UNESCO Sites Shown to Be Powerful Testbeds for Climate Action

A new evaluation by the UK National Commission for UNESCO has revealed just how important UNESCO-designated sites are when it comes to tackling climate change. The study highlights that these places act as “living laboratories” - real-world spaces where partners can trial new ways of caring for both cultural and natural heritage in a changing climate and world spaces where partners can trial new ways of caring for both cultural and natural heritage in a changing climate.  

The £1.8 million Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage Project brought together three UK sites: Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark. Over 18 months, they tested fresh approaches to climate adaptation, governance, and community involvement. The programme focused on how local data and partnerships can strengthen resilience on the ground.  

One of the most exciting achievements was the development of new opensource data tools. These included shared catalogues and dashboards designed to make climate and environmental information easier for communities and decision makers to use. The project also helped break down longstanding barriers to data sharing by creating FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) digital resources.  

Community engagement played a big part too. Over 600 voices were heard through the FutureScapes model, giving those who live and work in these landscapes a real say in shaping climate solutions. The evaluation makes it clear that this kind of place-based, joined up working - where heritage experts, land managers, cultural organisations, and residents come together - is what makes UNESCO sites so effective. up working 

For the Isle of Man, this research reinforces the strength of our own UNESCO Biosphere status. The findings show that Biosphere designations have successful frameworks that help places bring people, culture, and nature together, in a local response to global challenges.  

Read the full report here.