The UNESCO Sites Navigator is a comprehensive monitoring tool that visualises verified, georeferenced boundaries of World Heritage properties, Biosphere Reserves, and UNESCO Global Geoparks. It also brings together nearly 40 relevant datasets , supporting enhanced monitoring through remote sensing and providing deeper insights into the sites – be it their values, geographical features, or exposure to risks and pressures.
The UNESCO Sites Navigator provides easy access to official boundaries of UNESCO sites and supports the early identification of potential risks, aiding in the effective monitoring of their state of conservation. By displaying authoritative spatial data for major UNESCO designations on a single interactive map, it is especially valuable for the integrated management of sites with multiple designations.
The platform also features a powerful set of cartographic tools, enabling users to measure distances and areas, annotate and draw directly on the map, import shapefiles, export customised maps, and access pop-up windows with key site information and links to their dedicated webpages.
A standout feature is the automated alert system, offering daily and weekly updates derived from near real-time satellite and geospatial data. These alerts enable rapid situational awareness of potential hazards affecting UNESCO sites, initially focused on World Heritage properties, with plans to expand further. While alerts do not confirm damage, they flag emerging risks such as wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, coral bleaching, or vegetation disturbances.
The UNESCO Sites Navigator fulfils a longstanding need: a unified, publicly accessible online platform that offers trusted geospatial data to support the monitoring, management, and conservation of UNESCO designated sites.
Further development and refinement of the platform are ongoing. Polygons not yet featured either await submission by the relevant States or are still under review or adjustment in coordination between UNESCO and the concerned State(s). Data for each UNESCO designation is managed and updated by their respective secretariats. The Navigator’s interface and tools are also being progressively improved.
If you would like to contact the platform team, please write to wh-gis@unesco.org .
