Oh Look Giorgia how I have destroyed Belgrade! Oh yes Aleksandar! Great job for the few rich people visiting Belgrade. In Rome, we are still preserving the city’s historical character.

The dialogue (I guess they had) between “Giorgia” and “Aleksandar” highlights a real-world tension surrounding urban development projects, specifically the Belgrade Waterfront project, and the contrasting approach to historic preservation often associated with cities like Rome.

Belgrade Waterfront and its impact

The Belgrade Waterfront, a massive mega-project involving private Saudi Arabian investment company Eagle Hills, aims to modernize the city with luxury residences, offices, and commercial spaces along the Sava River.

• Criticisms: The project has been plagued by controversy since its inception, with critics highlighting a lack of transparency, disregard for legal procedures, and a perceived negative impact on Belgrade’s urban landscape and the interests of its residents.
• Concerns: These concerns include:
  • Lack of public consultation and exclusion of citizens in decision-making processes.
  • Potential for gentrification and displacement of local residents due to rising property prices.
  • Alteration of the historic character of the city, with traditional neighborhoods and sites being replaced by modern development.
  • Strain on existing infrastructure, leading to issues like traffic congestion and pollution.
  • Suspicions of corruption and misuse of public resources.

Rome‘s approach to historic preservation

In contrast, Rome is often cited as a city that prioritizes preserving its historical character and cultural heritage.

• Focus: Rome has a strong emphasis on maintaining and protecting its numerous historical sites, monuments, and traditional neighborhoods.
• Challenges: However, even Rome faces challenges related to tourism and its impact on the city and its residents. Overtourism leads to overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and can alter the authenticity of local cultures.
• Concerns: Concerns include:
  • The high cost of living and housing due to tourism demand, making it difficult for residents to afford to live in the city.
  • Disruption of local culture and transformation of traditional neighborhoods into tourist hotspots.

Rome navigates the challenges of managing a massive tourism industry while striving to maintain its historical character and address the impact on local communities. And Belgrade? Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has destroyed Belgrade’s unique identity, heritage, and the quality of life for its residents.