Online Meeting: Lessons learned from Covid-19 for marine World Heritage protection and community well-being

As Covid-19 has impacted most of the world, the pandemic also caused unprecedented challenges for UNESCO marine World Heritage sites. The dramatic drop in tourism revenues left sites struggling to keep rangers on the payroll, prevent rising illegal activity, continue crucial scientific monitoring or secure food for local communities.

On 10 September, marine World Heritage site managers will have an online meeting to share insights on how they are dealing with the impacts of Covid-19. The meeting will also provide a platform to highlight the challenges and solutions which are being developed at the sites, or share initial lessons learned of sites which have already reopened.

Every two months, UNESCO's World Heritage Marine Programme provides an exclusive online platform where managers from the 50 marine World Heritage sites connect and share ideas around key conservation challenges. Because of their high profile and status as flagship marine protected areas, marine World Heritage sites are uniquely positioned to drive change and innovation, set new global standards in conservation excellence, and serve as beacons of hope in a changing ocean. The online meetings are made possible thanks to the support of the French Biodiversity Agency and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Participation is by invitation only.