About the World Heritage Convention

The World Heritage Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and is one of the most widely supported of the United Nations’ conventions, with 186 member countries. It recognises that there are some places on earth so important that their enjoyment and protection is an international responsibility.

Southern Royal albatross

There are currently 878 sites on the World Heritage List; these include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed sites in 145 countries. Places become a World Heritage site because they represent the best examples of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. Some well-known sites include Stonehenge, the Acropolis, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Serengeti.

The World Heritage Committee administers the Convention and is an elected body comprising of 21 nations. State parties may serve on the Committee for a four or six year term. The Committee meets once a year to inscribe new sites onto the World Heritage List, discuss the state of conservation of sites, allocate financial assistance and decide on the inscription or deletion of sites onto the List of World Heritage in Danger.

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