Land use and land cover analysis of cultural World Heritage to inform assessments of climate vulnerability

A systematic analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) data reveals that 10 out of 11 LULC classes are present within or around 49 cultural UNESCO World Heritage properties in the Indian Subcontinent, with tree cover being the most prevalent. This finding underscores the potential of LULC analysis to enhance climate vulnerability assessments for these sites by identifying high-level environmental classifications that can inform decision-making for climate adaptation. The study demonstrates this approach through case studies at Khangchendzonga National Park and other locations, highlighting how LULC data can complement property values described in Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). While the analysis provides valuable insights into broader environmental contexts, it also acknowledges limitations such as classification accuracy concerns and validation challenges across diverse site types. This work supports a parallel thematic approach aimed at streamlining climate impact assessments for World Heritage properties.

Megarry, W. P., Venkatachalam, T., Day, J. C., Jain, S., & Heron, S. F. (2026). Land use and land cover analysis of cultural World Heritage to inform assessments of climate vulnerability. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 77, 243–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.008