The Pacific region has witnessed some of humanity's greatest achievements. It is a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures and languages and holds immense global significance for its biodiversity and geodiversity. Despite this, it remains very poorly represented on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, IUCN launches a new report which advocates for a substantial increase in resources to ensure that the heritage of Pacific Islanders is internationally recognized and fosters greater prosperity.
Out of a total of over 1200 World Heritage sites, there are only 6 natural and mixed sites within the 23 Pacific Island Countries and Territories, including the largest lake in the insular Pacific, an oceanic wilderness, and a maze of green dome-shaped Islands seemingly floating in a turquoise lagoon. To address this poor representation on the World Heritage List, the new IUCN report has identified marine and terrestrial areas which potentially could meet the natural World Heritage criteria, and makes 11 recommendations.
