Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why can exceptional biodiversity help a natural area qualify for UNESCO World Heritage status?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ajanta Caves: reclining Buddha — World Heritage site Reclining Buddha statue, Ajanta Caves, north-central Maharashtra state, India.

A natural area may qualify for UNESCO World Heritage status if it is recognized as having "outstanding universal value" under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.1

Specifically, regarding biodiversity, a site can be designated as a natural heritage site if it serves as a habitat for rare or endangered animals or plants, or if it is a site of exceptional biodiversity. This recognition is vital because such areas often act as critical reservoirs for endemic species and unique biological communities that are irreplaceable.234

By protecting these regions, the international community affirms the ethical principle that humanity has a collective responsibility to preserve the planet's natural heritage and prevent the loss of life-sustaining ecosystems. For instance, several national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as Virunga and Salonga, are listed as World Heritage sites precisely because they shelter broad biodiversity and provide essential habitats for endangered species.143