A systematic approach for defining thematic groups of World Heritage properties to support the strategic management of threats

UNESCO World Heritage properties are the Earth's most exceptional places, significant for natural and/or cultural heritage. The values for which they are internationally recognised are impacted by various threats, the foremost of which is climate change. Responding to this global-scale threat is confounded by the vast number and diverse types of properties. Here, we address this by creating a novel methodology to thematically classify World Heritage properties by their shared values and attributes. We applied the methodology in a case study for natural properties of the Africa region using two standardised sources of information (the foundational World Heritage inscription and IUCN's World Heritage Outlook report). The methodology is systematic, repeatable and rapid; is applicable to other groups of properties; and is adaptable for cultural heritage analyses. Use of this methodology can promote strategic networking amongst World Heritage property managers and enable the selection and further analysis of thematically-representative properties. These actions can enable more efficient and effective management responses in the face of climate change