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

Glacial landscapes, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, face significant threats from rapid glacier retreat due to climate change, potentially undermining their Outstanding Universal Value. A study focusing on the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch property reveals that as glaciers shrink, the geoscientific value of these sites will increasingly depend on preserved glacial landforms like moraine ridges, rather than the glaciers themselves. This shift necessitates enhanced protection for these inherited features to maintain their historical and scientific significance. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of such landscapes may diminish without glaciers, suggesting a transition from traditional glacier tourism to geotourism could help sustain both conservation efforts and public engagement with these evolving landscapes.

Bussard, J., & Reynard, E. (2023). Conservation of World Heritage glacial landscapes in a changing climate: The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch case. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 11(4), 535–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2023.06.003