Changing concepts and values in natural heritage conservation: a view from IUCN and UNESCO

Abstract

New directions in natural heritage conservation acknowledge conflicting relationships between societies andtheir environments, and seek to respond to impending global crises due to overconsumption of resources,climate change, and biodiversity extinction. Methodological changes include advancing more holistic,natural-cultural approaches; recognizing the role of governance in successful management strategies;integrating scientific and traditional knowledge in valuation processes through engagement with Indigenouspeoples and local communities; and promoting rights-based approaches. These shifts have significantlyinfluenced the work of international bodies, and thereby helped to institute values-based policies thatconstitute a radically new context for conceiving, evaluating, and prioritizing heritage conservation