Protection of Biocultural Heritage in the Anthropocene: Towards Reconciling Natural, Cultural, Tangible and Intangible Heritage

A groundbreaking approach to heritage conservation, recognizing biocultural heritage and Indigenous rights under the 1972 World Heritage Convention (WHC), can foster environmental justice and address global challenges. The study highlights conflicts in Kenya and Sweden, demonstrating that integrating biocultural perspectives strengthens sustainability efforts. It recommends expanding protection for human-environment relationships and advocates for deeper Indigenous involvement to enhance the WHC's effectiveness as it marks its 50th anniversary. This framework could also contribute to climate change mitigation by safeguarding both cultural and natural heritage.

Bhati, H. V., & Epstein, Y. (2023). Protection of Biocultural Heritage in the Anthropocene: Towards Reconciling Natural, Cultural, Tangible and Intangible Heritage. Journal of Environmental Law, 35(3), 353–375. https://doi.org/10.1093/jel/eqad020