The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has called for a mining ban across all world heritage sites. The leading conservation group is an advisor body to the UNESCO on natural sites.
IUCN say is time that oil and gas projects did not cause damage to these sites. The rising number of cases where mining projects are threatening the heritage sites has caused widespread concern amongst the environmental groups in the world.
Tim Badman the director of IUCN’s world heritage program said that these sites covered less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. Mr Badman said that they had been given their status due to the outstanding value that these sites provided. He added that it was the duty of every one of us to co-operate in their protection and conservation.
As per the IUCN one out of four iconic natural areas in the African continent is already negatively impacted by oil and gas mining projects. Tim Badman said that the mining, oil and gas industries, as well as governments who license mineral extraction, should follow the example of business leaders who have already committed not to undertake mining and oil/gas projects within World Heritage sites.
Companies like Shell, JP Morgan and the International Council on Mining and Metals have recognized the importance of conserving the World Heritage Sites. They have committed to bring together the world major mining companies and ensuring that no damaging activities take place on these sites.