UNESCO: Water

Latest issue: World Heritage and Water Issue 59 of World Heritage magazine is dedicated to sites related to water. From a sweeping overview of the role water has played in the course of human evolution, to more detailed explorations of Roman aqueducts, Dutch polders and Persian paradise gardens, discover the fascinating interrelationship between water and humankind. World Heritage n°59 - world heritage: living with water Sunday, May 1, 2011 Water: its role in human evolution World Heritage sites offer a wide spectrum of water elements, from glorious water gardens to spectacular aqueducts, grand transport canals to ingenious water mills. This display of human creativity and ingenuity reveals the brilliance of our common heritage and the potential for future technological advances. By gaining a deeper knowledge of the principles by which societies have managed water resources, we can better discern the optimal strategies for dealing with water scarcity. Issue No. 59 of World Heritage takes a closer look at humanity’s interaction with water over time. Full issue on the e-version You may see the full issue on the e-version in English, in French and in Spanish In Focus World Heritage: living with water World Heritage sites offer a wide spectrum of water elements, from glorious water gardens to spectacular aqueducts, grand transport canals to ingenious water mills. China's World Heritage and water Water is the foundation of the oldest civilizations, like that of China, which has many World Heritage sites related to water. Roman aqueducts: engineering in a cultural context The Roman aqueducts in their cultural context reveal that even something as seemingly straightforward and quantifiable as a public utility is really of a piece with an entire society. Beemster Polder: turning water into land The Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) offers a great example of the reclamation of land from the sea. The Persian paradise garden: its South Asian continuity Thanks to their sophisticated engineering, luxurious artistic design and verdant, flowering abundance, Persian water gardens are appropriately viewed as representations of paradise on Earth. Gough and Henderson: treasure islands in danger Gough and Henderson are sanctuaries of biodiversity, but they are also experiencing severe problems relating to invasive species, and their remoteness makes it difficult to put measures in place. Close-up Niger-Loire: glances exchanged on a common resource The Niger-Loire project supports the development of the communities along the Niger River in Mali through the identification, recognition and valorization of cultural resources and related natural values. Forum Interview Interview with Dr Mohammed El Faïz and Alexander Otte. Advisory Bodies ICCROM: Conservation of the Built Heritage - special World Heritage module on urban conservation; ICOMOS case study: water heritage in dry or arid areas. Conventions World Heritage and water. Preservation First marine site managers' meeting; Sites in Cyprus and Italy granted 'enhanced protection'; Climate change and World Heritage; Religious communities as World Heritage stakeholders; Portuguese Heritage Network; Tragic destruction at Bamiyan-ten years on. In Danger DRC recommits to the protection of its sites in danger; Renovation in the Old City of Jerusalem; Operational activities in Afghanistan; Two rhinos translocated to Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Outreach 2010-2011 World Heritage map; Panasonic World Heritage calendar released in online version; UNWTO supports World Sky Race; Forum UNESCO – University and Heritage (FUUH) receives award; The Case of the Lost World Heritage. You may see the full issue on the e-version: §  English Version §  French Version §  Spanish version See past issues of World Heritage