Story | 28 Apr, 2017
In one of the most dangerous regions on the planet, two heroes inspire their communities
Beyond conservation science, World Heritage is driven by human motivations such as pride, and passion. Bantu Lukambo and Josué Kambasu Mukura were recognised at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress as Heritage Heroes for their outstanding contribution to the conservation of Virunga National…
Story | 07 Apr, 2017
COMPACT workshop: engaging local communities in world heritage stewardship
A three-day training workshop on “Engaging indigenous peoples and local communities in participatory management of protected areas and benefit sharing” took place from 28 February to 2 March 2017 at the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The…
Press release | 04 Apr, 2017
IUCN World Heritage report stresses urgency of protecting the Arctic from ships and oil as ice melts
Monaco, 4 April 2017 (IUCN) – The Arctic Ocean urgently needs protection as melting sea ice is opening up previously inaccessible areas to activities such as shipping, bottom trawl fishing and oil exploration, according to a scientific report launched today by the International Union for…
Story | 23 Mar, 2017
First update of IUCN World Heritage Outlook to be completed in 2017
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is undertaking the first update of its flagship IUCN World Heritage Outlook, which provides the only global assessment to date of natural World Heritage. The update will allow for changes in conservation status to be tracked in all…
Jointly published | 2013
Managing cultural World Heritage
The manual provides guidance for States Parties and all those involved in the care of World Heritage cultural properties on how to comply with the requirements of the Convention. It also aims to help States Parties to ensure that heritage has a dynamic role in society and harnesses, but also…
Story | 15 Mar, 2017
Training tour guides on the beauty of nature in Ha Long Bay
“The beauty of Ha Long Bay lies in its unique geographical, landscape, biodiversity and cultural-historical values. Currently, its biodiversity values are poorly known and tourists need more information on this issue. We lack knowledge to turn these values into better products and experiences…
Story | 10 Mar, 2017
Ecosystem services for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction – a ‘win-win’ approach
Nadi, Fiji, 10 March 2017 (IUCN) – The increasing incidence and severity of disasters are leaving more people vulnerable each year. The Oceania region is particularly prone to disasters with cyclones, floods, droughts and other natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis causing widespread…
Story | 01 Feb, 2017
Paper reveals severity of human footprint and forest loss in natural World Heritage sites
The majority of natural World Heritage sites are under increasing pressure from human activities, according to a new analysis quantifying for the first time changes in human footprint and forest loss in over 100 terrestrial natural World Heritage sites.
Story | 26 Jan, 2017
World Wetlands Day: Strengthening resilience and collaboration to reduce disaster risk
On February 2nd the world celebrates its wetlands – complex ecosystems that provide a wide variety of services and benefits for people and nature. Wetlands such as estuaries, mangroves, marshes, and swamps play, beyond their biological role, a key part in helping people cope with disasters. Yet…
Story | 23 Jan, 2017
Nine nominations for nature sites in 2017 reviewed by IUCN World Heritage Panel
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is reviewing nine World Heritage nominations with natural criteria, including two extensions and seven new sites, which are proposed for 2017. The IUCN World Heritage Panel gathered in December in Gland, Switzerland to consider the…