Satellite Analysis Uncovers Global Threats to World Heritage Sites
09 Feb 2026
A joint research team led by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) has conducted the first global, integrated assessment of disaster risks and human pressures affecting UNESCO World Heritage sites. The study found that 41% of these sites worldwide are exposed to significant natural hazards. Furthermore, it provides a systematic evaluation of global progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4, which aims to strengthen the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
Published in Science Bulletin, the research applies satellite remote sensing and spatial analysis to monitor 1,199 World Heritage sites across the globe. By combining environmental and socio-economic indicators in a unified framework, the study addresses long-standing gaps in the global monitoring of heritage conservation risks.
World Heritage sites embody outstanding universal value and play an important role in sustainable development. However, they are increasingly affected by climate-related hazards, geological disasters, and intensifying human activities. Traditional monitoring approaches, largely dependent on field surveys and statistical reports, have struggled to capture these rapidly evolving threats at a global scale. Satellite observations, with their broad coverage and high temporal frequency, offer a practical solution.
The research team developed a comprehensive assessment framework that integrates natural disaster susceptibility, night-time light dynamics, and land-cover change within a consistent space–time framework. This approach enables continuous tracking of both natural and anthropogenic pressures and allows for objective comparison across regions and countries.
The results show that 491 World Heritage sites are located in areas with high exposure to natural hazards, a substantially higher proportion than previously reported. Focusing on 229 high-risk cultural sites, the researchers analyzed high-resolution optical imagery and night-time light data from 2015 to 2020 to quantify changes in land use and human activity. The findings reveal pronounced regional differences, with some areas demonstrating improved protection outcomes, while others face increasing pressure associated with rapid economic development.
At the national level, the study introduces a joint percentile evaluation model to assess progress toward SDG 11.4 among UNESCO member states. The analysis indicates that 32.10% of countries are on track or close to achieving the 2030 target, whereas 54.32% face significant challenges, and 13.58% are confronted with extremely difficult conditions in safeguarding their heritage assets.
The study highlights the growing potential of remote sensing and artificial intelligence to support heritage conservation and sustainable development. By enabling timely identification of risks and objective evaluation of management outcomes, satellite-based monitoring can inform policy decisions and guide targeted protection measures.
The researchers emphasize that strengthening international cooperation and integrating scientific monitoring with heritage governance will be critical to safeguarding World Heritage sites in the face of escalating environmental and socio-economic pressures.
Research News
Satellite Analysis Uncovers Global Threats to World Heritage Sites
A joint research team led by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) has conducted the first global, integrated assessment of disaster risks and human pressures affecting UNESCO World Heritage sites. The study found that 41% of these sites worldwide are exposed to significant natural hazards. Furthermore, it provides a systematic evaluation of global progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4, which aims to strengthen the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
Published in Science Bulletin, the research applies satellite remote sensing and spatial analysis to monitor 1,199 World Heritage sites across the globe. By combining environmental and socio-economic indicators in a unified framework, the study addresses long-standing gaps in the global monitoring of heritage conservation risks.
World Heritage sites embody outstanding universal value and play an important role in sustainable development. However, they are increasingly affected by climate-related hazards, geological disasters, and intensifying human activities. Traditional monitoring approaches, largely dependent on field surveys and statistical reports, have struggled to capture these rapidly evolving threats at a global scale. Satellite observations, with their broad coverage and high temporal frequency, offer a practical solution.
The research team developed a comprehensive assessment framework that integrates natural disaster susceptibility, night-time light dynamics, and land-cover change within a consistent space–time framework. This approach enables continuous tracking of both natural and anthropogenic pressures and allows for objective comparison across regions and countries.
The results show that 491 World Heritage sites are located in areas with high exposure to natural hazards, a substantially higher proportion than previously reported. Focusing on 229 high-risk cultural sites, the researchers analyzed high-resolution optical imagery and night-time light data from 2015 to 2020 to quantify changes in land use and human activity. The findings reveal pronounced regional differences, with some areas demonstrating improved protection outcomes, while others face increasing pressure associated with rapid economic development.
At the national level, the study introduces a joint percentile evaluation model to assess progress toward SDG 11.4 among UNESCO member states. The analysis indicates that 32.10% of countries are on track or close to achieving the 2030 target, whereas 54.32% face significant challenges, and 13.58% are confronted with extremely difficult conditions in safeguarding their heritage assets.
The study highlights the growing potential of remote sensing and artificial intelligence to support heritage conservation and sustainable development. By enabling timely identification of risks and objective evaluation of management outcomes, satellite-based monitoring can inform policy decisions and guide targeted protection measures.
The researchers emphasize that strengthening international cooperation and integrating scientific monitoring with heritage governance will be critical to safeguarding World Heritage sites in the face of escalating environmental and socio-economic pressures.