Water Risks Threaten Heritage
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Global Water Crisis
Iconic World Heritage Sites, such as Victoria Falls, the Pyramids, and the Taj Mahal, face increasing threats from water risks. These dangers include droughts and floods, largely due to climate change. Approximately 73 percent of the 1,172 non-marine World Heritage sites are exposed to at least one severe water risk (IPS News). This means nearly three-quarters of these invaluable locations are vulnerable. Furthermore, about 21 percent of these sites grapple with the dual problem of both too much and too little water (IPS News). This creates complex management challenges. The global share of World Heritage Sites exposed to high-to-extremely high levels of water stress is projected to rise from 40 percent to 44 percent by 2050 (IPS News). Regions like the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia, and northern China are expected to experience far more severe impacts (IPS News). These areas are already vulnerable due to climate change, urbanization, river regulation, and upstream water withdrawals (UNESCO).
Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available supply, leading to shortages (UNESCO). This can be caused by drought, overuse, or pollution. Riverine flooding happens when rivers or streams overflow their banks due to excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or dam failures. Coastal flooding refers to the inundation of coastal areas by seawater. This is often caused by high tides, storm surges, or rising sea levels. Approximately 600 World Heritage sites are highly exposed to water scarcity conditions (UNESCO). This makes water stress or drought the most widespread water-related risk. It threatens nearly half of all properties (UNESCO). The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas provides critical data to track how water risks are evolving globally (UNESCO). This helps governments, site managers, and communities take targeted action. This action is needed before floods, droughts, or water shortages cause irreversible damage (UNESCO).
World Heritage Sites at Risk
73%
of non-marine World Heritage sites exposed to at least one severe water risk.
21%
of sites face both too much and too little water.
44%
projected to face high-to-extremely high water stress by 2050.
Data illustrates the increasing water risks faced by World Heritage Sites. Source: IPS News
Victoria Falls' Water Woes
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has experienced significant droughts despite its reputation for abundant water. This natural wonder was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1989. It was recognized for its vital ecosystem, its essential role in providing livelihoods, and its major draw as a tourism destination (IPS News). However, the site has faced recurring drought over the past decade. At times, it has dried up to barely a trickle (IPS News). Victoria Falls experienced droughts as recently as 2016, 2019, and 2024 (IPS News). Research indicates that the onset of the rainy season, normally in October, is arriving later in the year (IPS News). This prolongs the impacts of drought. While Victoria Falls ranks as a medium drought risk overall, due to low population density and limited human development, the probability of drought occurrence ranks high (IPS News). Climate change is expected to make these droughts more frequent, with longer recovery periods (IPS News). This is particularly concerning for the ecosystem.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is recognized for its special cultural or physical significance (ScienceDirect). The program aims to promote the conservation of natural and cultural sites with outstanding universal value (ScienceDirect). The designation as a World Heritage Site often increases the attractiveness of and visitation to the site (ScienceDirect). The specific consequences of water risks on sites like Victoria Falls and the Taj Mahal extend beyond general ecosystem concerns. For instance, the Taj Mahal faces water scarcity, which increases pollution and depletes groundwater. Both of these factors are damaging the mausoleum (IPS News). In 2022, a massive flood closed Yellowstone National Park. It cost over USD 20 million in infrastructure repairs to reopen (IPS News). River flooding is affecting the desert city of Chan Chan in Peru. The UNESCO site and its surrounding region in La Libertad face an extremely high risk of river flooding (IPS News). By 2050, the population affected by floods each year in an average, non-El Niño year in La Libertad is expected to double from 16,000 to 34,000 (IPS News). This is due to a combination of human activity and climate change.
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions and political commitment are crucial for addressing water risks and protecting World Heritage Sites. The report recommends swift action to restore vital landscapes locally that support healthy, stable water (IPS News). Investment in nature-based solutions, such as planting trees to restore headwater forests or revitalizing wetlands to capture floodwaters and recharge aquifers, is essential (IPS News). Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems. They address societal challenges effectively and adaptively. They also provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits. In the context of water risks, they function by leveraging natural processes to manage water. Examples include restoring wetlands to absorb floodwaters or planting trees to reduce erosion and improve water quality. These approaches help manage water resources sustainably and enhance ecosystem resilience (IntechOpen). This contributes to biodiversity conservation (IntechOpen). Nature-based solutions contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) (IntechOpen). Political commitment is key to implementing these solutions at the scale needed for lasting change (IPS News).
