30% of natural heritage sites at risk from mining, oil

摘要

Oil and mining exploration threatens nearly a third of all the natural wonders designated as World Heritage sites, according to a World Wide Fund for Nature report. The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has designated 1,031 heritage sites, 229 of which are set aside for their natural beauty or ecological significance. Up to 70 natural wonders, including most of Africa's 41 natural sites, are being targeted by extraction industries, according to the report compiled by WWF, which is also known as the World Wildlife Fund, and asset managers Aviva Investors and Investec. Calling its estimate conservative, WWF is trying to pressure companies to forsake exploration or risk damage to their reputation, litigation and shareholder divestment.