UNESCO Report Reveals Protected Sites as Critical Shield for Global Biodiversity
A new UNESCO report has found that its network of over 2,260 designated sites — spanning World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks — is playing a measurable role in slowing biodiversity loss. While global wildlife populations have declined by 73% since 1970, species within UNESCO-protected areas have remained comparatively stable. The sites cover more than 13 million km², store an estimated 240 gigatons of carbon, and are home to nearly 900 million people, representing around 10% of the global population.
The report, People and Nature in UNESCO-Designated Sites: Global and Local Contributions, is the first to assess all UNESCO site categories as a single network and draws on partnerships with more than 20 leading research institutions. Despite their significance, nearly 90% of these sites face high levels of environmental stress, and climate-related hazards have increased by 40% in the past decade alone. The findings carry direct implications for the tourism industry, as these sites generate around 10% of global GDP in their surrounding zones and underpin much of Africa's nature-based and cultural tourism offering. The report calls for greater integration of UNESCO sites into national climate plans — currently included in only 5% — alongside stronger investment in ecosystem restoration and inclusive governance with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Source: UNESCO
