Report on Water Risk to Non-Marine UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Overview

A recent analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI), utilizing Aqueduct data—a comprehensive water risk atlas—reveals that 73% of all non-marine UNESCO World Heritage Sites face at least one severe water-related risk. These risks include water stress, drought, river flooding, and coastal flooding. Notably, 21% of these sites experience dual water challenges, such as excessive water in one year and scarcity in another.

Key Findings

1. Water Stress and Drought: Approximately 40% of UNESCO sites are affected by water stress and drought risks.
2. Riverine Flood Risk: 33% of sites face threats from river flooding.
3. Coastal Flood Risk: 4% of sites are vulnerable to coastal flooding.
4. Dual Water Risks: 21% of sites suffer from both excess and scarcity of water in different periods.

Sites at Severe Risk in India and Globally

• India: Several prominent sites including the Taj Mahal, Kaziranga National Park, Western Ghats, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, and Great Living Chola Temples are identified as facing severe water risks.
• Global Icons: Other globally significant sites at risk include Angkor, Yellowstone National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, and Sagarmatha National Park (Mount Everest).
• Examples of Specific Risks:
  • Sun Temple in Konark, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles in Mumbai, churches and convents of Goa, and Western Ghats are at extremely high risk of riverine flooding.
  • Drought risk is high for Qutub Minar, Keoladeo National Park, Rani ki Vav stepwell in Gujarat, and Chola temples in Mahabalipuram.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings have significant implications for multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The water scarcity and pollution impacting sites like the Taj Mahal highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Protecting cultural heritage sites from water risks supports resilient and sustainable urban development.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The intensification of water stress due to climate change necessitates urgent mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Conservation of natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, is critical to maintaining water stability and biodiversity.

Case Study: The Ahwar of Southern Iraq

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq, a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its natural and cultural values, faces acute water stress. Fed by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, this large inland delta system supports diverse wildlife including migratory birds and wild buffalo. However, upstream dam construction, agricultural water use, and political instability have significantly reduced freshwater inflows, increasing vulnerability during drought periods.

Projected Trends and Regional Vulnerabilities

• The global proportion of World Heritage Sites exposed to high or extremely high water stress is expected to increase from 40% to 44% by 2050.
• Regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, parts of South Asia, and northern China are projected to experience more severe impacts due to existing water stress compounded by infrastructure development and climate change.
• Sites like Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), and Medina of Fez (Morocco) are also facing escalating water risks.

Recommendations for Mitigation and Adaptation

WRI water experts recommend a range of actions aligned with SDGs to build resilience and protect these heritage sites:

1. Restoration of Vital Landscapes: Protecting and restoring headwater forests and wetlands to stabilize water supplies.
2. Nature-Based Solutions: Implementing tree planting and wetland revitalization to capture floodwaters and recharge aquifers.
3. Policy Measures: Enacting conservation policies to prevent unsustainable development and safeguard water resources.
4. Integrated Water Management: Addressing multiple water challenges simultaneously to support ecosystems, cultural heritage, and local economies.

Conclusion

The WRI report underscores the critical intersection of water security and heritage conservation, emphasizing that safeguarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites from water risks is essential for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals. Proactive, integrated approaches involving restoration, policy, and climate action are vital to preserving these irreplaceable cultural and natural treasures for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses extensively on water risks such as water stress, drought, river flooding, and coastal flooding affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
   • It highlights issues of water scarcity, pollution, and groundwater depletion, which are central to SDG 6.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the impact of water risks on cultural heritage sites, including urban ensembles like Victorian gothic and art deco buildings in Mumbai and churches in Goa.
   • Protecting cultural heritage and ensuring sustainable urban environments are key aspects of SDG 11.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions climate change exacerbating water stress and flooding risks, affecting ecosystems and cultural sites.
   • It calls for resilience building and nature-based solutions to address extreme weather events.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article references the impact on natural ecosystems such as national parks and inland delta systems, emphasizing biodiversity conservation.
   • It highlights the importance of protecting vital landscapes and ecosystems that support water stability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
   • 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency to ensure sustainable water withdrawals and supply.
   • 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems such as wetlands and rivers.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
4. SDG 15 Targets
   • 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Water Stress and Risk Indicators
   • Percentage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites exposed to severe water risks (water stress, drought, river flooding, coastal flooding).
   • Proportion of sites facing dual water problems (too much water one year, too little another year).
   • Projected increase in global share of sites exposed to high to extremely high water stress by 2050 (from 40% to 44%).
2. Water Quality and Pollution Indicators
   • Levels of groundwater depletion and pollution impacting heritage sites like the Taj Mahal.
3. Flood and Drought Impact Indicators
   • Incidence and economic cost of flooding events (e.g., Yellowstone National Park flood causing $20 million in infrastructure repairs).
   • Frequency and severity of drought risk at specific sites (e.g., Qutub Minar, Keoladeo National Park).
4. Ecological and Biodiversity Indicators
   • Status of freshwater inflows and ecosystem health in areas like the Ahwar of Southern Iraq.
   • Population and habitat conditions of migratory birds and wildlife dependent on water ecosystems.
5. Resilience and Restoration Indicators
   • Implementation of nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland revitalization, and conservation policies.
   • Extent of restored landscapes supporting water stability and flood control.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hindustantimes.com