Biodiversity co-benefits of World Heritage protection

Abstract

<p>Preserving World Heritage sites (WHSs) safeguards unique habitats, maintaining varied ecosystems that are essential for the survival of numerous species. It fosters genetic diversity by conserving distinct gene pools within species. Protecting these sites upholds the equilibrium of the ecosystem, aiding in maintaining species richness and resilience. These protective efforts serve as living laboratories, offering insights into evolutionary processes and adaptation, enriching global biodiversity, and reinforcing the harmony between humans and nature. In this Perspective, we explore the threefold biodiversity co-benefits of World Heritage (WH) protection through the lenses of ecosystems, species, and genes. Finally, we outline future challenges in WH protection and their impacts on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.</p>