Almost a third of all natural World Heritage Sites has the threat of oil, gas and mining exploration hanging over it, according to a new report produced by WWF & Aviva Investors and Investec Asset Management and titled Safeguarding Outstanding Natural Value.

In the report it is highlighted that although these sites cover less than one per cent of the planet, the risk liked to exploitation and consequent damage is huge. Risk must be seen both in terms of animal extinction - some of the rarest and most treasured animals on earth such as mountain gorillas, African elephants, snow leopards, whales and marine turtles live in these areas – and of threat to human communities who depend on World Heritage Sites for their livelihoods.

The damage could be irreversible and the aim of the report is to provide the necessary information to make better decisions and encourage investors and entrepreneurs to do the same as Investec Asset Management's CEO, Hendrik du Toit said: "We support the need for further awareness and clearer disclosure by extractive companies on their exposure to these areas to better inform investment decisions. It will also allow investors, such as ourselves, to engage more effectively with companies and be better placed to address our responsibilities toward our clients who are concerned about this pressing issue."

For further information please visit the WWF website