Spring 2016
Venice Lagoon: THE Most Endangered Site in Europe
Europa Nostra, through the voice of its President, Maestro Plácido Domingo, has urged the international community and the authorities at all levels to join forces to save the Venice Lagoon which is seriously endangered by climate change and by various forms of unsuitable (tourism) development. Plácido Domingo made this appeal in a video message (Italian and English) broadcast at a public event held on 16 March in Venice by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute. Watch video
The Venice Lagoon was nominated for inclusion on the 2016 List of 7 Most endangered by Italia Nostra. Given the paramount importance of this heritage landmark to Europe and the world, as well as the complexity and magnitude of the threats and challenges posed, Europa Nostra and the EIB Institute – following a firm recommendation from an international advisory panel of experts – decided that the Venice Lagoon should be declared as THE most endangered heritage site in Europe. Europa Nostra therefore recommends that the World Heritage Committee places Venice and its Lagoon on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The public announcement received extensive media coverage in Italy and across Europe.