Gland, Switzerland, 4 July, 2001 (IUCN) - During the 25th session of Bureau of the World Heritage Committee (25-30 June 2001) in UNESCO Paris, IUCN - The World Conservation Union presented its technical evaluations of 18 sites nominated for World Heritage status (including three extensions to existing sites and one renomination under additional criteria).
IUCN recommended the inscription of three new sites, three extensions and the relisting of one site for its biodiversity values. The Bureau accepted IUCN's evaluations and will recommend that the Committee inscribe the new sites and extensions on the World Heritage List when it meets in December 2001.
New World Heritage Sites:
Kenya: Rift Valley Lake Reserves
The three soda lakes of Nakuru, Bogaria and Elmenteita demonstrate distinctive ecosystems of low species diversity and high productivity. Up to 4 million lesser flamingos move between the lakes feeding on the huge quantities of green algae they produce. The woodlands and freshwater habitats surrounding the lakes are critical habitat for a diversity of bird species.
Switzerland: Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn
A dramatic mountain landscape bearing testimony to the formation processes of the High Alps and demonstrating classic examples of glacial activity. Retreating glaciers illustrate climate change and provide new substrates for ongoing ecological succession.
UK: The Dorset and East Devon Coast
A sequence of rocks almost spanning the Mesozoic period, important fossil sites and "textbook" examples of coastal geomorphological processes; an important site for British geological study.
Extensions to Existing World Heritage Sites:
Ecuador: Galapagos Marine Reserve (extension to Galapagos National Park)
Ongoing seismic activity and volcanism demonstrate the processes which formed the Galapagos archipelago. A "melting-pot" of species from Central and South America and the Indo-Pacific, the site demonstrates high levels of endemism and is a major stronghold for wildlife in the eastern Pacific. The diversity of marine life and geomorphological features make for a unique underwater spectacle. The marine and terrestrial environments of the Galapagos are inextricably linked by common geological and ecological process.
Kenya: South Island (extension to Siboli/Central Island World Heritage site)
South Island adds to the representation of the volcanic features of the Rift Valley and the waters of Lake Turkana. It is important for avifauna, particularly waterbirds, as well as providing additional crocodile nesting habitat.
Russian Federation: Kluchevskoy Nature Park (extension to Kamchatka Volcanoes World Heritage site)
A dramatic landscape of active volcanism and glaciation. It includes the highest and most active volcano in Kamchatka and is the main centre of glaciation in the region. Colonisation of recently extruded volcanic rocks and ash is an ongoing ecological process. The extension of the Kamchatka Volcanoes to include this area increases the site by 10% to 3.67 mil.ha
Relisting of World Heritage Sites under additional criteria:
Russian Federation: Kamchatka Volcanoes Kamchatka Volcanoes (renominated for biodiversity values)
Kamchatka Volcanoes is home to a diverse range of palearctic flora and mammal populations of remarkable size and the world's greatest known diversity of salmonid fish. It contains major bird migration staging areas, large seabird colonies and a diversity of birds of prey. Half the global population of both Stellar's Sea Eagle and the Aleutian tern are found within the site.
IUCN - The World Conservation Union was founded in 1948 and brings together 79 states, 112 government agencies, 760 NGOs, 37 affiliates, and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1000 staff, most of whom are located in its 42 regional and country offices while 100 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.
Back to News Releases
