Amid war threats from Russia, the ancient Ukrainian port city, Odessa received the prestigious World Heritage Tag from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( UNESCO). Odessa, lying on the beaches of the Black Sea, is often referred to as the ‘pearl of the Black Sea’. On January 25, 2023, UNESCO gave the World Heritage Tag to the location to shield it from further defacement.
Odessa, The Historic Port City Of Ukraine
Since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine war, Odessa has suffered much damage. UNESCO has assisted in repairing Odessa museums, like the museum of modern art and the museum of fine art. It received the UNESCO status at a recent panel meeting of the agency held in Paris. Six members were in favour of the decision, one member was against it. 14 members were neutral. The Director General of UNESCO said that its the joint decision of the agency to protect the heritage city from more destruction.
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Ukrainian President Lauds The Decision
Odessa has a powerful influence on arts and literature. Owning to its artistic significance, it bagged the tag from UNESCO. The city has also been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who had asked for the listing in October 2022, has praised the decision. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, efforts have been made by the country’s people to protect heritage buildings and monuments. Odessa has a spectacular cityscape with palatial buildings and mighty statues. It is home to several museums and educational centres. Films like Battle for Sevastopol, Transporter 3, The Legend of 1900 and Battleship Potemkin have also been filmed in the city.
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