UNEP-WCMC

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) analyses and literature review, this study examines the current List of Natural and Mixed WH Sites from the perspective of natural values related to biogeography, habitats and biodiversity. The review addresses Criteria (ix) and (x) under the draft revised Operational Guidelines (OGs) ([ii] and [iv] under the current OGs) - Criteria (vii) and (viii) are not addressed.

This report was commissioned by IUCN’s Programme on Protected Areas and financed by the World Heritage Fund in response to a request from the World Heritage Committee (27th session, 2003). A literature review was carried out and consultation with regional experts and members of IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) to identify a limited number of sites which may have potential for natural World Heritage status from among almost three hundred protected areas in Central Asia.

Les aires protégées jouent un rôle important dans le maintien des systèmes écologiques qu'elles renferment, en particulier pour l'équilibre et la conservation de la biodiversité (à toutes les échelles). Le bon fonctionnement d'une aire protégée est très dépendant des évènements climatiques et météorologiques, cycliques ou non, qui la concernent.