3.3. Maximise the value of internationally recognised sites (Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Sites, World Heritage Sites) for species conservation.
Subactions
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3.3.1. Inscribe all sites meeting the species criteria as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) and integrate Ramsar sites in wetland landscape conservation. - ar
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3.3.2. Inscribe all PCAs that meet criterion X for species outstanding universal value on the World Heritage List and review species data in mixed and cultural sites. - ar
Other tools and resources
World Heritage (WH) Criteria for Selection
To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.
These criteria are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage. The criteria are regularly revised by the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself.
Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were selected on the basis of six cultural and four natural criteria. With the adoption of the revised Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, only one set of ten criteria exists.
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3.3.3. Inscribe sites harbouring threatened species and cultural diversity in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme. - ar
Other tools and resources
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3.3.4. Develop synergies in managing species and reporting in sites with overlapping international designations. - ar
Primary tools and resources
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) is an intergovernmental programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is an interactive network of sites of excellence that foster harmony between people and nature for sustainable development, respect for cultural values, and society’s ability to cope with change. There are 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites. Sites can be proposed by all Member States and Associate Members of UNESCO. Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and designated under the intergovernmental MAB Programme following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council.
How to use
To obtain further information on the MAB programme and existing MAB sites, or to download the Requirements and Nomination forms, visit: https://en.unesco.org/biosphere
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
WH Sites identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage around the world that is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. Sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria to be included on the World Heritage List. The criteria are regularly revised by the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself.
These criteria are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage.
How to use
To download the text of the Convention, operational guidelines for implementation, and to search the map and individual sites: https://whc.unesco.org
To explore the WHS criteria and download the operational guidelines:
Ramsar Wetland Sites of International Importance
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands). The convention provides for national action and international cooperation on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Sites are identified according to any one of nine criteria. The Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Types has been developed by the Ramsar Convention. There are currently more than 2,400 Ramsar Sites around the world, covering over 2.5 million km2. The Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS) provides online information on wetlands that have been designated as internationally important.
How to use
- For further information on the Convention visit: https://www.ramsar.org
- For an overview of the Ramsar Sites network or to obtain information on a specific Site, visit
- https://rsis.ramsar.org/
- The Administrative Authority of a Contracting Party can submit or update Ramsar Site information using the new online RIS by logging in or registering – instructions at: https://rsis.ramsar.org/sites/all/modules/custom/rsiswp_main/data/RSIS_Instructions_E.pdf
Solutions and case studies
COREHABS to BearConnect: Securing wilderness in Eastern Europe
The Romanian portion of the Carpathian Mountains holds the largest continuous forest ecosystems in Europe, harbors many well-preserved natural habitats, and is home to large herbivores and carnivores, including brown bear. A total of 30.2% of the national territory is covered by forest, including virgin forests and ancient beech forests. However these sites are disconnected.
The COREHABS initiative (Ecological corridors for habitats and species in Romania) is providing corridor modelling as a decision support tool for stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to develop infrastructure while considering the ecological measures necessary to ensure the long-term viability of species and habitats. COREHABS and other research projects are investigating the degree to which existing ecological networks ensure landscape connectivity, and are providing practical recommendations for integrating connectivity conservation into national, regional, local, rural and urban planning.
