Nudging to glory: the World Heritage Convention’s influence in conflict-prone Global South natural sites

Abstract

The paper explores the role of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in safeguarding natural and cultural heritage, with a specific focus on sites facing armed conflict. The Convention acts as a global mechanism for the protection and conservation of sites with Outstanding Universal Value. The study investigates the use of ‘soft power’ and ‘nudging’ strategies by the World Heritage Committee to facilitate the restoration of World Heritage Sites facing threats, particularly in the Global South. The analysis is based on the examination of 32 natural sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1984, nine of which are in the Global South and faced with armed conflict. Case studies illustrate how armed conflicts impact biodiversity and the steps taken to recover these sites. The study emphasises the soft power of the World Heritage Convention, backed by diplomatic ties and financial aid, as instrumental in achieving restoration. Nudging is observed in the strategic alignment of choices to encourage conservation efforts. The findings suggest that the World Heritage Committee’s influence extends beyond conservation, contributing to regional development, especially in the Global South. However, challenges persist, and the paper calls for a continuous evolution of the World Heritage Convention’s role in addressing conflicts, development, and climate change to ensure effective global heritage conservation.