Resources
Explore a wide range of valuable resources on GCED to deepen your understanding and enhance your research, advocacy, teaching, and learning.
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World Heritage: A Unique Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: UNESCO | International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) The UNESCO World Heritage Convention is unique among international agreements as it deals with both natural and cultural heritage. By conferring one of the highest levels of protection recognized by 195 countries, it ensures a truly global commitment to safeguarding exceptional places. UNESCO natural World Heritage sites are critical for the conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity. While they make up less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they harbor more than 1/5 of mapped global species richness. This includes over 75,000 species of plants, and over 30,000 species of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians. Cultural World Heritage sites in particular can be an important ally in biodiversity conservation since around 20% of them are located in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). UNESCO World Heritage sites also represent a safe haven for some of the most threatened species on Earth. They are estimated to protect over 20,000 globally threatened species, and are home to some of the last individuals of many iconic species. Today, up to 1/3 of remaining elephants, tigers and pandas can be found in these sites, as well as at least 1 in 10 great apes, giraffes, lions and rhinos. However, even these highly protected sites are today threatened by global climate change and human pressures, including agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, poaching, overexploitation of resources and the proliferation of invasive species. Every 1°C increase in temperature could double the number of species exposed to dangerous climate conditions. Ensuring effective and sustained protection of UNESCO World Heritage sites and surrounding landscapes is crucial for maximizing their value as a solution to tackle the current biodiversity and climate crisis. One way of achieving this is by supporting countries to integrate World Heritage into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), as they are key to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 
UNESCO Guidance for the World Heritage ‘No-Go’ Commitment: Global Standards for Corporate Sustainability Year of publication: 2022 Corporate author: UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage properties are cultural, natural and mixed sites of outstanding universal value (OUV) that exemplify some of humanity’s most exceptional heritage and treasures on our planet. They cover over a thousand properties in all regions of the world and it is the duty of the international community as a whole to cooperate on their protection. UNESCO World Heritage sites provide major benefits to our society and help safeguard ecosystem services and cultural resources vital for human well-being. Yet the threats to UNESCO World Heritage sites have been rising steadily for decades, including those arising from harmful industrial and infrastructure projects, extractive activities such as mining, oil and gas and large hydropower projects, among others. In view of these significant threats, several leading companies and financial institutions have committed to protect World Heritage by respecting them as ‘no-go’ areas. UNESCO World Heritage sites are protected under international law as humanity’s legacy to future generations and, as such, merit particular attention in corporate policies and business conduct. However, there is wide variation in the nature and strength of sustainability policies and due diligence processes. This guidance was developed to assist companies to develop comprehensive strategies for World Heritage as part of their efforts to measure and manage environmental, social and governance risks. 
Managing Transnational UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa Year of publication: 2023 Author: Dodé Houehounha | Edmond Moukala Corporate author: UNESCO Transnational UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa – Cooperation is the Key to Success Transnational UNESCO World Heritage sites are the ultimate manifestation of international cooperation − an enriching experience of interculturalism and dialogue between peoples. They offer a unique opportunity to explore and exchange effective and sustainable solutions to contemporary issues, such as climate change, migration, integration, confict and many others. For the frst time, this publication presents the most up-to-date and comprehensive work concerning Transnational UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa, refecting the interdisciplinary and forward-looking approaches that have dominated research and conservation methodologies in recent decades. The diverse articles and case studies shine a light on how transnational management of properties in Africa provides a crosscutting and sustainable response to contemporary issues related to heritage and associated communities. It also explores the variety of challenges and opportunities related to the management of these sites and highlights best practices that have been implemented. This publication, together with UNESCO, calls on all States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, concerned international and regional organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to support efforts to protect and promote Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. It is through concerted action and joint activities that the recommendations from this publication can be implemented and thereby help preserve these properties for future generations. 
Saving our world heritage Year of publication: 2023 Author: Hopkinson, Leo Corporate author: UNESCO 
Pathways for Peace with Nature: Achieving Global Biodiversity Goals in UNESCO Designated Sites; Latin America and the Caribbean Year of publication: 2024 Corporate author: UNESCO UNESCO designated sites in Latin America and the Caribbean harbour over 60% of the region’s mapped species richness, i.e. over 14,000 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fishes. They are also important for strengthening culture and nature linkages. However, biodiversity in these sites is threatened by human pressures and climate change and countries should take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.This publication provides a regional overview of the status and trends of species in UNESCO designated sites, as well as key information to facilitate dialogue among all stakeholders. Additionally, it promotes the development of effective actions aimed at achieving global biodiversity goals. 
Pockets of Hope: Biosphere Reserves in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives Year of publication: 2022 Corporate author: UNESCO New Delhi Biosphere Reserves contribute to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration by enlarging the total area for nature conservation via restoration projects, scientific research, monitoring and education, and by raising the awareness of the general public. Biosphere Reserves are places to apply, test and demonstrate best practices for human living in harmony with nature. They aim to enhance nature conservation, reduce the environmental footprint and keep the ecological carrying capacity of our natural ecosystems intact. It is not easy to have a site listed as a Biosphere Reserve. All sites are externally examined and checked before they are approved. Globally, there are 727 properties, 168 in Asia and the Pacific, 12 in India, 4 in Sri Lanka and 3 in the Maldives. The success with which India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are actively participating in the World Network is based on the countries’ dedication and hard work. UNESCO invites scientists, biologists, botanists, zoologists, climatologists, environmental engineers and sciencetechnology specialists to support Biosphere Reserves. Universities should use them as outdoor laboratories to improve air quality, apply clean energies, reduce pollution, enhance water availability, redress biodiversity loss and test methods for climate resilience. UNESCO encourages governments, foundations, the private sector and philanthropists to support the establishment of new additions to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 
Faith for Earth : a Call for Action Year of publication: 2020 Corporate author: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE) The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Parliament of the World’s Religions today released a new book, "Faith for Earth — A Call for Action", which gives readers a wide-ranging look at the history and diversity of faith teachings and their advocacy for the protection of the environment. The online book and its print edition were launched on 8 October 2020 during the Faith for Nature Global Conference, (5th - 8th October) in Skálhol, Iceland. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the faith traditions and scientific findings that underpin the understandings and reflections of world religions concerning environmental sustainability. It includes clear statements from sacred scripts and faith leaders. It underlines that protecting the Earth, restoring ecosystems, preventing pollution, and leaving behind a healthy environment for the next generations is an ethical, moral and spiritual responsibility. With more than one hundred million houses of worship around the globe, adapting green building principles is a massive demonstration of commitment to sustainability.