PARIS, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — A new study presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday reveals that areas protected under the World Heritage program play a significant role in preserving biodiversity. These areas cover less than 1 percent of the Earth’s surface but are home to 20 percent of all mapped species.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlights that World Heritage sites, which enjoy the highest level of international protection, host more than 75,000 species of plants and over 30,000 species of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and amphibians.
According to the assessment report, more than 20,000 threatened species, including elephants, tigers, pandas, great apes, lions, and rhinos, are estimated to be protected within these sites. They serve as the last line of defense for species on the verge of extinction.
The organizations are urging member states to prioritize World Heritage sites in their national biodiversity strategies and action plans. They believe that these sites are crucial for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
“These 1,157 sites are not only historically and culturally outstanding, but they also play a critical role in preserving the diversity of life on Earth, maintaining essential ecosystem services, and addressing climate disruption,” emphasized UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
