ABSTRACT
Since the inception of heritage, it has faced a multitude of threats. Heritage conservation arose to safeguard sites damaged or endangered by natural and human factors. However, globalised modernisation intensifies pressures on important sites, expanding heritage's scope. Threats now encompass urbanisation, industrial growth, tourism, pollution, improper use, deliberate destruction, conflict, and natural disasters. As heritage conservation requires resources, wealthier countries often better preserve their sites, though resourceful communities protect their heritage despite financial limitations. Global efforts like the World Heritage Convention's “In Danger List“ aim to address threats, but the political implications of listing hinder its effectiveness. Initiatives such as World Monuments Watch and Europa Nostra's “Seven Most Endangered Sites“ highlight threats, while IUCN's World Heritage Outlook monitors natural sites. UNESCO, WWF, and NGOs have pushed for commitments to avoid extractive activities at heritage sites. Yet, the escalating frequency of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, poses severe risks to both cultural and natural heritage. International cooperation, awareness campaigns, and disaster risk reduction frameworks like the Sendai Framework aim to mitigate threats. As threats evolve, robust strategies must be developed to safeguard the world's diverse and precious heritage.
