UNESCO Representative to China: China Proves that World Heritage Protection can complement Tourism Development | World Heritage | China
On August 7, Xia Zehan, representative of the UNESCO Representative Office in China, wrote on the China Daily website that as of July 2023, there are a total of 1157 World Heritage sites in the world, distributed in 167 countries, and many of them have become tourist destinations. China has a long history and rich cultural heritage, making it a UNESCO World Heritage treasure trove.
World Heritage and Tourism complement each other
The article points out that World Heritage sites are highly recognized for their outstanding value to all humanity, as they can create employment, increase income, and promote sustainable development of the tourism industry. World Heritage and tourism complement each other. World Heritage is a major tourist attraction, and the tourism industry can showcase World Heritage to the public and enhance awareness of its importance, thereby achieving economic benefits.
In a constantly growing world, there has been a significant increase in international and domestic tourism, which has brought both opportunities and challenges to World Heritage sites and their surrounding communities.
Promoting the development of the tourism industry, increasing tourist participation, and increasing cultural exchange are of great benefit to World Heritage sites, helping to promote related protection and research, promote infrastructure construction, enhance local community well-being, and raise global awareness of their importance. However, as recognition and recognition continue to increase, World Heritage sites also face a series of threats, including excessive tourism, pollution, damage to heritage integrity and authenticity, and illegal trade in cultural relics.
If not properly managed and sustainable measures are taken, the threat posed by the rapidly developing tourism industry may cause irreversible damage to the unique value of these heritage sites. It is evident that only by promoting sustainable development in the tourism industry can a balance be achieved between accessibility and heritage preservation.
The sustainable development of the tourism industry seeks to build harmonious relationships among tourists, the environment, and local communities, which can alleviate the negative impacts of traditional tourism and is crucial for world heritage sites. To ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry and the proper management of tourist flow, attraction managers must cooperate effectively with all relevant public institutions.
UNESCO plays an important role
The article further states that UNESCO's World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism project has launched a new approach centered on dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, aiming to combine tourism planning and World Heritage management, while promoting tourism development and protecting natural and cultural resources.
The World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism project has created an international cooperation framework, promoting coordinated actions among various departments to protect heritage and promote sustainable economic development. This is crucial for protecting the integrity of these unique natural and cultural sites, which represent our past and present our journey to the present, belonging to all of us.
China has a long history and rich cultural heritage, making it a UNESCO World Heritage treasure trove. From the Great Wall to Mount Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, from Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Valley in Sichuan Province to Mogao Grottoes in Gansu Province, these sites not only have great historical, cultural and natural significance, but also attract millions of tourists from all over the world.
Many of China's world heritage sites are located in fragile ecosystems and are susceptible to environmental impacts. UNESCO collaborates with Gansu Province and the World Bank to strengthen the capacity and skills building of local institutions in cultural heritage and creativity, promote the development of local creative economy, and build resilient, inclusive, and highly dynamic cities.
In summary, World Heritage is a common heritage of humanity, serving as a link that sustains the past, present, and future. Protecting natural and cultural heritage is not only about preserving our shared heritage from the past, but also helps to build a more sustainable future.
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