Scheduled for publication in 2014, IUCN’s State of World Heritage report will provide the first global overview of the state of conservation of the planet’s most iconic protected areas.

A State of World Heritage website will be launched in the second or third quarter of 2013, featuring 20 out of the current 217 natural sites. This early launch will facilitate the consultation process, while ensuring ease of use and a solution-based approach remain at the centre of the development stage.

Consultation is as essential part of the report. In an effort to overcome any potential information gaps, IUCN is calling for site managers, management authorities, non-governmental organisations, researchers, community and indigenous groups, and development agencies to contribute.

The State of World Heritage’s key aims are to recognize ongoing conservation efforts and well-managed sites, and help identify solutions to conservation issues through the Conservation Outlook Assessments. The State of World Heritage report will also be a focus for World Heritage discussions at the upcoming World Parks Congress in November 2014.