WWF: Development Threatens Almost Half of World Heritage Sites

Almost half of 229 world heritage sites around the world face dangers from development, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The Wildlife Fund says the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is under danger from mining and shipping, and Machu Picchu in Peru is threatened by logging.

Other endangered sites are the Everglades in the U.S. and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands.

Out of 229 World Heritage sites in 96 countries, 114 sites face "significant threats to their unique values, putting the livelihoods and well-being of people who depend on them at risk."

Threats include oil and gas development, illegal logging, overfishing and other industrial activities.

The report says the sites are "iconic symbols of conservation." UNESCO designates the sites based on "outstanding value to humanity."

"Conserving the environment does not hurt economic opportunities," said Roberto Troya, WWF director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The report said over eleven million people's livelihoods depend on the heritage sites and over 90 percent of the sites provide jobs to nearby economies.

The wildlife fund supports UNESCO's call for recognition of "protected areas" where development will not be allowed.

"We're not opposing development," said Marco Lambertini, WWF International general director, reported Fortune. "We're opposing badly planned development."

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