IUCN key messages at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee

At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, IUCN will highlight five key messages:

1. World Heritage sites face cumulative threats that require integrated responses. World Heritage sites are being impacted by an increasing combination of pressures, including from development and infrastructure, weak management, invasive alien species, climate change, conflict and unsustainable tourism. States Parties should act early, use impact assessment tools systematically, and strengthen site management and climate adaptation.

2. Indigenous Peoples’ engagement must move from recognition to implementation. IUCN supports stronger recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, knowledge and stewardship in World Heritage processes. The roadmap to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ engagement in the Convention proposed at this meeting is an important step.

3. Strengthening representation of natural heritage in the Convention. Natural and mixed World Heritage sites remain underrepresented, and many States Parties still have no site inscribed for nature conservation values. IUCN encourages practical support to States Parties to identify, protect and nominate exceptional natural places, while maintaining the highest standards of Outstanding Universal Value.

4. World Heritage needs effective management systems, capacity and tools. The Convention needs to focus on implementation, using the many tools available to support good practice, including guidance on management planning, impact assessment, climate action and internationally designated areas. There is a need for greatly increased support for capacity-building for site managers, rights-holders, communities and national authorities.

5. Sustainable financing is essential to deliver World Heritage conservation. The growing pressures on World Heritage sites cannot be addressed without adequate and sustained financing. IUCN encourages governments, donors and partners to embed World Heritage in biodiversity, climate, protected area and sustainable development finance, and to support innovative approaches that strengthen long-term conservation outcomes.