Ribeira Sacra hosts 10th Heritage Forum amid UNESCO World Heritage bid

The X Forum Territorios Patrimonio took place on 23 July in La Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, gathering administrations, researchers, businesses and cultural professionals to discuss the future of rural heritage, sustainable tourism and the local wine sector. The programme included conferences, a visit to the Belesar reservoir and a tour of a regional winery, highlighting how the territory can balance conservation with economic development.

At the same time, the region is awaiting the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s decision at the end of July on its nomination. Advocates stress the area’s unique cultural and natural values and warn that mass tourism could threaten its fragile balance, while emphasizing the need for local community involvement in any future protection measures.