UNESCO sites and their role in shaping climate-ready learners

UNESCO unique network of designated sites plays a vital role in building resilience to climate change and reconnecting people with nature.

The network includes 1,223 World Heritage sites, 759 biosphere reserves, 213 global geoparks, 51 ecohydrology demonstration sites and 113 water museums across the world.

These sites span a total area of 10 million km2, roughly 6% of the earth’s surface. Some 300 million people, including many indigenous communities, live within these sites. 

These UNESCO sites are crucial in addressing global crises such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, which threaten current and future generations. Through hands-on learning experiences and place-based learning by doing, the sites provide valuable opportunities for climate and ocean literacy, as well as environmental values and skills. Through this awareness, learners are empowered to adopt sustainable practices that consider environmental, economic and social factors.