Story | 26 Jun, 2017
Wilderness areas are fast declining and World Heritage can protect them, says IUCN report
New guidance launched today by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) urges the World Heritage Convention to better conserve wilderness areas, and large landscapes and seascapes, as they are increasingly threatened, including by climate change. It explains how this can be…
Publication | 2017
World heritage, wilderness, and large landscapes and seascapes
This thematic study focuses on the contribution the World Heritage Convention can make to wilderness conservation around the world. It provides pragmatic guidance to the Convention and its many partners for strengthening protection of wilderness by promoting the profound linkages between culture…
Story | 08 Jun, 2017
Mexican World Heritage site is in danger as vaquita faces extinction, according to IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends in-danger status for Mexico’s World Heritage-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, after a mission confirmed the vaquita – the smallest and most endangered species of porpoise – is at risk of imminent…
Story | 02 Jun, 2017
IUCN says Ivorian park should come off World Heritage ‘danger list’ as chimps make comeback
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends withdrawing in-danger status from Comoé National Park in Côte d’Ivoire after seeing chimps and elephants return to the park. IUCN also recommends the Landscapes of Dauria in Russia and Mongolia to become a new World Heritage…
Story | 25 May, 2017
Paper showing damage to natural World Heritage wins international award
A study revealing the extent of damaging activities and forest loss in Natural World Heritage Sites, led by the University of Queensland with a team of international experts, has won one of the most prestigious international publishing awards.
Story | 19 May, 2017
IUCN recommends listing key habitats for species conservation as World Heritage
The advisory body on natural World Heritage, IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, recommends World Heritage status for three sites nominated for their outstanding natural value. IUCN also recommends danger-listing for the Cerrado Protected Areas in Brazil, and action to tackle…
Story | 28 Apr, 2017
The Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (PNNC) hosted this year’s annual WCPA Steering Committee meeting in Cartagena, Colombia. The meeting was the first since Kathy MacKinnon was elected Chair and focused on the Commission’s achievements and challenges, the 2017-2020 Joint Work Programme…
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…