Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/29294
Author(s): McCarthy, C.
Sternberg, T.
Hoshino, B.
Banfill, J.
Enkhjargal, E.
Konagaya, Y.
Phillips, S.
Date: 2022
Title: Preserving the Gobi: Identifying potential UNESCO world heritage in Mongolia's Gobi desert
Journal title: Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity
Volume: 15
Number: 4
Pages: 500 - 517
Reference: McCarthy, C., Sternberg, T., Hoshino, B., Banfill, J., Enkhjargal, E., Konagaya, Y., & Phillips, S. (2022). Preserving the Gobi: Identifying potential UNESCO world heritage in Mongolia's Gobi desert. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 15(4), 500-517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2022.08.003
ISSN: 2287-884X
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1016/j.japb.2022.08.003
Keywords: Mongolia
Gobi desert
Desert landscapes
Natural heritage
Cultural heritage
Key biodiversity areas
UNESCO World heritage
SDGs
Abstract: The Gobi Desert, Asia's largest desert, covers roughly 1,300,000 square kilometers across southern Mongolia and northern China. One of the world's most iconic deserts, the Gobi is a functioning, healthy ecosystem home to spectacular landscapes that support an impressive variety of biological diversity, including many rare and endangered species. Human activity in the Gobi has existed for at least 5,000 years and several culturally and historically significant archeological sites have been documented in the region; the Gobi continues to support an ancient and enduring nomadic lifestyle. Prehistoric traces of ancient life are also widespread, making the Gobi a hotspot for fossil discoveries. Despite a wealth of natural and cultural heritage the Gobi Desert in Mongolia lacks any recognition as UNESCO World Heritage. This article explores the natural and cultural heritage of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and using UNESCO's framework for “Outstanding Universal Value,” identifies several sites with exceptional geological, ecological, and ethnological features that we believe meet the criteria for World Heritage status. In the face of looming threats from human interference and climate change, increased recognition and appreciation of Gobi Desert landscapes is crucial to ensure the long-term protection of these irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.
Peerreviewed: yes
Access type: Open Access
Appears in Collections:CEI-RI - Artigos em revista científica internacional com arbitragem científica

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