**Jim Perry**

Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, MN 55108, USA; Jperry@umn.edu

Received: 14 August 2019; Accepted: 30 August 2019; Published: 2 September 2019

**Abstract:** Climate change is a certainty, but the degree and rate of change, as well as impacts of those changes are highly site-specific. Natural World Heritage sites represent a treasure to be managed and sustained for all humankind. Each World Heritage site is so designated on the basis of one or more Outstanding Universal Values. Because climate change impacts are site-specific, adaptation to sustain Universal Values also must be specific. As such, climate change adaptation is a wicked problem, with no clear action strategies available. Further, adaptation resources are limited at every site. Each site managemen<sup>t</sup> team must decide which adaptations are appropriate investments. A triage approach guides that evaluation. Some impacts will be so large and/or uncertain that the highest probability of adaptation success comes from a series of uncertain actions that reduce investment risk. Others will be small, certain, comfortable and ye<sup>t</sup> have low probable impact on the Universal Value. A triage approach guides the managemen<sup>t</sup> team toward highest probable return on investment, involving stakeholders from the surrounding landscape, advancing engagemen<sup>t</sup> and communication, and increasing transparency and accountability.

**Keywords:** risk-based decisions; triage; protected areas; scenario planning
