Observed on April 18th every year since the early 1980s, International Day for Monuments and Sites is a special day designed to remind the public about the importance of various sites and monuments, both historically and culturally, and to raise awareness about how these sites are vulnerable to damage or destruction.

One of the biggest threats facing these historical and cultural sites is climate change. A change in the world’s weather systems has resulted in cultural sites becoming increasingly threatened by storms, wildfires, and floods.

It is for this reason that this day is more important now than it has ever been in the past. If we do not take action to save the world’s history, then these treasures may disappear before future generations can enjoy them.

The History of International Day for Monuments and Sites

On April 18, 1982, this holiday was first proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). They presented this proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Assembly, and in 1983 it was made an official international holiday.

World Heritage Sites That Are in Danger

Below are some World Heritage sites that are currently in danger. However, it should be noted that the following list is not comprehensive and does not list all of the sites and monuments that are currently in danger. With that being said, the following sites are the ones in the most danger.

• Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan.
• Ancient Cities of Aleppo, Damascus, Bosra in Syria.
• Abu Mena in Egypt.
• Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Observing International Day for Monuments and Sites

One of the best things that people can do on this day is to learn more about endangered historical and cultural sites and advocate on behalf of one or more of them. All across the world, there are conferences and workshops that people can attend to learn more, or they can participate in one of the symposiums that are held on the Internet.

This is also a good day for schools to arrange field trips for their students to monuments or heritage sites. And, people can also spread the word about this day using the hashtag #InternationalDayforMonumentsAndSites on social media.