Ukrainian photojournalists document damage to the culture sector

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), has trained local Ukrainian photojournalists to document damages to cultural sites. 65 journalists have produced reporting highlighting the immense loss of Ukraine’s heritage, but at the same time the resilience of the country’s cultural sector.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022, Ukraine's cultural landscape has suffered greatly, with 400 cultural sites verified as damaged by UNESCO (as of 5 June 2024). The destruction of the Ukrainian cultural sector is tragic, not only due to its historical significance and value, but also because of its central role in fostering identity, belonging and unity within Ukraine.
However, documenting damage to Ukrainian cultural heritage is made challenging by the significant risks journalists face in reporting from an active conflict zone. According to UNESCO’s Observatory of Killed Journalists, fourteen journalists have been killed in the line of work since the onset of the war, with many more injured. Additionally, the media sector is facing severe economic challenges, including due to the collapse of advertising revenues.
Recognizing the pivotal role of journalism and the importance of supporting it, UNESCO trained 65 photojournalists, among them 34 men and 31 women, from across Ukraine in safety procedures, photographic skills and understanding UNESCO’s cultural mandate.
  The material produced by the photojournalists covers over 67 damaged cultural sites including religious sites, museums and libraries from more than 10 regions. The photojournalists also produced 10 stories showcasing the diversity and resilience of the sector.
The project, which is part of UNESCO's ongoing efforts in Ukraine to support the cultural and media sector, was funded by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund.