Location United Kingdom Criteria vii, x Extensions 2004 UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription 1995 | Type Natural Reference 740 Extension 2004 | |
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UNESCO region Europe and North America | ||
Gough and Inaccessible Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the archipelago of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean. It consists of Gough Island (40.32°S 9.94°W / -40.32; -9.94) and Inaccessible Island. (37.30°S 12.68°W / -37.30; -12.68)
The islands are uninhabited apart from the personnel of a weather station. They are Important Bird Areas and Alliance for Zero Extinction sites.
The spectacled petrel is believed to nest only on Inaccessible Island.
History
Gough Island was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1995. In 2004 the site was extended. The marine zone of Gough Island was extended from 3 to 12 miles and Inaccessible Island was included with the surrounding marine zone extending out to 12 miles. The site was renamed Gough and Inaccessible Islands.
The selection criteria for the site do not include its geomorphic interest. However, there has been ongoing discussion of including Gough and Inaccessible Islands in a possible "serial trans-boundary nomination" for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which would include other volcanic sites in the Atlantic.