The new WWF report on the situation of natural World Heritage sites shows an alarming situation: as much as 31% of such protected sites is threatened by exploring for oil, gas and minerals . It is 70 sites on 229 total, of different types, ricomprendenti coral reefs, national parks and nature reserves . The most alarming about growth: 7% more than the 24% recorded last year.
The percentage reported is the result of an average of the various data collected in the five continents, which are separating turns out that Europe and North America provide greater protection, with only 7% of risk, while the worst situation we have in Africa, where we climb even to 61%. One wonders how this can happen, considering that UNESCO, an organization responsible for the preservation of these sites, included in its list of World Heritage Sites, is a UN body and therefore supranational.
sites in question are scattered around the world, but cover just less than 1% of the surface of the planet and have a great value in terms of species and landscapes . The risk are exposed regards the irreparable damage that would lead their exploitation in terms of biodiversity and survival of the species more rare on the planet, such as the mountain gorilla and the African elephants, snow leopards, whales and sea turtles. Not only that, the risk also affects people who are addicted to these places for subsistence. In addition, if these sites and their ecosystems remain intact, said the WWF, would be preserved unique areas that would ensure important benefits long term, related to tourism, the creation of jobs and the promotion and dissemination of culture.
It’s really worth to risk such a rare fortune to try, plus with no guarantee of success, energy resources, that are likely to run out? Wanting to make a balance between the risks, real, and the benefits, potential, which side would tip the needle?
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