Past - Present - Future
The concept of sustainability is over 300 years old. It has its origins in the call for careful handling of wood in mining and smelting. Formulated in 1713 by the Saxon mining chief Hans Carl von Carlowitz as forestry sustainability, the term is now ubiquitously applicable and forward-looking.
According to UNESCO, World Heritage Sites play a significant role in sustainable development and promoting peace and security. All World Heritage sites are required to integrate the sustainability goals. Sustainability is the guiding principle for the development and communication of world heritage sites. Their sustainability strategies should be developed based on the overarching principles of human rights, equality and sustainability through a long-term perspective.
As a World Heritage site, we face the challenges that arise in times of noticeable climate change, loss of biodiversity and scarcity of resources as well as technical and social changes and try to design the solutions sustainably.
Our vision as a World Heritage Site:
By 2030, with climate-neutral and resource-saving operation of our facilities as well as diverse and inclusive educational formats, we will help shape the future of the Harz region and the world based on their history. With an ingenious story for a sustainable future.
Education for sustainable development
We are, among other things, Part of the Young Climate Action project of the German UNESCO Commission and the Institute for Heritage Studies (Link Young Climate Action)
- Programms for school classes:
World Heritage Site Rammelsberg Separation Process
Samson Pit Sustainability The Samson Pit World Heritage site is a nationally recognized location for education for sustainable development (Link)
- Guided Tours that focus on the topic of sustainability:
“How sustainable were the Walkenried monks?” in the Cistercian Museum Walkenried Monastery(Link/ sommer offer)

Sustainable tourism in the World Heritage in the Harz Mountains
- Arrival by public transport, Hatix
- Independent Hikes and bike tours
- Guided tours who focus on the topic of sustainability
- Participation: efforts to ensure barrier-free access to our offerings (simple language, lack of barrier)

Contact
Stiftung UNESCO-Welterbe im Harz
Bergtal 19
38640 Goslar
Phone: +49 5321-750114
Fax: +49 5321-750130
info(at)welterbeimharz.de