2023-08-31 08:01:14
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A study reveals that a third of the natural sites listed as World Heritage sites are not properly protected and that the species that live there are threatened.
Published on 08/31/2023 08:01
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Used fireworks lie on the frozen sea near Vaasa in the Kvarken archipelago on January 14, 2022, Finland’s only UNESCO natural heritage site. (OLIVIER MORIN / AFP)
Unesco is seriously concerned about the state of biodiversity in sites classified as World Heritage of Humanity. According to a study published Thursday, August 31, these sites are a sanctuary for endangered species. But a third of them are in a critical situation and the States that are supposed to protect them are not up to the task.
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Unesco has 250 natural sites classified as World Heritage. On the map, this represents a postage stamp. But concretely, this is where we find the last ten Vaquita, small whales in the Gulf of California, or 80% of the last mountain gorillas.
In total, the 20,000 threatened species present on these sites are no longer truly protected. “These are the most important sites in the world that are recognized by an international convention” recalls Guy de Bonnet, head of natural heritage sites at Unesco.
“The countries that have proposed them have made a commitment to preserve them as a priority and despite this, a third is threatened.”
Guy de Bonnet, head of natural heritage sites at Unesco
at franceinfo
The threat comes from global warming, poaching, pressure from agriculture and construction. Lazare Eloundou Assomo calls the countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention to a start. “World Heritage sites are the last bastion for the survival of these species, alerts the World Heritage Director. Governments should now be aware of this and take very strong action. Otherwise this last defense will give way.”
Today, the survivors of certain large species number in the dozens. There are only 5,000 tigers and 1,800 giant pandas left.
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