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KNOWLEDGE, PLACE AND PEOPLE
Science & Heritage
Begin with World Heritage significance and human origins, then explore fossil discoveries, research sites, publications and data, education, living heritage, conservation and research access.
World Heritage Significance
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a 52,000-hectare cultural landscape whose fossil-bearing caves preserve an exceptional record of human evolution. Its scientific value is the foundation of the destination and must remain protected and clearly communicated.
Human Origins
The fossil record of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site helps people explore the long story of human evolution in Africa. The evidence is interpreted through continuing research, so scientific names, dates and conclusions should be presented with care.
Fossil Discoveries
Fossils from the World Heritage Site provide evidence for understanding human evolution. Each discovery gains meaning through its geological setting, careful excavation, analysis and comparison with other evidence.
Research Sites
Hundreds of fossil-bearing caves occur across the World Heritage Site. Together they preserve some of the most important records of human evolution, while access conditions vary because research, conservation and visitor use have different requirements.
Publications & Data
Explore research outputs that help explain the fossils, archaeology, environments and conservation of the World Heritage Site. Publications and datasets remain connected to the institutions and repositories responsible for them.
Education
The fossil landscape supports learning about deep time, evolution, evidence and the relationship between people and place. Education content should make complex ideas understandable without weakening scientific accuracy.
Living Heritage
The World Heritage Site is both a scientific landscape and a place of living communities, creativity and memory. Culture and craft connect the long history of the landscape with contemporary makers, stories and experiences.
Conservation
The scientific value of the World Heritage Site depends on protecting its caves, fossil context and wider landscape. Conservation supports research, responsible visitation and the long-term care of the evidence held in place.
Research Access
The World Heritage Site is an important destination for the scientific research community. Access must protect the sites and collections, support responsible research and route each request through the authority that owns the relevant site, record or collection.
Request Research Access
Tell the team which site, collection or record you want to study, your institution and the purpose of your research. Your enquiry can then be directed to the responsible authority.
1
Describe your research
Identify your institution, research purpose and the material or location relevant to your enquiry.
2
Send an enquiry
Provide enough detail for the team to identify the responsible site, collection or records authority.
3
Coordinate access
The responsible authority will advise on requirements, timing and available support.
Ready to visit?
Check visitor information, plan your route, or get in touch with the relevant attraction.
CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A 52,000-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site — the richest hominin fossil record on Earth.
26°0′S · 27°44′E
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