Dresden has not yet been removed from UNESCO's list

Québec (Canada) - The Elbe riverbank in Dresden will remain on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list for now. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) made this decision at its annual meeting in Québec, Canada. Dresden found itself in jeopardy because the city proposed building a bridge in the protected area of the Elbe riverbank. However, UNESCO disapproves of this intention and has placed the Saxon metropolis on the list of endangered sites.
    UNESCO repeatedly recommends that instead of the planned bridge over the Elbe, a tunnel should be constructed in Dresden. If the city government does not opt for this more environmentally friendly option, the organization will definitively remove Dresden from its list next year.
    Brigitte Ringbeck, a representative of the German delegation at the UNESCO meeting, told the DPA agency that Germany now has its last chance. "If construction continues now, the title will be lost."
    According to the Dresden city hall, the bridge over the Elbe near the Hunting Lodge is necessary to alleviate traffic congestion in the historic center. UNESCO criticizes the planned bridge for disrupting the character of the riverbank and proposes a tunnel option instead. However, the city previously rejected this, claiming it is unsuitable for the area.
    During its Canadian meeting, which will last until July 10, UNESCO will also discuss the fate of another 29 endangered sites. It will also decide whether any of the 47 sites currently seeking to join its list will be added. Among the candidates is one Czech site and two Slovak sites - Luhačovice in the Czech Republic, which is vying for entry with its collection of buildings designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, and the wooden churches in eastern Slovakia and the fortress in Komárno.