Natural marine World Heritage in the Arctic Ocean

The 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention unites nations behind a shared commitment to preserve the world’s outstanding cultural and natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. This report presents the results of a scientific assessment of globally significant ecosystems in the Arctic Ocean that may be of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) with respect to the natural criteria for World Heritage status. The report is intended to advance recognition and conservation of globally significant natural marine sites in the Arctic, a region which is currently under-represented on the World Heritage List. The report does not assess potential OUV related to cultural heritage, which was beyond the scope of the project.