Preserving Legacies

Important to see the conversation shifting from World Heritage inscription to long-term stewardship.

For transnational sites like The Great Spa Towns of Europe, this work depends on strong international collaboration and shared responsibility.

We’re proud to see our Climate Custodian Chiara Ronchini contributing to this dialogue and to support cross-border capacity building where shared learning is strengthening collective resilience.

The Great Spa Towns of Europe

The Rideau Canal in Canada is often celebrated as an engineering marvel, but it is also a living landscape where cultural and natural heritage intersect.

Today, National Geographic highlights the work of Dr. Grégory Bulté with the support of our Climate Custodian, Cass Stabler who is helping safeguard one of Canada’s most climate-vulnerable reptiles: the Northern Map Turtle.

As climate change alters winter ice conditions, these cold-adapted turtles face new threats, including increased winter predation during freeze–thaw cycles. Through long-term research and innovative monitoring, this work is helping protect a species now listed as of special concern in Canada.

📸 This story is told through the lenses of Michael O. Snyder Photography and Justin Dalaba, whose work goes above and beyond to connect people to place, bridging culture and science to show why this heritage matters.

To read the full story visit Natgeo https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/map-turtles-canada-deaths-investigation

National Geographic Society

On Kerkennah Island, where life has long moved with the tides and charfia fishing has been passed down through generations, the community is taking the lead in protecting its future from the impacts of climate change.

Our Climate Risk & Adaptation Workshop, led by the incredible climate custodians Sana Taktak and Aissa Arous, brought together fishermen and Fisherwomen, youth, artisans, scientists, and local leaders to map climate impacts, preserve heritage, and co-create solutions.

From eroding coastlines and salinized soils to shrinking palm groves and threatened marabouts, participants used science, lived experience, and values to chart adaptation strategies.

By the end of the week, the community signed a shared adaptation charter, committing to safeguard Kerkennah’s land, sea, traditions, and future generations.

📖 Read the full story and journey of resilience here: https://www.heritageadapts.org/post/kerkennah-islands-changing-tides-how-a-community-is-charting-its-future-in-the-face-of-climate-change