5th UNESCO World Heritage Marine Managers Conference – Denmark, 2023

Group photo at the 5th UNESCO World Heritage Marine Managers Conference. Photo © Hjortborg Tausen

In October 2023, marine managers from UNESCO World Heritage sites gathered along the Wadden Sea in Esbjerg, Denmark, to discuss critical challenges and solutions in protecting their iconic marine protected areas. Managers shared their experiences eradicating invasive species, engaging local businesses, and building community resilience and global experts offered insights on conservation financing, invasive species, and climate change.

To help UNESCO Marine World Heritage sites prepare for coral bleaching, the Reef Resilience Network facilitated a session to share resources and tools for bleaching response, including the latest science and examples of what other managers around the world are doing to prepare. The Network also facilitated a session to enhance the sharing of science and strategies among sites and beyond to accelerate conservation success around the world.