COP17 offers a timely opportunity to highlight the contribution of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention to achieving global biodiversity targets, particularly Target 1 on area-based conservation planning and Target 3 (30x30) of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Natural World Heritage Sites harbour exceptional concentrations of globally threatened species, intact habitats and landscapes and provide internationally recognized frameworks that can directly support national KMGBF contributions.
Building on Michael Succow Foundation’s experience supporting World Heritage nominations in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, the proposed side-event titled World Heritage as a Tool for Biodiversity Conservation – Contributions to KMGBF Implementation will bring together UNESCO experts, national focal points, protected area practitioners, and representatives of CBD Parties. The event will explore how World Heritage designations can serve as delivery mechanisms for the KMGBF and how countries can better integrate these instruments into their national biodiversity strategies and commitments. For instance provides the process of world heritage nomination already incentives for measuring and improving management effectiveness and thus increases the quality of protected and conserved areas management. Under circumstances it may serve also towards the IUCN green list standards.
For Armenia as the host country, the event could also open a conversation to explore the potential for the country’s first natural or mixed World Heritage nomination, addressing a notable gap in the country's otherwise strong World Heritage profile. It could also initiate a broader discussion on Natural World heritage sites in South Caucasus including transboundary or transnational heritage sites in the region.
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Cold Winter Deserts of Central Asia (Turan)
Cold winter deserts of Central Asia are a nature region of global importance. They have unique ecological features, harbor numerous endemic species and support rich biodiversity. Despite their ecological importance, the deserts are exposed to various threats and are clearly underrepresented in the regional and global network of protected areas. The Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI) aims to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services of cold winter deserts in Central Asia.
Cold winter deserts, Central Asia, UNESCO, natural, World Heritage
Proceedings from the International Cold Winter Desert Conference
The Proceedings from the International Conference on Cold Winter Deserts contain key highlights and outcomes of the conference, presenting research results of the work undertaken in the scope of temperate deserts. The cold winter – also referred to as temperate – deserts, spreading from northern Islamic Republic of Iran across Central Asia to Mongolia – are globally outstanding nature regions. They are an important migration area for birds and the last wild herds of ungulates, such as the Saiga antelope. The enormous land masses deliver a broad range of ecosystem services. Despite their ecological importance, temperate deserts are, according to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one of the least recognized biomes worldwide. Yet, these deserts, their habitats and species are threatened by desertification caused by overexploitation for firewood collection, inappropriate grazing practices, and large-scale infrastructure development. Ninety-five percent of the temperate deserts are located in Central Asia – hence this region carries a high responsibility for the preservation of this biome. Against this background, the Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI) aims at preserving biological diversity and the conservation and sustainable use of cold winter deserts in Central Asia. Therefore, in close coordination with local partners, a wide package of measures shall be implemented in the main target countries Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. CADI is jointly implemented by the University of Greifswald (Germany), the Michael Succow Foundation (Greifswald, Germany) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Sub-regional Office for Central Asia (Ankara, Türkiye). This publication is a result of the Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI) project as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.
UNESCO, Cold Winter Deserts, Turan, natural, World Heritage
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Enhancing landscape resilience to zoonotic disease emergence by consolidating nature conservation systems in Central Asia
Zoonoses as Covid-19 threaten human health globally. The project prevents zoonotic diseases by expanding and improving natural areas and landscapes. It aims to address the relevant causes of epidemic risk and consolidate a fair and effective regional network of protected and conserved areas. The project includes three core components, focusing on: area-based conservation, species management and human and environmental health through good governance. Moreover, activities on disease monitoring, communications and knowledge sharing and environmental and health policy will enhance use of research and technology for zoonotic diseases prevention, and improve awareness raising and national policy. The project will involve institutions, government and non-government organisations, specialist groups, communities including marginalized and most vulnerable groups to climate change and disease outbreaks. The project will have measurable and specific impacts in the five target countries.
OneHealth, Central Asia
digital photo exhibition World Heritage site Hyrcanian Forests
Journey through the Eastern Mongolian Steppes: A Visual Story
The Eastern Mongolian Steppes represent the most intact large-scale temperate grassland on the planet. Spanning thousands of square kilometers, these steppes feature treeless flat expanses, rolling hills, and various water bodies, sustaining diverse terrestrial and aquatic life forms. Despite harsh semi-arid continental climates with short growing seasons and long, cold winters, the steppes thrive as highly productive ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity. Dominated by a few grass species, they host diverse fauna species, including millions of Mongolian white-tailed gazelles. Over millennia, nomadic herders and wildlife have coexisted in these steppes, preserving ancient cultures and practices adapted to the challenging environment.
In an effort to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Mongolian Steppes and raise awareness of their global value, Oleg Kugaev, a fellow of the Marion Doenhoff Fellowship of the Michael Succow Foundation, has created a film. Through stunning visuals, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the vast expanses of this unique landscape.
Recently, the Michael Succow Foundation completed the important project “Towards the World Heritage Nomination of the Eastern Mongolian Steppes” aimed at supporting the nomination of the Eastern Mongolian Steppes for inclusion on the World Heritage list. The nomination dossier was prepared and submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in January 2024. The evaluation process is scheduled to take place in 2024. If successful, the Eastern Steppes will be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
The release of Oleg Kugaev's video comes at a crucial time in this journey. By showcasing the beauty and importance of the eastern Mongolian steppes, the video seeks to gain support for the nomination process. Through its wonderful images and heartfelt storytelling, the video aims to inspire viewers to appreciate and protect this invaluable natural treasure.
