Hubei Shennongjia

Located in Hubei Province, in central-eastern China, the site consists of two components: Shennongding/Badong to the west and Laojunshan to the east. It protects the largest primary forests remaining in Central China and provides habitat for many rare animal species, such as the Chinese Giant Salamander, the Golden or Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkey, the Clouded Leopard, Common Leopard and the Asian Black Bear. Hubei Shennongjia is one of three centres of biodiversity in China. The site features prominently in the history of botanical research and was the object of international plant collecting expeditions in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

 China

N31 28 11 E110 14 38

Date of Inscription: 2016

Criteria: (ix)(x)

Property : 73,318 ha

Buffer zone: 41,536 ha

Ref: 1509

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Mount Sanqingshan National Park

Mount Sanqingshan National Park, a 22,950 ha property located in the west of the Huyaiyu mountain range in the northeast of Jiangxi Province (in the east of central China) has been inscribed for its exceptional scenic quality, marked by the concentration of fantastically shaped pillars and peaks: 48 granite peaks and 89 granite pillars, many of which resemble human or animal silhouettes. The natural beauty of the 1,817 metre high Mount Huaiyu is further enhanced by the juxtaposition of granite features with the vegetation and particular meteorological conditions which make for an ever-changing and arresting landscape with bright halos on clouds and white rainbows. The area is subject to a combination of subtropical monsoonal and maritime influences and forms an island of temperate forest above the surrounding subtropical landscape. It also features forests and numerous waterfalls, some of them 60 metres in height, lakes and springs.

 China

N28 54 57 E118 3 52

Date of Inscription: 2008

Criteria: (vii)

Property : 22,950 ha

Buffer zone: 16,850 ha

Ref: 1292

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Chengjiang Fossil Site

A hilly 512 ha site in Yunnan province, Chengjiang’s fossils present the most complete record of an early Cambrian marine community with exceptionally preserved biota, displaying the anatomy of hard and soft tissues in a very wide variety of organisms, invertebrate and vertebrate. They record the early establishment of a complex marine ecosystem. The site documents at least sixteen phyla and a variety of enigmatic groups as well as about 196 species, presenting exceptional testimony to the rapid diversification of life on Earth 530 million years ago, when almost all of today’s major animal groups emerged. It opens a palaeobiological window of great significance to scholarship.

 China

N24 40 8 E102 58 38

Date of Inscription: 2012

Criteria: (viii)

Property : 512 ha

Buffer zone: 220 ha

Ref: 1388

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park

"Sri Pada" Peak Wilderness encompasses the Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

 Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's highlands are situated in the south-central part of the island. The property comprises the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. These montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. The region is considered a super biodiversity hotspot.

• Peak Wilderness Protected Area
• Horton Plains National Park
• Knuckles Conservation Forest

Sri Lanka

N7 27 8.82 E80 48 7.56

Date of Inscription: 2010

Criteria: (ix)(x)

Property : 56,844 ha

Buffer zone: 72,645 ha

Ref: 1203

Source:  http://whc.unesco.org

Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves

The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, contain some of the best and most extensive examples of Atlantic forest in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site (some 470,000 ha in total) display the biological wealth and evolutionary history of the last remaining Atlantic forests. From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the area comprises a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty.

 Brazil

Atlantic coast, states of Parana and Sao Paolo

S24 10 0.012 W48 0 0

Date of Inscription: 1999

Criteria: (vii)(ix)(x)

Property : 468,193 ha

Buffer zone: 1,223,557 ha

Ref: 893rev

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This karst landscape in the state of New Mexico comprises over 80 recognized caves. They are outstanding not only for their size but also for the profusion, diversity and beauty of their mineral formations. Lechuguilla Cave stands out from the others, providing an underground laboratory where geological and biological processes can be studied in a pristine setting.

