By Joel Dalberger, CEO World Heritage Institute
November 29 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Greater Blue Mountains Area's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The entire world heritage area spans over one million hectares with a vast expanse of sandstone plateaux, escarpments and gorges dominated by temperate eucalypt forests. The area includes eight protected regions of National Parks: Blue Mountains, Wollemi, Yengo, Nattai, Kanangra-Boyd, Gardens of Stone, Thirlmere Lakes and the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve.
The UNESCO listing in 2000 recognised the area's outstanding universal value under natural criteria (ix) and (x), highlighting its exceptional biodiversity and ongoing ecological processes. Notably, the region showcases the evolutionary adaptation and diversification of eucalypts, with 91 species occurring within its bounds. It also provides critical habitats for rare and threatened species, including the Wollemi pine, a ‘living fossil’ dating back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Beyond its ecological significance, the Greater Blue Mountains hold profound cultural importance. The area is home to six Aboriginal groups, with deep connections to the land reflected in Dreaming stories and rock art. Sites like the Three Sisters rock formation are not only geological wonders but also carry rich First Nations and Aboriginal stories of Country and cultural heritage.
To commemorate this milestone, a series of events are planned throughout 2025. The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute has launched the ‘25 Years of World Heritage’ program, aiming to celebrate, reflect, and inspire action towards conservation.
A highlight event is the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Symposium 2025, bringing together conservation experts, traditional custodians, decision makers, researchers, on ground practitioners and the local community to shape the future of conservation and management in the region.
As we celebrate this important occasion, it's essential to recognise the ongoing challenges facing the Greater Blue Mountains. Threats such as invasive species, climate change, and development pressures necessitate continued vigilance and proactive conservation efforts.
The area's World Heritage status not only acknowledges its global significance but also underscores our collective responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the region's rich natural and cultural heritage. From exploring the ancient Jenolan Caves to hiking through the Blue Gum Forest, there are countless opportunities to connect with this remarkable landscape. Educational programs and guided tours offer deeper insights into the area's unique biodiversity and Indigenous history.
As we look ahead, the 25th anniversary serves as both a celebration and a call to action. By understanding, connecting with, and protecting the Greater Blue Mountains, we ensure that this extraordinary region continues to inspire and thrive for generations to come.
For more information on anniversary events and how to get involved, visit the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute.
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