Intramuros is one of the twenty endangered cultural sites in the world according to a report “Saving Our Vanishing Heritage: Safeguarding our Cultural Heritage Sites in the Developing World” by Global Heritage Fund (GHF). It details the state of conservation for the planet’s most significant sites over the past decade (2000-2009) and the $100 billion opportunity these sites are for developing nations. Two hundred (200) out of five hundred (500) surveyed major archaeological and heritage sites in developing countries are identified as “At Risk” or “Under Threat,” and 20 are “On the Verge” of irreparable loss and destruction.“Global heritage sites are mankind’s history – a link to the past, our common humanity and the basis for scientific and aesthetic inquiry – but they’re also sources of national identify and important economic assets for sustainable development,” said Dr. Ian Hodder, professor of Cultural and Social Anthropology at Stanford University. A developing country such as the Philippines is where GHF focuses its funding and conservation efforts because of the scarce human and technical resources to protect its historical treasures, and for the economic promise global heritage sites have as community-based, responsibly managed tourist destinations. The world of heritage preservation is said to be slowed by bureaucracy and corruption, etc.
Key findings of the report include: Heritage sites in 180 developing countries are expected to generate over $100 billion a year by 2020, Tourism to heritage sites in many developing countries now generates more foreign revenue than any other industry, Current funding for heritage conservation from major foundations and corporations is a fraction of what is needed to solve the crisis facing the developing world and Through targeted philanthropic, government and business investments, Create a multi-billion dollar fund to assist the poorest, Most vulnerable countries with the most endangered and significant sites.
Twenty-five leading experts in heritage conservation and international development from universities, preservation groups, international development agencies and the private sector comprise the team who made this report happen. No other site in the country holds as much national historical interest as Intramuros. Fort Santiago, is also in the list. This report was released November of 2010 but this kind of story SHOULD BE SHARED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, to be read by every Filipinos and who knows be read soon by a few of our highest government officials and change their minds who are far, very far from heritage.
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