The classification of natural heritage based on four UNESCO World Heritage evaluation criteria.
Overview
Natural World Heritage Classifications
Under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, natural heritage sites must possess 'Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)' to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. To evaluate this value, four natural heritage criteria (vii, viii, ix, x) have been established. Criterion vii focuses on natural beauty and phenomena, viii on landforms and geology, ix on ecosystems, and x on biodiversity. A site must meet at least one of these criteria, along with conditions of integrity and protection, to be inscribed as Natural World Heritage.
UNESCO
World Heritage
Natural Heritage
Evaluation Criteria
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Landform
Geology
| code | slug | name | description | category | focusArea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vii | superlative-natural-phenomena | Superlative Natural Phenomena and Beauty | Criterion for areas containing superlative natural phenomena or exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. | Natural Heritage | Natural Beauty and Phenomena |
| viii | earth-history-geology | Earth History and Geology | Criterion for outstanding examples representing major stages of Earth's history, including the record of life and landform development processes. | Natural Heritage | Landform, Geology, and Earth History |
| ix | ecological-processes | Ecological and Biological Processes | Criterion for outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution of ecosystems and communities. | Natural Heritage | Ecosystems and Biological Processes |
| x | biodiversity-conservation | Biodiversity and Conservation | Criterion for containing the most important natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity. | Natural Heritage | Biodiversity and Threatened Species |