Taking action to preserve our Heritage: A Campus to raise youth awareness on the challenges of protecting natural heritage

On the eve of the European Heritage Dayson 21 and 22 September, UNESCO brought together 350 students from schools in the Paris region for a two-hour discussion with four experts on the challenges and issues involved in protecting and preserving natural heritage.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of World Heritage at UNESCO, opened the discussion by presenting students with a broader definition of heritage. He reminded them that heritage is not limited to historical monuments or works of art, but also includes natural elements such as landscapes, geological formations, ecosystems, and habitats of endangered species. Lazare emphasized that "heritage is with us every day," and that it is an integral part of our cultural and collective identity.

Today, through the World Heritage Convention, UNESCO protects more than 1,223 listed sitesworldwide. These sites play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and fostering a better understanding of our planet's evolution, especially in the face of climate challenges.

The students, captivated by these explanations, asked many questions about the concept of heritage, seeking to better understand why it is so vital to protect it. Pauline, a student from Albert Camus Middle School, asked, "What has been UNESCO's greatest effort to protect heritage?"

The Director of World Heritage mentioned major interventions, such as the international mobilization to save the temples in Egypt in the 1950s, as well as the preservation of historic sites in Timbuktu, Venice, and Mosul.

After this first discussion, the participants discussed with Peter Debrine, a specialist in the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Programme,about the impacts of overtourism on natural heritage. The expert explained that, although tourism can play a key economic role, it also poses serious risks to natural sites when visitor flows are not managed responsibly. Places like Mount Fuji in Japan, for example, are particularly threatened by a massive influx of tourists, which damages the environment and endangers biodiversity.
For Peter, the solution lies in educating tourists and raising their awareness of responsible travel. He encouraged the students to think about the way they travel: "Tourism is important, but we have to learn to balance it".

The students asked a wide range of questions about managing overtourism, showing a keen interest in strategies to reduce its impact. Together with Peter, they explored the importance of educating people to preserve natural sites, discussed initiatives to limit the number of visitors to sensitive areas, and highlighted the role of technology in enhancing the visitor experience while protecting ecosystems.

Hélène Le Brun, Associate Project Officer in UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, then spoke about the importance of science and research in understanding and solving today's environmental challenges. She explained that UNESCO is working with scientists and researchers around the world to protect vulnerable ecosystems and restore degraded habitats. She mentioned the Earth Network' project, which sends experts to UNESCO sites to help local communities adopt sustainable practices, such as in Madagascar, where UNESCO is working with communities to monitor fishing activities and protect marine resources using innovative technologies.

The students were very interested in the scientific solutions and raised a series of questions about how science can contribute to reducing biodiversity loss, as well as what they can do as young people. They also talked about the career perspectives involved in protecting the environment.

To round off the morning, Joan de la Malla, a freelance photographer and biologist, shared his work with the students. Through his photographs, he raises public awareness of the fragile beauty of our planet and the need to preserve its natural riches. Joan explained that his aim is to 'tell stories' and capture unique moments that show the interaction between local communities and nature.

The students were particularly curious about the relationship with local people, Joan de la Malla's career and the places that it is essential to safeguard. They questioned the impact of the photographs, and the challenges faced by the photographer working in remote areas. Joan de la Malla emphasized that, although his profession sometimes involves risks, it is crucial to respect nature and local communities.

This event was organized with the support of the Engie Foundationand in collaboration with Children of Heritage.