Conservation Value of World Natural Heritage Sites’ Outstanding Universal Value via Multiple Techniques—Bogda, Xinjiang Tianshan

Abstract

The protection of World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHSs) has become a global undertaking, wherein Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is an important aspect of heritage protection. Focusing on the protection of the aesthetic and bioecological values of Bogda (one component of Xinjiang Tianshan WNHS), 17 indicators are selected to construct a Heritage Value Protection Significance Index (HVPSI) and a related Heritage Value Protection Index (HVI). From these, the level of OUV conservation is obtained according to the five aspects of integrity, vulnerability, sensitivity, degree of human impact and environmental factors. The spatial autocorrelation analysis method was applied to the OUV conservation indices to comprehensively reflect the spatial-pattern characteristics of the heritage value in the study area. According to the spatial-division of the HVPSI, the plant community composition and diversity characteristics of different HVPSI zones are analyzed by a field survey (July 2018 and 2019). To verify the rationality of space partition and identify the OUV elements in each HVPSI district, a spatial-econometric model is then used to explore the relationship among HVPSI, HVI and community diversity. This study provides a scientific basis for management of heritage sites and a theoretical basis for further investigation into heritage site indicators. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5953 2 of 27examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals [bioecology]; and (x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation [habitat standards] [3]. Since the adoption of the 'Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on November 16, 1972, many countries have actively attempted to protect their cultural and natural heritage through declaration of world heritage sites [2]. To qualify as a WNHS, a heritage site must contribute Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). OUV is defined as 'cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity' [3]. Acknowledging and satisfying the requirements of OUV is an important part of heritage conservation and at the core of the standards of heritage value. The refinement of a WNHS's OUV standards is a key aspect in the declaration and protection of WNHSs. Furthermore, refining OUV requirements has important scientific and practical significance in the formulation of relevant protection and management policies [4].To define OUV, scholars have compared and analyzed the multiple values of landscapes, ecology, science, technology, ec...

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“…Samples from a total of 47 plots were collected. Next, as per previous studies [63][64][65][66], the EHA results were verified based on the vegetation coverage, diversity, richness, and evenness of the field vegetation. We used Spearman rank correlation coefficient to elucidate the relationship between the EHA results and the biodiversity of the field vegetation, with the aim of determining the accuracy of the EHA results.…”

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Ecological Environment Assessment in World Natural Heritage Site Based on Remote-Sensing Data. A Case Study from the Bayinbuluke

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“…In the spatial correlation test, if the spatial lag model Lagrange multiplier test statistic LMLAG and spatial error LMERROR are not significant, then the OLS regression were selected. If LMLAG is more significant than the spatial error LMERROR, the SLM is selected, otherwise, the SEM is selected [47,55].…”

Ecological Vulnerability of Tourism Scenic Spots: Based on Remote Sensing Ecological Index

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