetings, common topics can also include funds, as many third world countries may not be able to afford sustainable lives.

However, let’s get to the point of this blog. So, another organization under the UN called the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, focuses on identifying cultural/historic sites present in the world today! On their absolutely fabulous website at this link, you can find, on a map, the numerous sites, whether natural or cultural, and see if they are in danger or not.

While studying the numerous sites on their website, I noticed how most natural UNESCO world heritage sites that were considered “in danger” were located in the Middle East and North Africa, an area notoriously known for having recent 21st century conflicts. Sadly, due to political conflicts, leading to war zones, these natural sites have been being destroyed every day. On the other hand, other sites such as the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi in Uganda, fire seems to be the biggest threat. Additionally, in Bolivia natural sites such as the City of Potosí are in danger due to poor economic development in the area, leading to less funds towards the restoration of the cities.

Even though it becomes a little depressing to read about these numerous historical sites going to ruins, I have to acknowledge the hundreds of cultural and natural sites thriving elsewhere. For instance, the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia in Turkey are a perfect example of a both cultural and natural site, where millions of Turkish people and tourists experience the tradition of viewing the national park while in a hot air balloon. Also, not to to be biased, but Italy holds an impressive amount of cultural sites, but also holds one of the most famous natural sites; The Dolomites.

Overall, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site is something everyone must explore, as it is fun to navigate and is still educational! I highly recommend everyone to check it out after reading this blog. But, to end the blog, cultural environmental sites are important to maintain, thus as the next generation of leaders in this world, it is our job to maintain them safe.