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This book provides the story behind over 100 of the most threatened UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The preservation of sites of natural and cultural significance has been taking place since 1972 with 830 sites now preserved. Although this offers some level of protection, it does not make them safe.
Disappearing World presents the issues facing conservation of unique places around the world in a highly illustrated and accessible way. From the earthquake ruins of Bam in Iran to the impact of war on the sites in Congo. The devastation caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the increasing pressure from construction work in areas such as Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany and Kathmandhu Valley in Nepal are highlighted. A detailed picture of each site is given with text, timelines, maps and inspiring images.
One of the aims of creating UNESCO World Heritage Sites is to protect sites from ending up as just entries in history books. Despite all the risks to the sites there are still many success stories. A selection of these will be presented including the reconstruction of Abu Simbel in Egypt and Cambodia's celebrated temples and palaces at Angkor where illicit excavation, pillaging and landmines were the main threats.
