Context:
The IUCN World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment evaluating the conservation status of all UNESCO natural and mixed World Heritage Sites every 3–5 years. Published by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through its World Heritage Programme and World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
Previous editions: 2014, 2017, 2020.
Aim:
- Track the conservation health of sites.
- Identify threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and governance gaps.
- Recognize best management practices and promote knowledge sharing.
Global Findings:
- About 65% of sites show stable or improving conservation outlooks.
- Examples: Galápagos Islands, Yellowstone National Park.
- Climate threats affect over 80% of natural sites (coral bleaching, glacier melt, wildfires).
- Example: Great Barrier Reef.
- Biodiversity pressures like invasive species and habitat loss impact around 60% of sites.
- Example: Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.
- Positive cases: Marine parks like Komodo (Indonesia) and Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles) improved due to regulation, sustainable tourism, and monitoring.
- Technology adoption: AI-based monitoring, satellite mapping, and eDNA sampling are increasingly used.
- Example: Okavango Delta AI pilot for wildlife tracking.
- Socio-economic linkages: Well-managed sites support livelihoods, disaster mitigation, and store ~10% of terrestrial carbon.
- Warning signals: 15 sites added to the “World Heritage in Danger” list due to conflicts, pollution, and habitat loss.
Trends in India:
- Total sites: 7 natural and mixed World Heritage Sites (~1.5% of global natural heritage area).
- Improved sites: Kaziranga and Manas – better ecological health via anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and eco-tourism.
- At-risk sites: Sundarbans (mangrove decline), Western Ghats (mining, construction).
- Emerging concerns: Nanda Devi and Great Himalayan National Park – glacial retreat and invasive species affecting water resources.
- Policy integration: Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, and LiFE Mission support global biodiversity goals (KM-GBF 2030).
- Funding gaps: India’s protected areas need 30–40% more recurring funds, especially for marine and transboundary zones.
