World Heritage sites open in 69% countries: UNESCO

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic massively impacted the economy of a country, crushing the health and tourism sector of a nation. People became hostages in their own homes as the countries went down under lockdown. United Nations' - UNESCO agency noted that as the situation is getting back on track, around 69% of countries have fully opened their World Heritage sites.

The COVID-19 outbreak is still impacting the World Heritage Sites as amid the arrival of new variants of the viral disease, many governments have taken measures to limit people's movements and entry to specific areas.

UNICEF noted that the World Heritage Convention had been endorsed by 193 States Parties. Only 167 countries across the globe have named their properties on the UNESCO's World Heritage list.

The list of UNESCO includes 1,154 naturals, cultural as well as diverse World Heritage sites.

https://twitter.com/UNESCO/status/1495292147301498884

These heritage sites include historic site museums, visitor centres, religious and emblematic buildings. Several countries have still closed the entrance to the sites; on the other hand, many nations such as China are among those who have re-opened their sites under particular COVID-19 containment measures.

The closed sites in different countries are still monitored by the site management, especially for the natural world heritage sites. These locations also include anti-poaching units, which are being monitored by satellite images or drones and emergency interventions, for instance, in case of fires.

The statics shared by UNESCO in its report highlight that around 19% of world heritage sites worldwide are partially operational. Twenty-two nations are the ones who have completely closed their heritage sites amid the challenging times of the COVID-19 virus, with the aim to reduce the transmission chances of contracting the viral disease.

Around thirty (30) countries are the ones that have partially closed their heritage sites, whereas the history enriched destinations of 116 countries are open for the world's population to visit but under stringent protocols, ensuring the safety of individuals.