A meeting of the Odesa branch of ICOMOS was held at the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance, dedicated to the protection of Odesa’s historic center—an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants discussed strategies to preserve the city’s cultural landmarks and develop an effective plan for their protection.
This meeting followed the official visit of a joint mission from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS, which took place in Odesa from February 11 to 14. The monitoring mission was initially scheduled for 2023 but had to be postponed due to intensified shelling. The primary purpose of the visit was to assess the condition of Odesa’s historic center, review the implementation of recommendations from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and determine the next steps for safeguarding this site from all forms of threats.
Odesa’s historic center is a true treasure, blending European architectural styles, national traditions, and a multicultural atmosphere. However, since the beginning of the full-scale war, the city has suffered significant damage: the UNESCO-listed area and its buffer zone have endured nearly ten major attacks. As a result, approximately 170 cultural heritage landmarks have sustained varying degrees of damage. The inclusion of Odesa on the UNESCO list was a crucial step, but the status alone cannot fully protect the city from destruction—real action is needed.
“Preserving Odesa’s cultural heritage is our responsibility. The city has suffered serious destruction, but with international support, we have a chance to save its unique landmarks. The Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance is actively working to attract resources and expertise for the restoration of damaged sites. Only through the joint efforts of all stakeholders—from local authorities to international organizations—can we achieve the best results and safeguard Odesa for future generations,” said Yuriy Maslov, Head of the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance.
Odesa belongs not only to us but to the entire world. Its historic center is a shared heritage, and its preservation is not only Ukraine’s responsibility but also that of the international community. Now, more than ever, it is essential to unite all efforts to stop the destruction and protect cultural heritage for those who will come after us.
