What future for the World Heritage Convention?

Mid-life crisis or life just beginning? The World Heritage Convention approaches 40, but its critics argue the time is ripe for it to retire. Have your say!

Challenges and opportunities of the World Heritage Convention

IUCN Deputy Director General explains the role IUCN plays in the work of the World Heritage Convention and outlines some of the challenges that need to be addressed to improve its effectiveness.

A promising future for Rio Platano

Covering the entire basin of the Platano River, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is the biggest protected area in Honduras. Few areas in the world can compete with its natural wealth. But it is not just the diversity of species and ecosystems that makes Rio Platano so special.

Yellowstone: the return of the wolf

Many of us carry childhood memories of the ravening wolf that haunted us through fairy tales and often hearing a wolf's howl still send a shiver down our spine. But the successful reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park shows that they are an important part of the natural system.

A window on the world

Mariam Kenza Ali has a job that many people would envy. She is part of a global team trying to make sure that the planet’s most iconic natural sites are secure for future generations to enjoy.

Serenity on the Serengeti

It may be inconceivable that world-famous places like the Serengeti plain of Africa could be anything but secure. But like many other World Heritage sites, the very features which draw thousands of visitors each year are under pressure.

Staving off the threats to Cameroon’s natural riches

The Dja Reserve in Cameroon is home to some of the largest and best protected rainforest tracts in Africa, with 90% of its area intact. It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1987, but now faces several challenges, not least from mining.

Test your knowledge

Are you a World Heritage whizz or a World Heritage wannabe? Find out by having a go at our quiz then challenge your friends! And if you are not on Facebook, use our website version.
> IUCN Facebook Quiz
> Website version

Wonders of the world

Browse our selection of striking images from World Heritage sites around the world.
> Photo gallery

Facts and figures

88 countries have an area designated as a natural or mixed World Heritage Site.
> More World Heritage facts.

Publications

Check here for selected publications about World Heritage, or search our catalogue.
> Selected Publications
> Search catalogue

Revival of the Arabian Oryx

The good news and the bad news about the status of plants and animals revealed with the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.
> Read full story

Social networking

 Use #IUCNWHC in your tweets from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, or write on our Facebook wall about this event!  
> IUCN on Twitter
> IUCN on Facebook

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature © 2011

IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.

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Photo credits: Header banner © Carla Vaucher ; Tim Badman © IUCN; What future © Pedro Rosabal; IUCN Deputy Director © IUCN; Rio Platano © Tilman Jaeger; Wolf © Jean-Christophe Vié; Mariam Ali Kenza © IUCN; quiz © Carla Vaucher; wonders of the world © Pedro Rosabal; Facts and figures © David Sheppard; Arabian Oryx © Dena Cator ; Serengeti © Jim Thorsell; Cameroon © Agni Boedhihartono.