Conservation of World Heritage glacial landscapes in a changing climate: The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch case

Glacial landscapes inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as those in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, face significant threats from climate change due to rapid glacier retreat. This study reveals that the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of these sites—particularly their aesthetic and geoheritage values—could be diminished or altered if glaciers disappear entirely. Using a Past-Present-Future framework, researchers analyzed two sites within Jungfrau-Aletsch: the Great Aletsch Glacier and the Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley. They found that while current glaciological processes contribute to geoheritage value (criterion viii), inherited glacial landforms will gain prominence in a post-glacial future. However, these landforms are fragile and non-renewable, necessitating their protection. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of glacial landscapes may decline, suggesting a potential shift from glacier tourism toward geotourism to emphasize landscape evolution understanding.

Bussard, J., & Reynard, E. (2025). Conservation of World Heritage glacial landscapes in a changing climate: The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch case. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16650