- January 18, 2025
- 5:07 pm
- World News
Annual program World Monuments Fund (WMF)aimed at protecting monuments, included 25 unique objects in 2025.
“These cultural and historical sites face threats including climate change, destructive conflicts, natural disasters and uncontrolled tourism.”
The list included, among others, Jewish heritage of the city of Debdu (Morocco), Teacher's house (Kyiv, Ukraine), Moon (Earth satellite), Historical buildings of Gaza (Palestine)…
The 2025 program includes sites from 29 countries on five continents, including the Moon, the first object located beyond Earth
World Monuments Fund (WMF) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage around the world. Founded in 1965, WMF implements projects to restore, document and protect monuments at risk of destruction, raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage for a sustainable future.
25 unique heritage sites of 2025: detailed description
Program World Monuments Watch 2025 includes 25 unique threatened sites from around the world. These monuments are not only part of the historical heritage, but also a connecting link between peoples.
1. Jewish Heritage of Debdou, Morocco
The city of Debdou, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, is known as the “Jewish capital of Morocco.” Jewish quarters, synagogues and cemeteries have been preserved here, reflecting the centuries-old history of peaceful coexistence between Jews and Muslims. However, these sites are at risk due to time and lack of proper security. Documentation and restoration of these sites are key steps to preserve this heritage.
2. Teacher's House, Kyiv, Ukraine
This historic building in Kyiv has become a symbol of independent Ukraine, as it housed the country's legislative body in 1917–1918. Damaged by a missile attack in 2022, the building is in urgent need of restoration. It serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of war and the importance of preserving cultural heritage even in times of conflict.
3. Moon
For the first time in history, a site outside of Earth was included in the heritage list. The Moon contains approximately 90 sites associated with early space missions, including landing sites and artifacts left behind. The development of private space exploration threatens these historical sites that are symbols of human achievement. International cooperation is necessary to protect them.
4. Historical buildings of Gaza, Palestine
Gaza City, with its mosques, churches and traditional markets, is an integral part of the region's culture. Conflicts in recent decades have led to the destruction of many historic buildings, disrupting residents' connection to their cultural heritage. Restoring these monuments is important for maintaining the identity of local communities.
5. Barotsa floodplain, Zambia
This unique landscape, associated with the seasonal floods of the Zambezi River, represents the living heritage of the Lozi people. However, climate change threatens the region's traditions and ecosystem.
6. Belfast Assembly Halls, Northern Ireland, UK
Built in 1769, the halls are one of Belfast's oldest public buildings. Today they are in need of restoration, and local activists are proposing to turn them into a museum dedicated to the history of the region and its cultural conflicts.
7. Bhuj Historic Water System, India
The ancient tanks and wells of Bhuj have provided water to its inhabitants for centuries. Today these engineering structures are abandoned, but their restoration can help solve modern problems with water shortages.
8. Buddhist grottoes Maijishan and Yungang, China
These ancient cave temples, carved into the rocks, suffer from mass tourism. Innovative approaches to visitor management are needed to preserve them.
9. Sorbonne Chapel, Paris, France
This architectural masterpiece of Paris's Latin Quarter is closed to the public due to numerous conservation problems. Restoration of the chapel is necessary for its re-opening.
10. Chief Ogiamien's House, Nigeria
The thousand-year-old adobe structure symbolizes traditional Nigerian construction methods. However, the loss of skills to repair it threatens the preservation of this unique heritage.
11. Cinema “Studio Namibe”, Angola
This modernist cinema remained unfinished and is in disrepair. The efforts of the local community can breathe new life into it.
12. Erdene-Zuu Monastery, Mongolia
This Buddhist monastery has survived an era of anti-religious repression, but is suffering from climate change. Its restoration could become an example of successful heritage protection.
13. Capac-Nyan, Andean Road
This road, stretching across six countries in South America, is a unique engineering achievement of the pre-Columbian era. However, infrastructure development and natural hazards put it at risk.
14. Ruins of old Belchite, Spain
The remains of a village destroyed during the civil war are a symbol of memory and reconciliation. Their conservation is necessary to preserve historical truth.
15. Objects of the Swahili coast, Africa
These sites reflect centuries of cultural exchange between Africa, Europe and the Arabian Peninsula. However, coastal erosion and natural disasters threaten these monuments.
16. Sculptures of the Alcobaça Monastery, Portugal
Baroque terracotta sculptures suffer from the effects of time and the environment. Training new artists can save this art form.
17. Historic Trade Trail, USA
This ancient trail served as a connection between indigenous peoples and their territories. Its preservation strengthens the cultural roots of local communities.
18. Water reservoirs of the medina of Tunisia
The ancient water supply system could play a key role in the fight against droughts if restored.
19. Waru-Waru agricultural system, Peru
This ancient farming method promotes resilience to climate change by helping local communities adapt.
20. Historic Lighthouses of Maine, USA
Lighthouses along the Maine coast are an integral part of U.S. maritime history. These buildings have served as navigational landmarks for centuries, but they now face threats from climate change, such as rising sea levels and erosion. Preserving these lighthouses can not only save architectural monuments, but also become an example of how coastal regions can adapt to new climate challenges.
21. Noto Peninsula, Japan
Historic buildings on the Noto Peninsula in Japan were damaged by earthquakes in January 2024. These houses, built taking into account local traditions, represent an important cultural layer of the region. Their restoration can not only preserve historical heritage, but also contribute to the economic and social revival of the region, strengthening the local community.
22. Ruins of old Belchite, Spain
Belchite, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, remains a symbol of tragedy and the lessons of the past. Destroyed houses and churches serve as reminders of the brutality of war. The preservation of ruins is important to maintain historical memory and create a space for reflection on national history.
23. Swahili Coast Heritage (Comoros, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania)
The coasts of East Africa provide unique evidence of the cultural exchange between Africa, Arabia and Europe that has continued for centuries. The ruins of trading cities, mosques and forts are under threat from rising sea levels, storms and erosion. Preserving this heritage is important not only for the history of the region, but also for strengthening the local communities that maintain cultural traditions.
24. Water reservoirs of the medina of Tunis, Tunisia
Water reservoirs built centuries ago are a shining example of the engineering genius of the past. These systems provided the inhabitants of the Tunisian medina with water even during periods of severe drought. However, modern plumbing systems have replaced these reservoirs, and many are abandoned. Their restoration could not only preserve an important historical element, but also help combat droughts that are increasingly threatening the region.
25. Agrosystem Varu-Varu, Peru
The ancient Waru Waru farming methods used along the shores of Lake Titicaca ensured efficient use of water and protection from flooding. These technologies could be a viable solution for local communities facing the effects of climate change, such as droughts and soil erosion. Restoring this system will not only preserve cultural heritage, but also support food security.
Why is the preservation of cultural heritage so important?
Each of the 25 2025 objects represents a unique contribution to human history. From Buddhist grottoes in China to Jewish sites in Morocco, these places not only tell the stories of the past, but also inspire us to unite.
For the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, the memory of such places is especially important, as it helps preserve national identity and unites through awareness of common values.
These monuments emphasize the importance of caring for cultural heritage for all peoples. Projects like these help strengthen international cooperation by creating a platform for knowledge exchange and joint action.
Read more about the importance of cultural heritage conservation on the website NAnews – Israel News.
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