Modern Water Management and the Challenges of Climate Change at the World Heritage Property Upper Harz Water Management System

Climate change and financial constraints are increasingly threatening the operational integrity of the UNESCO-listed Upper Harz Water Management System, a centuries-old multifunctional water management marvel. Despite continuous monitoring since its 2010 designation, rising pressures from hydraulic engineering challenges and environmental shifts risk undermining its ability to sustain public services and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study underscores the critical need for adaptive management strategies that balance historic preservation with modern functionality, ensuring the system's resilience while maintaining its role as a cornerstone of regional water governance. Research highlights the dual dependency between World Heritage conservation and effective water management, advocating for integrated approaches to safeguard both heritage assets and essential public infrastructure.

Armenat, M., Bellak, C., & Lange, A. (2025). Modern Water Management and the Challenges of Climate Change at the World Heritage Property Upper Harz Water Management System. Blue Papers, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2025.2.09