The Ministry of Culture submitted again the file of the Reserve “Orheiul Vechi” for having it included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the second attempt as the conception proposed by the authorities in 2008 was rejected, IPN reports.

Minister of Culture Monica Babuc explained that last time Moldova asked including the reserve on the UNESCO list as natural and cultural heritage, but one of the organizations controlled by UNESCO decided that Orheiul Vechi does not meet the requirements concerning a natural scenery, but perfectly fits the characteristics of a cultural site, with archeological vestiges and a monastery built in a rock.

“Our file and the actions taken by our state must be adjusted to the requirements imposed by the international organizations, first of all UNESCO. But we must also deal with the conservation of the existent heritage. Our application was accepted, but we were issued with a series of additional requirements that we must meet for this file to be approved,” said the minister.

Director general of the Agency for Monument Inspection and Restoration Ion Stefanita said the Reserve “Orheiul Vechi” has chances of being included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, but there are a number of problems that need to be solved.  “Until the commission of UNESCO experts comes, the illegal constructions and quarries from that area should be demolished and stopped up,” he stated.

Secretary general of the National Commission of the Republic of Moldova for UNESCO Constantin Rusnac said the attempt to have the Reserve “Orheiul Vechi” included on the UNESCO list is an old one, but if it’s ultimately successful, this would be a great accomplishment for Moldova as the country will be visited by a larger number of tourists and the foreign assistance will be more significant, but Moldova’s responsibility for conserving this reserve will also increase.