 United States of America

Eddy County, State of New Mexico

N32 10 0 W104 22 60

Date of Inscription: 1995

Criteria: (vii)(viii)

Property : 18,926 ha

Ref: 721

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Landscapes of Dauria

Shared between Mongolia and the Russian Federation, this site is an outstanding example of the Daurian Steppe eco-region, which extends from eastern Mongolia into Russian Siberia and northeastern China. Cyclical climate changes, with distinct dry and wet periods lead to a wide diversity of species and ecosystems of global significance. The different types of steppe represented, such as grassland and forest, as well as lakes and wetlands serve as habitats for rare species of fauna, such as the White-naped crane and the Great Bustard, as well as millions of vulnerable, endangered or threatened migratory birds. It is also a critical site on the migration path for the Mongolian gazelle.

 Mongolia

 Russian Federation

N49 55 48.8 E115 25 31.6

Date of Inscription: 2017

Criteria: (ix)(x)

Property : 912,624 ha

Buffer zone: 307,317 ha

Ref: 1448rev

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Qinghai Hoh Xil

Qinghai Hoh Xil, located in the northeastern extremity of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and highest plateau in the world. This extensive area of alpine mountains and steppe systems is situated more than 4,500 m above sea level, where sub-zero average temperatures prevail all year-round. The site’s geographical and climatic conditions have nurtured a unique biodiversity. More than one third of the plant species, and all the herbivorous mammals are endemic to the plateau. The property secures the complete migratory route of the Tibetan antelope, one of the endangered large mammals that are endemic to the plateau.

 China

N35 22 49 E92 26 21

Date of Inscription: 2017

Criteria: (vii)(x)

Property : 3,735,632 ha

Buffer zone: 2,290,904 ha

Ref: 1540

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Western Caucasus

The Western Caucasus, extending over 275,000 ha of the extreme western end of the Caucasus mountains and located 50 km north-east of the Black Sea, is one of the few large mountain areas of Europe that has not experienced significant human impact. Its subalpine and alpine pastures have only been grazed by wild animals, and its extensive tracts of undisturbed mountain forests, extending from the lowlands to the subalpine zone, are unique in Europe. The site has a great diversity of ecosystems, with important endemic plants and wildlife, and is the place of origin and reintroduction of the mountain subspecies of the European bison.

 Russian Federation

Krasnodar Region

N44 0 0 E40 0 0

Date of Inscription: 1999

Criteria: (ix)(x)

Property : 298,903 ha

Ref: 900

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Olympic National Park

Located in the north-west of Washington State, Olympic National Park is renowned for the diversity of its ecosystems. Glacier-clad peaks interspersed with extensive alpine meadows are surrounded by an extensive old growth forest, among which is the best example of intact and protected temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. Eleven major river systems drain the Olympic mountains, offering some of the best habitat for anadromous fish species in the country. The park also includes 100 km of wilderness coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States, and is rich in native and endemic animal and plant species, including critical populations of the endangered northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and bull trout.

 United States of America

State of Washington

N47 44 54 W123 26 56

Date of Inscription: 1981

Criteria: (vii)(ix)

Ref: 151

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst

The variety of formations and the fact that they are concentrated in a restricted area means that the 712 caves currently identified make up a typical temperate-zone karstic system. Because they display an extremely rare combination of tropical and glacial climatic effects, they make it possible to study geological history over tens of millions of years.

 Hungary

 Slovakia

Districts of Rožnava and Spišská Nová Ves, Region of Košice (SK)

N48 28 32.628 E20 29 12.732

Date of Inscription: 1995

Extension: 2000

Minor boundary modification inscribed year: 2008

Criteria: (viii)

Property : 56,650.57 ha

Buffer zone: 86,797.33 ha

Ref: 725ter

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in the south-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 75–1,637 m above sea level and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species. The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.

 Philippines

N6 43 1.81 E126 10 24.35

Date of Inscription: 2014

Criteria: (x)

Property : 16,923.07 ha

Buffer zone: 9,729.77 ha

Ref: 1403rev

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

The contiguous national parks of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho, as well as the Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks, studded with mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and limestone caves, form a striking mountain landscape. The Burgess Shale fossil site, well known for its fossil remains of soft-bodied marine animals, is also found there.

