The first-ever report between UNESCO and IUCN unveils a global assessment of species biodiversity in #WorldHeritage sites. The World Heritage Convention that protects these habitats is especially unique due to the ways in which it deals with both natural and cultural heritage. This report highlights how critical these sites are to preserving the diversity of life on Earth. Biodiversity is essential for human survival and supports vital ecosystem functions.
From the report:
The 1,157 UNESCO World Heritage sites not only represent the most outstanding places on the planet in terms of human history and culture, but also protect some of the richest areas in terms of biological diversity. The first comprehensive UNESCO and IUCN’s assessment of species that live within these areas, reveals just how critical they are to preserving the diversity of life on Earth.
These extraordinary places, encompassing both natural and cultural treasures, play a vital role in preserving ecosystem integrity and biodiversity. Despite covering less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they harbor over 1/5 of mapped global species richness, making them a haven for an astonishing array of plant and animal life.
You can read the report here to learn more about biodiversity’s vital role in World Heritage Sites.