Frequently Asked Questions

A UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of outstanding cultural or natural importance that is considered to have universal value to humanity. These sites are legally protected by international treaties and are considered crucial to the collective interests of global humanity.

As of 2023, there are over 1,150 World Heritage sites across more than 160 countries. These include cultural, natural, and mixed properties, representing humanity's most precious treasures.

Cultural heritage sites are human-made structures or areas of cultural significance, such as monuments, buildings, or cities. Natural heritage sites are natural areas of exceptional beauty or ecological importance, such as national parks, geological formations, or marine areas.

Sites are selected based on their cultural, historical, or natural significance. They must meet at least one of ten selection criteria, which include representing a masterpiece of human creativity, bearing unique testimony to a cultural tradition, or containing exceptional natural phenomena.

There are ten criteria for selection - six cultural and four natural. These include: representing a masterpiece of human creative genius; exhibiting important interchange of human values; bearing unique testimony to a cultural tradition; being an outstanding example of architecture or technology; being an example of traditional human settlement; and containing areas of exceptional natural beauty.

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention can nominate sites within their territories. The nomination process involves extensive documentation, including detailed descriptions, justification for inscription, and management plans.

World Heritage status ensures international protection, conservation support, and regular monitoring. Countries must protect and manage these sites according to UNESCO guidelines and international standards. Sites may also receive financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund.

Yes, sites can be delisted if they lose the characteristics that made them worthy of World Heritage status, or if they're not properly protected and maintained. Sites can also be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger if they face serious threats.

Sites are monitored through periodic reporting by the state parties, reactive monitoring in response to specific threats, and regular evaluations by UNESCO's advisory bodies. This ensures that sites maintain their outstanding universal value and are properly protected.

Most World Heritage sites are open to the public, though access may be restricted in some cases to protect the site. Visitors are expected to follow local guidelines and practice responsible tourism to help preserve these sites for future generations.

You can help by practicing responsible tourism, supporting conservation efforts, spreading awareness about the importance of heritage preservation, and following all site guidelines when visiting. Consider supporting UNESCO's World Heritage Centre through donations or volunteer work.