Europa Nostra commends publication of World Monuments Fund’s 2025 Watch list and calls for sustained collective action

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) revealed its 2025 World Monuments Watch list on 15 January 2024 during an online event from its New York headquarters. The announcement was celebrated with several in-person WMF events across Europe, including one at the historic Sorbonne in Paris hosted by WMF France, which Europa Nostra attended.

© David Atlan

 

The biennial list highlights 25 endangered cultural heritage sites spanning 29 countries across five continents – and, for the first time, the Moon. These sites face threats from climate change, conflict, natural disasters, tourism pressures, and other challenges, prompting an urgent call for global preservation efforts.

 

Key Highlights of the 2025 Watch

 

Among the sites spotlighted are Gaza’s Historic Urban Fabric, Palestine; Kyiv Teacher’s House, Ukraine; Africa’s Swahili Coast Heritage Sites; the Old City of Antakya, Türkiye; and Chapel of the Sorbonne, France.

Data analysis of this year’s nominations revealed regional trends that shed light on the causes of destruction and risks to heritage sites, for instance:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with the impacts of climate change on its cultural heritage;
  • Rapid urbanisation poses challenges in Asia and the Pacific;
  • Europe and North America report insufficient funding and resources;
  • Tourism pressure is a primary concern for Latin America and the Caribbean; and
  • Conflict and natural disasters dominate the Middle East and North Africa region.

Notably, the inclusion of the Moon marks a historic first, advocating for the preservation of lunar artifacts from humanity’s initial steps beyond Earth, including the Apollo 11 landing site.

Europa Nostra’s Call for Action

 

Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra, participated in the WMF France event as a member of the Selection Panel of the World Monuments Watch list 2025, chaired by renowned archaeologist Prof. Lynn Meskell. In her address at the Paris event, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović underscored the critical role of heritage in fostering peace, solidarity, and sustainability.

© David Atlan

 

“Heritage and culture can help build a better world, rooted in the values of peace, solidarity, sustainability, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for both human rights and the rights of nature. The survival of our Planet and our Humanity is at stake,” she stated.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the Secretary General of Europa Nostra called on policymakers, donors, and civil society to join forces. Drawing inspiration from the unprecedented global mobilisation to restore the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, she emphasised the importance of collective action in safeguarding cultural treasures, whether on Earth or beyond: “Heritage is a common cause. We must convince public and private investors that cultural heritage deserves greater investment. Europa Nostra is ready to partner with the World Monuments Fund to support rescue efforts for the selected sites, particularly in Europe.”

© David Atlan

 

The Secretary General of Europa Nostra highlighted the inclusion of eight European sites on the Watch list. She also mentioned the announcement of the 7 Most Endangered Heritage sites in Europe 2025 in April by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.

Looking ahead

Over the next two years, WMF will collaborate with local and international partners to develop tailored advocacy, preservation, and fundraising strategies for the 2025 Watch sites. Already, $2 million has been secured to kickstart preservation projects, with additional support from global partners like Accor, the fund’s Sustainable Tourism Partner.

© David Atlan

 

As WMF President and CEO Bénédicte de Montlaur stated, The Watch underscores WMF’s commitment to ensuring that heritage preservation not only honors the past but actively contributes to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for communities around the world – and beyond.”

More information

The full list of 2025 Watch sites can be found on the World Monuments Fund website.
More photos of the event in Paris can be found here.

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