About

The World Heritage List includes sites that are considered to be of outstanding universal value and are protected for future generations. These sites can be ancient ruins, historic buildings, natural reserves, or entire cities, and they are located all around the world. The concept of World Heritage Sites was established in 1972 to preserve and protect extraordinary places that hold global significance. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee evaluates potential sites based on certain criteria and selects those that meet the requirements for inscription. These criteria cover areas such as cultural or natural value, representation of human creativity, exceptional beauty, or being an outstanding example of a specific era or civilization. The benefits of being inscribed as a World Heritage Site are plentiful. These sites not only gain international recognition and prestige, but also attract tourism, which can provide economic benefits to the local communities and aid in the preservation of the sites themselves. However, being a World Heritage Site also subjects these locations to certain obligations, including the implementation of conservation measures and management plans to ensure their long-term protection. Around the globe, there are over 1,100 World Heritage Sites in more than 160 countries. These sites include iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as lesser-known treasures such as the Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan and the Potosí Silver Mines in Bolivia. The diversity of the World Heritage Sites reflects the breadth and depth of the human experience and the natural wonders of our planet. Despite conservation efforts, many World Heritage Sites face threats such as urbanization, pollution, inappropriate development, and armed conflict. UNESCO works closely with national governments, local communities, and organizations to mitigate these risks and ensure the sites' protection and preservation for future generations. Overall, World Heritage Sites represent the exceptional value of our shared cultural and natural heritage. By recognizing and safeguarding these unique places, we can pass them on to future generations and celebrate the diversity, creativity, and ingenuity of humanity.