East Rennell World Heritage Site: misunderstandings, inconsistencies and opportunities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the Pacific Islands

East Rennell World Heritage Site, the first inscribed under natural criteria with customary ownership and management, reveals tensions between conservation goals and the 'beauty pageant' aspects of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention. Community dissatisfaction stems from inconsistencies in inscription requirements, highlighting a disconnect between international heritage standards and local customary practices in Pacific Island states. The study explores these dynamics through a case analysis, emphasizing the need for alignment between global conservation frameworks and traditional land tenure systems.

Smith, A. (2011). East Rennell World Heritage Site: misunderstandings, inconsistencies and opportunities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the Pacific Islands. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 17(6), 592–607. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2011.618253