 Canada

Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta

N51 25 29 W116 28 47

Date of Inscription: 1984

Extension: 1990

Criteria: (vii)(viii)

Property : 2,299,104 ha

Ref: 304bis

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Ningaloo Coast

Cape Range National Park

The 604,500 hectare marine and terrestrial property of Ningaloo Coast, on the remote western coast of Australia, includes one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world. On land the site features an extensive karst system and network of underground caves and water courses. Annual gatherings of whale sharks occur at Ningaloo Coast, which is home to numerous marine species, among them a wealth of sea turtles. The terrestrial part of the site features subterranean water bodies with a substantial network of caves, conduits, and groundwater streams. They support a variety of rare species that contribute to the exceptional biodiversity of the marine and terrestrial site

• Bundegi Coastal Park
• Cape Range National Park
• Jurabi Coastal Park
• Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
• Ningaloo Marine Park (State Waters)

 Australia

S22 33 45 E113 48 37

Date of Inscription: 2011

Criteria: (vii)(x)

Property : 705,015 ha 

Ref: 1369

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve

The nature reserve, which is part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, occupies the Scandola peninsula, an impressive, porphyritic rock mass. The vegetation is an outstanding example of scrubland. Seagulls, cormorants and sea eagles can be found there. The clear waters, with their islets and inaccessible caves, host a rich marine life.

 France

Departments of Corse du Sud and Haute Corse, Corsica

N42 19 30.7 E8 37 43.8

Date of Inscription: 1983

Criteria: (vii)(viii)(x)

Property : 11,800 ha 

Ref: 258

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Teide National Park

Situated on the island of Tenerife, Teide National Park features the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano that, at 3,718 m, is the highest peak on Spanish soil. Rising 7,500 m above the ocean floor, it is regarded as the world’s third-tallest volcanic structure and stands in a spectacular environment. The visual impact of the site is all the greater due to atmospheric conditions that create constantly changing textures and tones in the landscape and a ‘sea of clouds’ that forms a visually impressive backdrop to the mountain. Teide is of global importance in providing evidence of the geological processes that underpin the evolution of oceanic islands.

 Spain

Canary Island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

N28 16 17 W16 38 37

Date of Inscription: 2007

Criteria: (vii)(viii)

Property : 18,990 ha 

Buffer zone: 54,128 ha

Ref: 1258

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park lies in the heart of California. With its 'hanging' valleys, many waterfalls, cirque lakes, polished domes, moraines and U-shaped valleys, it provides an excellent overview of all kinds of granite relief fashioned by glaciation. At 600–4,000 m, a great variety of flora and fauna can also be found here.

 United States of America

California

N37 44 46 W119 35 48

Date of Inscription: 1984

Criteria: (vii)(viii)

Property : 308,283 ha 

Ref: 308

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Białowieża Forest

Belarus Postcard of Białowieża Forest

The Białowieża Forest World Heritage site, on the border between Poland and Belarus, is an immense range of primary forest including both conifers and broadleaved trees covering a total area of 141,885 hectares. Situated on the watershed of the Baltic Sea and Black Sea, this transboundary property is exceptional for the opportunities it offers for biodiversity conservation. It is home to the largest population of the property’s iconic species, the European bison.

 Belarus

 Poland

N52 43 39 E23 58 52

Date of Inscription: 1979

Extension: 1992,2014

Criteria: (ix)(x)

Ref: 33ter

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Keoladeo National Park

This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park.

 India

State of Rajasthan, 50 km west of Agra

N27 9 32 E77 30 31

Date of Inscription: 1985

Criteria: (x)

Property : 2,873 ha 

Ref: 340

Source: http://whc.unesco.org

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Nestled high in West Himalaya, India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya, praised by mountaineers and botanists for over a century and in Hindu mythology for much longer.

 India

State of Uttaranchal

N30 43 0.012 E79 40 0.012

Date of Inscription: 1988

Extension: 2005

Criteria: (vii)(x)

Property : 71,783 ha 

Buffer zone: 514,286 ha

Ref: 335bis

Source: http://whc.unesco.org