The megaliths of Carnac and the banks of Morbihan have just been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Behind this international recognition, many benefits propel the sites and regions registered. Challenges and responsibilities are also added to this labeling. But then what is the use of UNESCO World Heritage Site in?
Development of the Breton site
THE Carnac megaliths and Morbihan shores were registered on July 12 by UNESCO World Heritage. This site has the famous Alignments of Menhirs present in Carnac. It is a real consecration for Brittany which therefore joins the 53 other classified French sites. Some have seen tourism develop strongly thanks to this recognition, especially in regions where it was still little present.
“” We hope to attract even more people “Declares Marie Lavandier, president of the national monuments center and in charge of the site of the alignments of Carnac. She says she is ready to welcome visitors in the best possible conditions, in particular via a ” gentle traffic ». This new organization allows you to follow the site and see it from the outside. “” Heritage is made to be seen and shared “, Pleads the president. The site freshly registered with UNESCO already attracts nearly 300,000 visitors per year.
Site protection
Beware, however, to surcourism. The registration aims above all to protect the classified sites. The primary objective of UNESCO is to guarantee the long -term conservation of places deemed exceptional for humanity. This implies rigorous monitoring, regular studies and a development respectful of heritage. For them Carnac megalithsthis means in particular limit intrusive arrangements and supervise the flow of visitors to avoid deterioration of the site.
But this new visibility, often synonymous with increased attendance, can quickly jeopardize the fragile balance of sites. The challenge is therefore to reconcile tourist influx and preservation of heritage, an increasingly complex issue at the time of mass tourism.
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Too demanding specifications?
Despite this desire for protection, the funds allocated by UNESCO remain very low. Registration does not automatically lead to international funding. In reality, classified sites are often forced to find the means necessary for their conservation, via local subsidies, public-private partnerships or ticket office.
In addition, registration is accompanied by a very strict specifications. Any intervention on the site, even minimal, must be validated. This can slow down certain projects or frustrate local players. “” It is an honor, but also a heavy responsibility », Recognize several managers of classified sites. The UNESCO label therefore involves as much visibility as requirements, and requires a solid organization and adapted resources.