The role and impact of water risks on local populations living near these World Heritage Sites are significant. Vulnerability is defined as “the degree to which a system is likely to experience harm” (Nature.com). The biodiversity-rich Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the sacred city of Chichén Itzá in Mexico, and Morocco’s Medina of Fez are facing growing water risks. These risks are not just endangering the sites. They are also endangering the millions of people who depend on them for food, livelihoods, or a connection to their culture (IPS News). The impact on local communities includes disruptions to traditional ways of life, displacement, and economic hardship. For example, the study of the Konso cultural landscape in Ethiopia used merged satellite-gauge-station rainfall data and observed temperature data. This was combined with qualitative data from cultural leaders, local administrators, and religious leaders (ideas.repec.org). The results showed that the north and northeastern regions of Konso had significant increases in rainfall. However, it was highly variable and erratic, resulting in extreme droughts and floods (ideas.repec.org). This directly affects the local populations' ability to sustain themselves.
Water Risk Impact on Local Populations
Food Security
Water risks disrupt agricultural cycles, leading to food shortages for local communities.
Livelihoods
Dependence on water-dependent activities like farming and fishing is severely impacted.
Cultural Connection
Damage to heritage sites can sever cultural ties and traditions for indigenous populations.
This visualization highlights the multifaceted impact of water risks on communities near World Heritage Sites. Source: IPS News
International Cooperation
International cooperation and policy frameworks are vital for wetland conservation and water resource management. Zimbabwe hosted the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention in Victoria Falls (IPS News). The theme was 'Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future.' The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Its purpose is to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain through international cooperation and national policy. COP15 brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and experts (INBO-News.org). They discussed the future of wetlands and their crucial role in biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development (INBO-News.org). Discussions at COP15 covered key issues such as water management, ecosystem services, nature-based solutions, and international cooperation (INBO-News.org). The meeting took place from July 23 to 31, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Ramsar.org). A survey in Zimbabwe found that 26.72 percent of wetlands are seriously deteriorated (FAO.org). This highlights the urgent need for action. The FAO is supporting the Government of Zimbabwe's efforts to restore damaged wetlands. They also encourage responsible use and support local care for these areas (FAO.org). The importance of transboundary cooperation and nature-based solutions for the preservation and restoration of wetlands was emphasized at COP15 (INBO-News.org).
The concept of sites facing both too much and too little water presents significant management challenges. For example, the Konso cultural landscape in Ethiopia experienced both extreme droughts and floods (ideas.repec.org). Managing such dual risks requires integrated approaches. These approaches include robust water storage solutions for dry periods and effective flood control measures for wet periods. The role of wetlands and other ecosystems in providing services like flood control and water purification is crucial. Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during floods and slowly releasing it during dry spells. They also filter pollutants, improving water quality. Reforestation of riparian zones, which are areas along rivers and streams, helps stabilize banks, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. These natural processes are essential for maintaining healthy water cycles and protecting both natural and cultural heritage sites. The global community must recognize and invest in these natural solutions to build resilience against escalating water risks.
Financial Investment
Significant financial investment and policy reforms are needed to address water risks globally. The World Bank estimates that up to $7 trillion needs to be mobilized by 2030 for global water infrastructure (IPS News). This is to meet water-related SDG commitments and address decades of underinvestment. This investment refers to a broad range of water infrastructure. It includes water supply systems, wastewater treatment facilities, flood control infrastructure, and nature-based infrastructure. Such a large investment is necessary due to aging infrastructure, increasing demand for water, and the impacts of climate change. Climate change leads to more extreme weather events like droughts and floods. It also addresses the need to ensure water security and resilience for growing populations and economies. Currently, nearly 91 percent of annual spending on water comes from the public sector (IPS News). This includes governments and state-owned enterprises. Less than 2 percent is contributed by the private sector (IPS News). The World Bank emphasizes the importance of firm commitment to reforming the water sector. This includes progressive policies, institutions, regulations, and better planning and management of existing capital (IPS News).
Inaction on water risks is more costly than taking action (IPS News). The ecological and cultural worth of World Heritage Sites is priceless. They are often the linchpin of local economies (IPS News). Any closure or damage will send immediate ripple effects through communities (IPS News). Political commitment should take various forms. These include enacting national conservation policies to protect vital landscapes from unsustainable development. It also involves elevating water’s status as a global common good. Furthermore, it means establishing equitable transboundary agreements on sharing water across borders (IPS News). While the political will to invest in nature exists all over the world, these efforts are often piecemeal (IPS News). Globally, the political will at the scale needed to achieve real, lasting change is lacking (IPS News). The reasons for the private sector's minimal contribution to water spending are complex. They include the long payback periods for water infrastructure projects, perceived high risks, and the public good nature of water. Strategies to increase private investment could include blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and policy incentives. These incentives would de-risk investments and ensure fair returns. This would encourage more private capital into the water sector.
Global Water Infrastructure Investment Needed
$7 Trillion
Estimated investment needed by 2030 for global water infrastructure to meet SDG commitments and address underinvestment.
This visualization shows the significant financial investment required for global water infrastructure and the current funding distribution. Source: IPS News
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
