Future of arts and women’s rights remain uncertain despite government backing of cultural heritage projects

The Taliban say they are dedicated to preserving Afghanistan’s cultural sites, but struggle to gain much needed international support

Conservation projects that have been paused due to sanctions on the new government may restart after Unesco intervention

Unesco warns of risks of construction works in the archaeological zone where the Bamiyan Buddha statues were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001

Leaders of the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan says it favours the conservation of the tangible heritage—including pre-Islamic monuments—but economic sanctions are getting in the way

Since August 2021, illegal excavations and rapid development have destroyed much of the landscape surrounding the at-risk Buddhist heritage site

Evidence of encroaching development, looting and a new coal depot near the site poses major threats to its status—and its future

An increase in illegal development and excavations is damaging the structural integrity of the World Heritage Site that has stood for more than 1,000 years

Plus, artist Bill Fontana records Notre Dame's bells