Deadline for nominations is January 15, 2007

The World Monuments Watch, launched in 1995, is the flagship advocacy program of the World Monuments Fund. Announced every two years, the World Monuments Watch® list of 100 Most Endangered Sites calls international attention to cultural heritage sites around the world that are threatened by neglect, vandalism, armed conflict, or natural disaster.

Through targeted grantmaking, technical assistance, and advocacy, WMF seeks to effect lasting change at the sites included on the list, and wherever possible to help to foster local and international constituencies that will provide for their protection in the long term.

The program was created through a partnership between World Monuments Fund and American Express, which contributed $10 million to the program for its first ten years.

World Monuments Fund is a New York-based non-profit organization with offces and affliates in France, Portugal, Spain, and the UK. WMF’s funding comes from private sources including individuals, foundations, corporations, and special events.

World Monuments Watch Selection
Sites are selected by an independent panel of experts from nominations submitted by governments, preservation professionals, site caretakers, NGOs, and others. Sites from all time periods—from ancient to modern—are eligible. All sites types are eligible. “Monuments” can be any of the following: archaeological sites; residential, civic, commercial, military, or religious architecture, including vernacular architecture, engineering or industrial works; cultural landscapes; historic city centers; and townscapes.

Objectives of Watch listing

• Alleviate urgent threats.
• Encourage the development of long-term plans for the protection of a site.
• Stimulate local interest and encourage cooperation of local communities and governments in preservation efforts.

In the first ten years of the program:

• 374 sites were included on five Watch lists (several sites were listed more than once)
• 185 sites in 72 countries received grants from WMF totaling $33 million.
• Funding for Watch sites through WMF leveraged at least $118 million from other sources.
• 75% of Watch sites have made substantive progress towards accomplishing the objectives of listing.

Deadline for nominations is January 15, 2007

For more information:

• Nomination forms >>
• Web site of World Monument Fund >>
• Contact
  email: [email protected]
  fax: +1 646 424 9593
  tél: +1 646 424 9594
  World Monuments Fund, 95 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 USA