World Heritage celebrates World Oceans Day!

Over 1,000 new species have been discovered at marine sites since their inscription on the World Heritage List. This data has been compiled in UNESCO’s global marine biodiversity data portal Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). The 1972 World Heritage Convention protects 46 marine sites in recognition of their exceptional natural phenomena, their geological processes, ecological functioning and/or outstanding biodiversity found nowhere else on the planet.

World Oceans Day is 8 June, and this year’s theme “Together we have the power to protect the ocean” reflects the spirit of the World Heritage Convention to protect the exceptional marine sites that are inscribed on the World Heritage List. The theme inspired the World Heritage Centre to join up with OBIS and unveil some these hidden wonders. Over 70% of our planet is ocean, and a vast amount of our heritage is located in marine areas. Join us in our mission today so these Crown Jewels will still be there tomorrow…

Discover few examples of these new species!