“No Greek natural monument has been inscribed on the World Heritage List to date, despite the existence of special environmental treasures in our country,” Court of Audit in its overview of “the management framework and funding regime for World Heritage Sites of UNESCO in Greece“.

As it states, “the review aims to identify weaknesses and shortcomings in the management system of the Greek Cultural Heritage Monuments in order to contribute to its more effective organization and operation for the exploitation of the cultural heritage of the country.“

The Court of Audit does not fail to point out the major gaps and paradoxes it found, such as the fact that many bodies, at the level of regions and municipalities, prepare nomination files for the inclusion of monuments in the cultural heritage list, without, however, informing the Ministry of Culture, which is the state body responsible for these issues.

The eight findings

Specifically, the Court made eight findings, which are:

1. The implementation of the UNESCO scientific standards is essential to preserve the Outstanding Universal Value of the monuments. Their extension to other cultural sites would be beneficial.

2. No Greek natural monument has been included in the World Heritage List to date, despite the existence of special environmental treasures in our country.

3. Only three of the nineteen Greek Cultural Heritage Sites have an approved Management Plan, which prevents their effective protection and management.

4. The lack of a central body to supervise, plan, finance and implement projects and infrastructure creates overlapping responsibilities.

5. Many institutions (Regions, Municipalities) prepare nomination files for the inclusion of monuments in the cultural heritage list, without prior notification of the relevant Ministry of Culture.

6. For the preservation, promotion and promotion of monuments, it is absolutely necessary to ascertain the correct use of the revenues from archaeological sites in Greece.

7. The lack of documented procedures and monitoring mechanisms negatively affects the operation of the competent services.