What is the IUCN's assessment of the Western Ghats?

The IUCN has classified the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site in India, as an 'area of significant concern' for conservation, indicating that the region's values and key attributes are threatened and showing signs of deterioration.

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IUCN Raises Alarm on Threats to Western Ghats Conservation

Q: What are the main threats to the Western Ghats according to the IUCN report?

The report highlights the impact of climate change, growing tourism, infrastructure development, and the spread of invasive species as the primary threats to this global biodiversity hotspot.

Q: How has the threat of climate change affected natural world heritage sites globally?

The IUCN report warns that 43% of natural world heritage sites now face threats from climate change, up from 33% in 2020.

14 Oct

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Summary

Western Ghats classified as 'area of significant concern' for conservation
Threats include climate change, tourism, infrastructure, and invasive species
43% of natural world heritage sites now face climate change threats

IUCN Raises Alarm on Threats to Western Ghats Conservation

According to a recent IUCN 'World Heritage Outlook' report released on October 11, 2025, the Western Ghats region of India has been classified as an 'area of significant concern' for conservation. This is the second-most vulnerable category among the IUCN's assessment, indicating that the site's values and key attributes are threatened and showing signs of deterioration.

The Western Ghats, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 for its rich biodiversity, now faces a range of challenges. The IUCN report highlights the impact of climate change, growing tourism, infrastructure development, and the spread of invasive species as the primary threats to this global biodiversity hotspot. The report warns that 43% of natural world heritage sites now face threats from climate change, up from 33% in 2020.

IUCN Director-General Dr. Grethel Aguilar emphasized the urgency of protecting these exceptional natural sites, stating, "Protecting world heritage is not just about safeguarding iconic places - it is about preserving the very foundations of life, culture, and identity for people everywhere." The report calls for stronger conservation measures to maintain and restore the Western Ghats' key attributes over the medium to long term.

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