The Rhine River

Near every monument you see the Golden Arches

Punic colony Tipasa in Algeria (UNESCO)

UNESCO, the international fund that looks after important patrimony, is being depleted. The fund was intended to support the efforts of nations to preserve their heritage. However, more nations (especially in the Third World) approach UNESCO as the sole source of funding for preservation of heritage. This has been especially true when emergencies endanger patrimony. More and more sites have been added to UNESCO's list that have no government support.

UNESCO's budget is only $2 million per year, far less than what is necessary to be the sole overseers of monuments and buildings. Need has pushed the organization into uneasy partnerships with private sources. However, the number of willing donors are few, and the money that is available for outright generosity is limited.

posted by Nathanael @ 8:53 AM