IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025

Syllabus: Environment (UPSC GS III)
Source: IUCN

Context

The 4th IUCN World Heritage Outlook was launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
It assesses the conservation status of all natural and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About the IUCN World Heritage Outlook

• What it is:
  A global assessment system that evaluates the state of conservation of UNESCO’s natural and mixed heritage sites every 3–5 years.
• Published by:
  The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through its World Heritage Programme and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
• Launched in:
  • Outlook 4 (2025) – at IUCN Congress, Abu Dhabi.
  • Previous editions – 2014, 2017, 2020.

Objectives

• Monitor Conservation Health: Track how effectively natural sites are protected and managed.
• Showcase Best Practices: Highlight successful management models for replication.
• Identify Threats: Detect early signs of degradation, climate stress, or governance failures.

Global Findings (2025)

• Positive Trend:
  Around 65% of sites show stable or improving conditions since 2020.
  • Example: Galápagos Islands and Yellowstone improved due to ecosystem-based management.
• Climate Risks:
  80% of sites face threats like coral bleaching, glacier melt, and wildfires.
  • Example: Great Barrier Reef continues to experience bleaching.
• Biodiversity Stress:
  60% of sites are affected by invasive species, habitat loss, or overuse.
  • Example: Invasive plants threaten Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.
• Success Stories:
  • Komodo (Indonesia) and Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles) improved via strict regulation and sustainable tourism.
• Tech-Based Monitoring:
  AI, satellites, and eDNA are being used for real-time tracking.
  • Example: AI pilot in Okavango Delta for wildlife migration.
• Socio-Economic Value:
  Heritage sites aid livelihoods, disaster resilience, and carbon storage (≈10% of global terrestrial carbon).
• Warning Sign:
  15 sites added to the “World Heritage in Danger” list due to conflict and pollution.

India-Specific Insights

• Total Sites:
  India has 7 natural and mixed heritage sites, representing 1.5% of global natural heritage.
• Improved Sites:
  • Kaziranga and Manas improved through anti-poaching drives, habitat recovery, and eco-tourism.
• At-Risk Sites:
  • Sundarbans: Declining mangroves from cyclones, salinity, and sea-level rise.
  • Western Ghats: Threatened by mining and land-use conflicts.
• Emerging Concern:
  • Nanda Devi and Great Himalayan National Park face glacial retreat and invasive species, impacting river systems.
• Policy Integration:
  • Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and LiFE Mission align with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2030).
• Funding Gaps:
  Protected areas need 30–40% more recurring funds, especially in marine and border zones.

Major Challenges

1. Climate Change: Rapid glacier melt, coral loss, and desertification.
2. Unsustainable Development: Mining, tourism, and hydropower near protected zones.
3. Funding Shortfall: 40% of sites lack adequate financial and human resources.
4. Weak Governance: Poor coordination and enforcement.
5. Data Gaps: Outdated biodiversity data limits adaptive management.

Recommendations

• Climate-Resilient Planning:
  Integrate site protection into climate strategies.
  • Example: India’s LiFE Mission and Adaptation Fund.
• Green Financing:
  Use biodiversity funds, carbon credits, and public–private models.
  • Example: UNDP–GEF Biofin Initiative.
• Community Participation:
  Empower local and Indigenous communities.
  • Example: Eco-Development Committees in Manas and Periyar.
• Technology Use:
  Employ AI, drones, and satellites for mapping and monitoring.
• Global Collaboration:
  Enhance cross-border conservation.
  • Example: India–Nepal Terai Arc Landscape.

Conclusion

The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025 underscores the urgency of climate-resilient conservation and stronger global cooperation.
India’s active engagement reflects its growing role in biodiversity-led sustainable development.
Building science-based, community-driven, and well-funded management systems will be crucial for protecting natural heritage worldwide.