Paris/Kyiv, Feb 15: A recent assessment by UNESCO reveals the profound impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on the nation’s culture and tourism industries.
The estimated damage to these sectors now stands at a staggering $3.5 billion, with an additional $9 billion required over the next decade for recovery efforts.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, disclosed the findings, marking the third assessment since the conflict began in February 2022. Collaborating with the World Bank, the Ukrainian government, the European Commission, and the United Nations, UNESCO’s report encompasses 4,779 cultural and tourist assets reported as damaged.
This includes heritage sites, artworks, cultural industries, and tourism facilities.
The Kharkiv region bears the brunt of the devastation, accounting for nearly a quarter of the reported damage, followed by Donetsk and Odesa regions. Since February 2022, lost revenues in the culture and tourism sectors have amounted to $19.6 billion, with Kyiv alone experiencing a loss of $10.6 billion due to dwindling tourist numbers and economic slowdown.
In response to the crisis, UNESCO has mobilized over $66 million from Member States and the private sector to address immediate needs. Japan stands out as a significant contributor, providing nearly $26 million to support UNESCO’s efforts in Ukraine. These funds have facilitated various short- and medium-term actions in culture, heritage, education, and media, including the establishment of a liaison office in Kyiv.
UNESCO’s initiatives focus on preventing further damage, facilitating reconstruction, and supporting cultural life. Efforts include supplying emergency equipment, training cultural professionals, preserving cultural heritage, and funding artistic projects. Notably, a UNESCO cultural center is set to open in Lviv in mid-2024, funded by Spain, to bolster Ukraine’s artistic and cultural community.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with the repercussions of conflict, UNESCO remains committed to safeguarding its rich cultural heritage and revitalizing its tourism industry.
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