Separating natural and cultural heritage: an outdated approach?

A rigid separation between natural and cultural heritage protection within UNESCO World Heritage Sites may hinder comprehensive conservation efforts. Using the Greater Blue Mountains Area (GBMWHA) as a case study, researchers argue that the current binary approach—where cultural assets fall short of 'outstanding universal value'—leads to protection gaps, even in sites with significant cultural significance. The study highlights a development proposal for a storage dam wall within the GBMWHA, which threatens both natural and cultural heritage features. It advocates for a more integrated, holistic framework akin to cultural landscapes, challenging the outdated nature/culture dichotomy that limits effective conservation strategies.

Koch, E., & Gillespie, J. (2022). Separating natural and cultural heritage: an outdated approach? Australian Geographer, 53(2), 167–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049182.2022.2069480