Natural heritage

This publication was generated following a 2012 symposium in Cairns, Australia. The publication is the primary output from Australia marking the 40th anniversary 'Year of the World Heritage Convention' celebrated by UNESCO in 2012. The book contains 30 chapters including stimulating points of view from all sectors on the future of World Heritage and a wide range of case studies of best management from all sectors. A key component of this publication is the Cairns Communiqué.

L'objectif de la présente étude est d'examiner, de clarifier, et de renforcer l'application et l'évaluation du critère (vii -- ontenir des phénomènes naturels remarquables ou des aires d'une beauté naturelle et d'une importance esthétique exceptionnelles) afin d'améliorer le conseil apporté aux États parties lors du processus de proposition d'inscription, et de mieux guider le processus d'évaluation conduit par l'UICN.

The purpose of this study is to review, clarify and strengthen the application and assessment of criterion (vii -- contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance) in order to improve advice to States Parties in the nomination process and enhance guidance for the IUCN evaluation process.

La Liste du patrimoine mondial compte 156 explicitement reconnus pour leurs valeurs exceptionnelles du point de vue de la biodiversité. Ensemble, ils représentent les principaux écosystèmes de la planète. Or, certains sites présentant des valeurs exceptionnelles attachées à la biodiversité ne font pas encore partie de ce réseau de « biens du patrimoine mondial de la biodiversité ».

The World Heritage List includes 156 properties explicitly recognized for their outstanding biodiversity values, which together represent the world’s major ecosystems. However, some areas with outstanding biodiversity values are still not part of this network of ‘biodiversity World Heritage sites’. To address this issue, IUCN and UNEP-WCMC have developed this global thematic study, with a focus on the terrestrial realm.

This Resource Manual has a specific purpose: helping to manage natural values within World Heritage properties. As such it is aimed at natural and mixed World Heritage properties as well as cultural landscapes (inscribed under cultural criteria). The intention is to help managers understand and incorporate World Heritage concepts and processes into natural site management.

This book provides new insights into biocultural diversity conservation. It explores sacred landscapes, sites, plants and animals from around the world to demonstrate the links between nature conservation and spiritual beliefs and traditions. Key conceptual topics are connected to case studies, as well as modern and ancient spiritual insights, guiding the reader through the various issues from fundamental theory and beliefs to pratical applications.

This publication is dedicated to the topic of natural World Heritage. It explores how these outstanding sites can function as the flagships of protected areas and thereby support biodiversity conservation as well as human well-being. Statements of young people from around the world who participated in the International Youth Forum Go4BioDiv, held in parallel to the CBD-COP 10 in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010, illustrate the threats to the treasures of our planet.

This publication provides a unique insight into Europe’s often forgotten sacred natural sites. It looks into their history, importance and the threats they currently face. The book is a must-read for managers of European protected areas and landscapes and those interested in the religious and cultural aspects of European natural sites.