Story | 02 Feb, 2020
Cold Winter Deserts of Central Asia among potential World Heritage sites, new IUCN report finds
Cold Winter Deserts in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are among six globally significant biodiversity sites in Central Asia that could potentially qualify for World Heritage status, according to a new report launched today by IUCN, the official advisor on natural World Heritage.
Story | 29 Jul, 2019
Celebrating the extension of the Ohrid Region World Heritage site in Albania
The oldest and one of the most biodiversity rich lakes in Europe is now recognised as World Heritage in its entirety. The already inscribed part of the Ohrid region, located in North Macedonia, was extended at the 2019 World Heritage Committee meeting held earlier this July in Baku to include…
Story | 28 Apr, 2017
In one of the most dangerous regions on the planet, two heroes inspire their communities
Beyond conservation science, World Heritage is driven by human motivations such as pride, and passion. Bantu Lukambo and Josué Kambasu Mukura were recognised at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress as Heritage Heroes for their outstanding contribution to the conservation of Virunga National…
Story | 04 Sep, 2016
Meet the Heritage Hero voted by the public – Bibhuti Lahkar
The public has spoken, choosing Bibhuti Lahkar as the people’s choice Heritage Hero, for his dedication to the conservation of India’s Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. The result of last week’s online voting was announced at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai‘i, USA.
Story | 14 Jul, 2016
Rising illegal wildlife trade threatens natural World Heritage sites, warns IUCN
The rise in demand for products derived from animals and plants, such as elephant tusks or precious wood, is causing an increase in illegal logging and poaching in natural World Heritage sites. The World Heritage Committee, which holds its annual meeting this week in Istanbul, today discussed…
Story | 30 May, 2016
IUCN recommends five World Heritage listings
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, recommends World Heritage status for five sites nominated for their outstanding natural values. The advisory body on natural World Heritage, IUCN also recommends action against major threats in listed natural sites and danger-listing for two…
Story | 13 May, 2016
A day in the life of an eco-guard in Cameroon
Daily challenges abound for Stéphane Marel Madjaye, one of the dedicated guards who protect the forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, pangolins and other wildlife in the Dja Biosphere Reserve from poachers – writes Paul de Ornellas of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a grantee with…
Story | 02 May, 2016
Deadly poacher attack on Garamba staff horrific – IUCN
IUCN is shocked by the attack recently carried out by elephant poachers in Garamba National Park, which killed three rangers and injured another two, including the park’s manager Erik Mararv.
Story | 30 Jun, 2015
World Heritage site in danger: Man and nature in Virunga National Park
Among the World Heritage sites in Danger is Virunga National Park, which has been on the endangered list for more than 20 years. Over these years, Africa’s oldest national park has faced numerous threats, including armed conflict, poaching and the discovery and exploration of oil.
Press release | 17 Nov, 2014
Global appetite for resources pushing new species to the brink – IUCN Red List
Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Chinese Pufferfish, American Eel, Chinese Cobra and an Australian butterfly are threatened with extinction