Assessment and outlook of the global karst World Natural Heritage Sites based on threat intensity

In the era of global social and economic changes, World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHS) face growing threats, especially Karst WNHS with their distinct landform, ecosystems, and geology. Assessing the threat intensity of global karst WNHS is crucial for protecting their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and improving management. This study used the Threat Intensity Coefficient (TIC) to analyze spatio-temporal threat factors for karst WNHS. Results showed there were 31 karst WNHS globally, unevenly distributed, mostly meeting criteria (vii) and (viii). Thirteen factors impact them, with nine human-related. The threat intensity of karst WNHS is rising, particularly in Asia & Pacific (APA), while it is well-controlled in Europe and North America (EUR). Management and institutional factors (F9) pose the highest threat, followed by social/cultural uses of Heritage (F7) and buildings and development (F1). By integrating threat levels with States of Conservation reports, high-threat factors were identified in EUR and APA, highlighting the need for conservation. This research offers valuable insights for protecting global karst heritage.