On February 13, the United Nations Associated Press reported that Ukraine needs nearly $9 billion over the next 10 years to rebuild its cultural heritage and tourism industry following the Russian invasion and war, citing the United Nations Agency for Culture and Education (UNESCO). It was reported that it would be necessary.
UNESCO has identified a total of 341 cultural sites damaged by the Russian invasion and estimates that Ukraine’s cultural and tourism sector has lost more than $19 billion in revenue during the almost two-year-long war. Russian attacks caused damage across the country, including Kiev, Lviv, and Odessa. The total value of cultural heritage destroyed in Ukraine is estimated at approximately $3.5 billion.
UNESCO said the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage sites, including religious buildings and artifacts, could constitute a war crime.
Following a major attack by Russia, UNESCO destroyed the historic center of Odessa, the St. Sophia Cathedral and nearby monastic buildings, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in Kiev, and the clusters of the historic center of Lviv in 2015. It was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Summer 2023.
In September 2023, UNESCO added 20 Ukrainian cultural heritage sites to the Temporary Enhanced Protection List. Five more locations were added in December: Odessa, Chernihiv, Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblast.
Also read: Kiev City Council transfers land of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to national reserve
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine