Sanaa, Yemen - April 26, 2024

Storyline:
Years of conflict have taken a toll on the ancient city of Sanaa in Yemen, with neglect and war-induced degradation threatening its esteemed World Heritage status. As the decade-long war persists, local historians and authorities voice concern over the lack of support for the restoration efforts urgently needed to safeguard this cultural treasure.

The ancient city of Sanaa in Yemen, boasting a history spanning over 2,500 years, stands as an architectural marvel, characterized by its unique mud homes and ancient legacy. Renowned globally for its rich cultural heritage, distinct architecture, and magnificent mosques, Sanaa's old city faces significant challenges jeopardizing its historical significance.

With its high towers, elegant arches, and traditional mud brick and limestone constructions, this UNESCO World Heritage site embodies the essence of Yemeni civilization.

Nearly a decade of war in Yemen has inflicted severe damage upon the historic city of Sanaa, with airstrikes and heavy rains taking their toll. Numerous old homes have sustained damage, putting their World Heritage status at risk. Currently, around 6,000 homes in the city are under threat of further harm.

The Historic Cities Preservation Authority in Sanaa has lamented the inadequate financial support from both the government and the international community, which is impeding maintenance and restoration efforts.

The General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities is actively working to repair houses damaged by both war and natural disasters in the old city of Sanaa.

However, they emphasize that their efforts are hampered by limited resources and stress the need for assistance from relevant authorities to safeguard its heritage and uphold its position on the World Heritage List.

Shotlist:
Sanaa, Yemen - April 26, 2024:
1. Aerial shot of cityscape;
2. Various of buildings;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hafez Al-Araj, historian (starting with shot 2):
"The city of Sanaa is distinguished by its beautiful ancient streets, the scent of history emanating from its alleys, its mosques and the beautiful, magnificent markets, as well as the decorated ancient buildings and the wonderful traditional Yemeni architecture that stands out for its unique design unparalleled anywhere else on earth."
4. Various of damaged buildings;
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rashad Al-Muqattari, deputy head, General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities:
"This historic city has been subjected to many natural disasters, or human actions such as wars, like the ongoing war in Yemen since 2015. The city has been subjected to numerous airstrikes within the areas of Al-Qasim and Al-Falih, resulting in damage to some buildings, the collapse of others, and effects in other neighborhoods. The current levels of rainfall and climate change have also greatly affected the city, and there's a degree of neglect and a lack of maintenance by citizens in terms of regularly looking after their homes. This has led to the further deterioration of the condition of the buildings."
6. Buildings;
7. Various of workers repairing buildings.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]