Sachsen-Anhalt adopts new UNESCO World Heritage strategy

The cabinet of Sachsen-Anhalt has approved a new cultural heritage strategy for 2026–2031. This plan builds upon previous efforts to leverage the region's high density of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Bauhaus Dessau, the Luther sites in Wittenberg and Eisleben, and the historic town of Quedlinburg.

The new strategy focuses on climate adaptation, the security of cultural assets, intangible heritage, and industrial culture. Key objectives include improving international tourism, coordinating new UNESCO applications, and utilizing digital tools like 3D scanning and GIS monitoring for monument protection.

Concurrently, cultural policy has become a central issue in the regional political landscape. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has integrated cultural debate into its campaign, with spokesperson Hans-Thomas Tillschneider proposing that state funding should only support 'patriotic' art and criticizing modern architectural landmarks like the Bauhaus.