You may have heard about the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in a variety of places all around the planet. If you’re like most people, you may be curious about UNESCO – what it is, what kinds of missions it carries out, and how it aids in conservation efforts.
What is UNESCO?
At the close of World War II, thirty-seven countries came together to found the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. All were looking for ways to reconstruct their educational systems and focus on a culture of peace, establishing the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” to prevent the outbreak of a third world war. In 1951, the Federal Republic of Germany and Japan joined UNESCO, and in 1953, Spain became a member. In the 1960’s, nineteen African states joined, and in 1992, the Russian Federation and twelve former Soviet Republics became members. Palestine became a member in November of 2011, bringing the current number of participating nations to 196.
Working to join people from different cultures and civilizations via dialogue based upon respect for shared values, the organization seeks sustainability, the alleviation of poverty, and the observance of human rights. Together, UNESCO nations seek to attain quality education and lifelong learning for all people, increase scientific knowledge with the goal of creating policies that generate opportunities for sustainable development, and address ethical and social challenges along the way. Information and communication, cultural diversity, and intercultural dialogue are other broad goals the organization hopes to achieve.
UNESCO’s Missions
Over the years, UNESCO’s missions have changed as global priorities and planetary needs have changed. Projects sponsored by the organization include teacher training programs, literacy and technology programs designed to help span the digital divide, and a variety of science programs. Cultural diversity, widespread historical projects, and international cooperation agreements designed to secure the world’s natural and cultural heritage via the creation of World Heritage Sites are key to mission success.
A top UNESCO priority is to focus on finding ways to slow or halt the climate changes that are affecting societies and environments around the world. Public awareness, education, and research are all important to the success of this mission.
How UNESCO Promotes Conservation
One of the most important ways UNESCO is working to promote conservation is by educating young people, particularly those in the world’s poorest nations, about the importance of working together to solve cultural and environmental issues and to create a focus on sustainability and peace. Kids are provided with strategies for building skills that will help them make a successful transition into adulthood; literacy is a key component, as is science education.
With the help of diverse funding agencies, UNESCO is working to increase scientific knowledge with an aim to put an end to the exploitation of nature and unsustainable practices. Several international programs have been put into place; these help people to manage natural resources more effectively.
Biodiversity conservation, oceanographic and geoscience programs, sustainable development, and renewable energy are additional ways that UNESCO promotes planetary preservation. With a focus on interlinked issues that affect us all, the organization works steadily to make the world a better place for all of us.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are currently 936 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; some are cultural heritage sites, some are natural sites, and others are mixed sites with properties that make them suitable for placement on both lists. In order for a site to be considered a World Heritage Site, at least one out of ten selection criteria must be met, and the site under consideration must be one which is of outstanding universal value. Criteria are constantly reevaluated and redefined as the world changes, meaning sites that might not have been considered to be of World Heritage status several years ago now qualify.
In order for a new site to be included on the World Heritage List, it must first be nominated. After nomination and inclusion in the tentative World Heritage list, sites are evaluated on a case by case basis by the World Heritage Committee, which meets annually. Most participating states or nations provide new tentative lists on a regular basis, usually with the help of site managers, local and regional governments and communities, and other interested parties.
Some examples of UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can dive include:
• Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
• The Ningaloo Coast in Australia
• The Lagoons of New Caledonia
• Western Australia’s Shark Bay
• The Belize Barrier Reef System
• Brazil’s Atlantic Islands
• Costa Rica’s Cocos Island National Park
• Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands
• The Gulf of Porto in France
• The Wadden Sea National Parks bordering Germany and Denmark
• Italy’s Aeolian Islands
• The Ogasawara Islands in Japan
• Korea’s Volcanic Jeju Island
• Lake Malawi National Park in Malawi, Africa
• The Marshall Islands and Bikini Atoll
• New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park
• Norway’s Fjords
• Panama’s Coiba Island
• The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines
• Russia’s Lake Baikal
• The Seychelles Aldabra Atoll
• Dorset and the East Devon Coast in the United Kingdom
Each of these diveable World Heritage Sites is notable for its natural beauty, and many of the sites listed are also marine sanctuaries, where wildlife is healthy and abundant. Many areas listed are well off the beaten path and can only be reached by special charter; however, some areas are easily accessed and are popular dive sites.
Some additional sites of interest include the sunken ruins at Alexandria, in Egypt, where you can view part of what is presumed to have been Cleopatra’s Palace, along with the remains of the fabled lighthouse of Alexandria. The underwater city of Port Royal, in Jamaica, is another fascinating set of sunken ruins. UNESCO’s list of underwater cultural heritage sites also includes diving trails in Florida, Australia, Sweden, and Israel.
When diving these sites and others, following the UNESCO Code of Ethics for Divers is an absolute must. Most sites require divers to be accompanied by licensed guides, and the taking of any artifacts or wildlife is strictly prohibited. Touching anything is normally frowned upon, as well – taking photos, on the other hand, is encouraged. By doing our part to protect and preserve these sites, and by taking the opportunity to volunteer whenever possible, we can help ensure they are protected for future generations to enjoy.