Conservationists to propose Kazhuveli watershed region in T.N. for nomination to World Monuments Fund Watch 2025

• The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli watershed region in Villupuram district that comprises an incredible network of tanks created thousands of years ago is to be proposed for nomination to the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme.

Key Highlights

• The World Monuments Fund (WMF) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world's most valuable historical and cultural sites.
• Their mission is to not only preserve these places but also use them to foster understanding and appreciation between cultures.
• Since 1965, they've applied the highest international standards to conserve over 700 historical sites across 112 countries.
• WMF goes beyond just saving buildings; they tackle current issues through heritage preservation.
• This includes challenges like climate change, ensuring all cultures are represented in conservation efforts, managing tourism's impact, and helping communities recover from crises.
• Their headquarters are in New York City.
• WMF India, established in 2015, is part of a global network.
• This aligns with India's policy of including heritage conservation in corporate social responsibility programs.
• One of WMF's key initiatives is the World Monuments Watch.
• Every two years, the Watch highlights 25 critical locations, raising awareness and support for these places and the communities that care for them.
• The Watch aims to empower local efforts and improve the lives of people connected to these historical sites.
• The 2025 Watch will focus on 25 such locations, each with a unique story of local importance with global significance.

Prelims Takeaway

• World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme.