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FORUM: Environment Commission 1

QUESTION OF: Measures to save UNESCO Natural Heritage sites in danger of natural disasters

SUBMITTED BY: Monaco

CO-SUBMITTERS: African Union, Bulgaria, Egypt, Eritrea, Georgia, Latvia, Lesotho, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Switzerland, Togo, Tonga

THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION,

Noting with concern the insufficient funds and resources available for the conservation of endangered natural heritage sites,

Recognizing the role of local communities in protecting and managing natural sites sustainably,

Emphasizes the need for international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in artificial intelligence (AI) driven conservation efforts, ensuring that AI technologies are accessible to all nations, particularly developing countries with heritage sites in need of urgent protection,

Recalling the 1972 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention, which urges the international community to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage for future generations,

1. Encourages member states to integrate AI-powered technologies for the protection and preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including but not limited to:

1. AI-driven satellite imagery for early detection of environmental degradation and/or natural disasters
2. AI-powered detection systems which would collect changes in humidity, temperature, and other environmental statistics to evaluate and predict the chances of natural disasters near World Heritage Site
3. AI-driven research on the long-term effects of climate change on natural sites
4. incorporating AI technology in pre-existing transboundary conservation agreements, such as the Sendai Framework, for faster execution of AI incorporation plans
5. the use of seismometers paired with AI to better predict and record earthquakes and tectonic plate movement
6. digital twin technology to create virtual replicas of heritage sites for conservation planning;

2. Urges the establishment of an International AI Heritage Protection Task Force (IAIHPTF) under UNESCO, tasked with:

1. providing technical expertise and AI-driven conservation solutions in nations, especially LEDCs, that possess heritage sites, such as the technologies mentioned in clause
2. facilitating partnerships between AI researchers, conservationists, and governments
3. amassing funds through pledges towards voluntary Member States, especially more economically developed nations (MEDCs)
4. creating an open-access database for AI-enhanced heritage site monitoring and data sharing
5. working with tech companies, AI experts, and universities to develop open-source AI models specifically designed for heritage site protection;

3. Recommends increased investment and funding for AI research and development in heritage conservation, through:

1. the expansion of operations of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Fund
2. public-private partnerships with AI tech firms and research institutions
3. encouraging grants and incentives for startups and organizations developing AI-driven conservation tools;

4. Calls upon nations to strengthen legal frameworks and policies to support AI-driven conservation, ensuring ethical AI use and data privacy when implementing AI surveillance and monitoring systems;

5. Requests annual reports from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre on the progress of AI implementation in site protection, assessing effectiveness and improvements needed, with the reports including information such as but not limited to:

1. the positive and negative consequences of AI in this sector, allowing for positive development
2. mentioning the threats posed by natural disasters and if they were accurately predicted in order to protect the natural heritage sights;

6. Invites all Member States to promote AI literacy and capacity building in local conservation efforts by:

1. training local conservationists and heritage site managers in AI tools
2. encouraging international exchange programs for AI and cultural preservation experts
3. encouraging community-based conservation programs enhanced by AI by:

1. promoting AI-based educational campaigns that raise awareness about preservation and natural disasters
2. utilizing AI chatbots and virtual assistants to provide communities with conservation guidelines and real-time alerts.