IUCN Volcano Thematic Study: Identifying the Strongest Remaining Candidates for Inscription on the World Heritage List
Authors: Roberts, J., Casadevall, T. and Tormey, D.
Conference: Global Geoheritage – International Significance and Biodiversity Values
Dates: 4-8 April 2018
Abstract:Volcanoes are among the most easily-recognizable natural areas of the World Heritage Program, notable for their combination of geological, biological, cultural, and aesthetic val ues to communities on every continent. The global recognition of the heritage value of so many volcanic landscapes raises important questions for their representation on the List. As advisory body for natural sites, the IUCN prepares thematic studies in response to im portant and programmatic questions. In particular, UNESCO requested the IUCN: “to revisit and update its thematic study on World Heritage Volcanoes to clearly articulate a short and appropriately balanced list of the strongest remaining volcanic sites with potential for inscription on the World Heritage List...” IUCN Decision 37 COM 8B.15 adopted at its 37th session in Phnom Penh, 2013 We have prepared a Volcano Thematic Study in response to this request, and summarize the methods and major findings in this paper.
The context for this Volcano Thematic Study is that UNESCO seeks a representative, bal anced, and credible World Heritage list of sites (including volcanic sites) that demonstrate outstanding universal value: significance as exceptional as to transcend national bounda ries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. The World Heritage List is not a venue to collect a large number of sites representing very specific values; rather the List highlights the best of the best in the world. This context rais es two key questions:
Source: Manual