The first paragraph of an article is always crucial for setting the tone and introducing the topic. In this case, recent scientific studies have unveiled the significant role that forests within UNESCO World Heritage sites play in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
World Heritage Sites and Climate Change Mitigation
Forests in World Heritage sites are crucial components in combating climate change, annually absorbing roughly 190 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. The capacity of these forests to sequester carbon over extended periods has contributed to a total carbon storage of approximately 13 billion tons. If released into the air as CO2, this stored carbon would equate to 1.3 times the global annual CO2 emissions derived from fossil fuels. However, it is worrisome that ten forests emit more carbon than they absorb due to the pressures of human activities and climate change.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Marine Programme
Under the World Heritage Marine Programme, UNESCO lists 50 sites worldwide for their distinct marine values. These sites correspond to about one per cent of the global ocean area but account for at least 15% of global blue carbon assets. Blue carbon refers to organic carbon primarily sourced from decaying plant leaves, wood, roots, and animals and is trapped and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. India’s Sundarbans National Park, with 60 million tons of carbon, ranks among five sites globally with the highest blue carbon stocks.
Reasons Behind High Emissions
In certain sites, emissions surpassed sequestration mainly due to land clearance for agricultural purposes. The growing scale and intensity of wildfires, often associated with severe droughts, is another key factor in several instances. Other extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes also contribute significantly at specific sites.
Protective Recommendations
To ensure that these forests continue to serve as robust carbon sinks and stores, UNESCO World Heritage sites and their adjoining landscapes need strong and sustained protection. Rapid response to climate-related events and improved landscape management for maintaining and strengthening ecological connectivity is vital. The continued protection of UNESCO World Heritage sites should be integrated into international, local, and national strategies for climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development, aligning with the Paris climate agreement, the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sundarban National Park
Situated in the south-east of Kolkata in West Bengal, Sundarban National Park forms part of the Gangetic Delta. Known for its extensive mangrove forest, the park is located on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. It boasts a diverse range of fauna, including several rare and globally threatened wildlife species such as the estuarine crocodile, Royal Bengal Tiger, Water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin, and olive ridley turtles.
The World Heritage Marine Programme
This programme comprises a global collection of unique ocean places stretching from the tropics to the poles. The list currently includes 50 unique ocean places across 37 countries, recognized for their unique marine biodiversity, singular ecosystems, unique geological processes, or incomparable beauty. India’s Sundarban National Park is the only listed site under this program.
World Heritage Sites
A World Heritage Site is a location that UNESCO designates for its special cultural or physical significance. The list of World Heritage Sites is maintained by the international ‘World Heritage Programme’, administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This program is encapsulated in an international treaty known as the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which UNESCO adopted in 1972. India has 40 World Heritage sites, consisting of 32 cultural properties, seven natural properties, and one mixed site. The latest addition is Dholavira in Gujarat.