Con la ampliación hacia el este y el oeste del sitio Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn, ya inscrito en la Lista del Patrimonio Mundial desde 2001, su superficie ha pasado de 53.900 a 82.400 hectáreas. Este sitio, que constituye un ejemplo excepcional de la formación de los Altos Alpes, comprende la mayor parte de la superficie helada de la cordillera alpina y el mayor glaciar de Eurasia. Posee una amplia variedad de ecosistemas, en particular ejemplos de sucesión vegetal debida al retroceso de los glaciares provocado por el cambio climático. El excepcional valor universal del sitio no sólo estriba en su belleza, sino también en la abundante información que proporciona sobre el cambio climático y la formación de las montañas y los glaciares. También es inestimable porque ilustra, a través de la sucesión vegetal, toda una serie de procesos ecológicos y biológicos. Su impresionante paisaje ha desempeñado un importante papel en el arte, la literatura, el montañismo y el turismo alpino del continente europeo.

Valor universal excepcional en inglés

The Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region is the most glaciated part of the European Alps, containing Europe's largest glacier and a range of classic glacial features, and provides an outstanding record of the geological processes that formed the High Alps. A diverse flora and fauna is represented in a range of habitats, and plant colonization in the wake of retreating glaciers provides an outstanding example of plant succession. Criterion (vii): The impressive landscape within the property has played an important role in European art, literature, mountaineering and alpine tourism. The area is globally recognised as one of the most spectacular mountain regions to visit and its aesthetics have attracted an international following. The impressive north wall of the High Alps, centred on the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, is a superlative scenic feature, complemented on the southern side of the Alpine divide by spectacular peaks and a valley system which supports the two longest glaciers in western Eurasia. Criterion (viii): The property provides an outstanding example of the formation of the High Alps resulting from uplift and compression which began 20-40 million years ago. Within an altitude range from 809 m to 4,274 m, the region displays 400 million-year-old crystalline rocks thrust over younger carbonate rocks due to the northward drift of the African tectonic plate. Added to the dramatic record of the processes of mountain building is a great abundance and diversity of geomorphological features such as U-shaped glacial valleys, cirques, horn peaks, valley glaciers and moraines. This most glaciated part of the Alps contains the Aletsch glacier, the largest and longest in Europe, which is of significant scientific interest in the context of glacial history and ongoing processes, particularly related to climate change. Criterion (ix): Within its altitudinal range and its dry southern/wet northern exposures, the property provides a wide range of alpine and sub-alpine habitats. On the two main substrates of crystalline and carbonate rocks, a variety of ecosystems have evolved without significant human intervention. Superb examples of plant succession exist, including the distinctive upper and lower tree-line of the Aletsch forest. The global phenomenon of climatic change is particularly well-illustrated in the region, as reflected in the varying rates of retreat of the different glaciers, providing new substrates for plant colonization. The property is well managed, with a management strategy and plan in place which have been developed through an exemplary participatory process. Almost all of the property is under some form of legal protection. Key management issues include the potential impact from climate change, the management of tourism, and the need to ensure effective coordination of management responsibility between federal, cantonal and communal levels of government.