The inclusion of historical sites into the UNESCO World Heritage List saves them from amateur restoration efforts. The opinion was voiced by the fine art expert, diplomat, and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Affairs Vladimir Schastny during the roundtable session held in BelTA's press center on 13 December to discuss UNESCO's role in preserving and promoting Belarus' national cultural legacy.
In his words, the inclusion of historical sites into UNESCO's World Heritage List discourages amateur restoration efforts. If Nesvizh Castle had not been included into the World Heritage List, a lot would have been lost, Vladimir Schastny was convinced.
According to the source, the inclusion of historical sites into the World Heritage List attracts attention to such sites primarily at the national level. Inclusion secured state financing and a high pace of restoration of Nesvizh Castle and Mir Castle, noted the expert.
The inclusion of historical sites into the World Heritage List is beneficial from the point of view of advertising. “I sometimes read what foreign tourists say about their tours of Mir and Nesvizh. The first thing they mention is the fact that the castles are in the World Heritage List. Everyone respects it,” added Vladimir Schastny.
Four sites in Belarus are included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Those are the Struve Geodetic Arc, the national park Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the Mir Castle complex, and the architectural and cultural complex of the former Radziwills residence in Nesvizh.