Home / Environment / IUCN Raises Alarm on Threats to Western Ghats Conservation
IUCN Raises Alarm on Threats to Western Ghats Conservation
15 Oct
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
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.
