Enlisting UNESCO sites to conserve biodiversity and Indigenous languages in Canada

UNESCO-designated sites in Canada, covering less than 5% of the nation's land area, host over one-fourth of Indigenous languages and nearly 89% of key amphibian, bird, mammal, plant, reptile, and freshwater species. This study reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between linguistic and biological diversity within these sites, suggesting their potential as critical hubs for integrated conservation efforts. While the specific reasons behind this correlation remain unclear, the findings underscore the importance of leveraging UNESCO's global significance to protect both biodiversity and Indigenous languages amid rapid global decline.

Gorenflo, L. J. (2026). Enlisting UNESCO sites to conserve biodiversity and Indigenous languages in Canada. Discover Conservation, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44353-026-00110-1