New Delhi: In a significant international recognition for India’s forest services, 1991-batch Haryana-cadre Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Dr Vivek Saxena has been selected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a desk reviewer for UNESCO World Heritage nominations for the 2027 inscription cycle.
The prestigious assignment places Dr Saxena among the independent scientific experts responsible for evaluating natural heritage sites nominated by countries seeking inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. He is believed to be the first IFS officer from the Haryana cadre to be entrusted with this role.
Key Role in UNESCO World Heritage Evaluation
Before forests, national parks, wildlife reserves and other natural landscapes receive UNESCO World Heritage status, every nomination undergoes a rigorous scientific and technical assessment.
As an advisory body to UNESCO on natural heritage, the IUCN appoints independent experts to review nomination dossiers submitted by member countries. Their assessments form a crucial part of the decision-making process before the UNESCO World Heritage Committee takes a final call on whether a site qualifies for inscription.
As a desk reviewer, Dr Saxena will evaluate nomination dossiers submitted by countries other than India. The identities of these countries remain confidential under UNESCO’s review protocol.
Explaining the process, Dr Saxena said the review focuses on determining whether a nominated site satisfies UNESCO’s criteria for Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and whether it has adequate legal protection, conservation mechanisms and long-term management plans.
“The reviewer independently examines whether a nominated site meets UNESCO’s criteria for Outstanding Universal Value and whether it has adequate protection and management measures in place. Reviewers do not assess nominations from their own country,” he said.
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What Does a UNESCO Desk Reviewer Do?
A desk reviewer plays a critical role in maintaining the credibility of UNESCO’s World Heritage programme by providing an impartial scientific assessment of nominated sites.
The review includes examining:
- Whether the site possesses Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
- The effectiveness of its legal protection and conservation framework.
- Existing management and monitoring mechanisms.
- Long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.
The IUCN’s technical recommendations are among the most influential inputs considered by the World Heritage Committee before granting World Heritage status.
A Distinguished Career in Environmental Conservation
Dr Vivek Saxena retires on July 31 after an illustrious 34-year career in the Haryana Forest Department marked by significant contributions to biodiversity conservation, climate action and environmental governance.
Over the years, he has represented India in several prestigious international environmental platforms and has played an important role in shaping conservation policies at both national and global levels.
International Recognition and Leadership
Dr Saxena’s professional journey reflects a blend of field administration, scientific research and international policy engagement.
Among his major achievements are:
- Selected by IUCN as a desk reviewer for UNESCO World Heritage nominations.
- Served as India’s National Coordinator for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Worked as a Lead Author for the 2018 IPBES Global Assessment on Land Degradation and Restoration, one of the world’s most influential reports on ecosystem degradation.
- Deputed as the Country Representative of IUCN, where he supervised major biodiversity conservation and climate resilience projects.
Key Administrative Roles in India
Apart from his international assignments, Dr Saxena has held several important positions in India’s forestry administration.
These include:
- Deputy Director General of Forests (Central) at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Lucknow.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Haryana State CAMPA, overseeing afforestation and forest conservation programmes.
- Multiple leadership roles within the Haryana Forest Department, contributing to wildlife conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable forest management.
Recognition for Indian Forest Service
Dr Saxena’s selection underscores the growing international recognition of Indian forestry professionals and their expertise in biodiversity conservation, protected area management and environmental governance.
His appointment also highlights India’s expanding contribution to global conservation initiatives, particularly in the assessment and protection of ecologically significant natural landscapes.
With decades of experience spanning field administration, international environmental diplomacy and scientific research, Dr Vivek Saxena will now contribute to one of UNESCO’s most important conservation processes—helping evaluate natural sites of exceptional global significance before they earn the coveted World Heritage status.
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