UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of cultural and natural importance that are listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are designated for having outstanding value to humanity, representing either cultural, historical, or scientific significance. Here's a detailed look into these sites:

History and Purpose

The idea for what would become the UNESCO World Heritage Sites was first suggested in the 1950s, following campaigns to save the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt from being submerged by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This initiative led to the establishment of the World Heritage Convention in 1972. The convention aims to protect heritage from the effects of modernization and natural threats, while also promoting awareness about the need to preserve cultural and natural heritage around the world.

Selection Criteria

Sites are selected based on criteria that reflect their universal value:

• Cultural criteria: These include being a masterpiece of human creative genius, an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural or technological ensemble, or traditional human settlement, etc.
• Natural criteria: These encompass superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance, or outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, etc.

Types of Sites

There are three main types of World Heritage Sites:

• Cultural Sites: Representing monuments, groups of buildings, or sites which illustrate the evolution of human society or significant cultural traditions.
• Natural Sites: Covering natural features consisting of physical and biological formations, geological and physiographical formations, or areas of exceptional natural beauty.
• Mixed Sites: Which fulfill both cultural and natural criteria.

Listing Process

Countries nominate sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List by preparing a Tentative List of potential sites. After review and evaluation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for cultural sites or the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for natural sites, the World Heritage Committee decides on the inscription.

Protection and Management

Once listed, countries are expected to ensure the protection and preservation of these sites. UNESCO provides technical assistance and professional training to help with conservation efforts. However, sites can also face challenges like:

• Urbanization
• Environmental degradation
• Climate change
• Tourism pressures

In some cases, UNESCO may place a site on the List of World Heritage in Danger if it is threatened by serious and specific dangers.

Impact and Influence

The World Heritage designation can significantly boost tourism, bring international recognition, and encourage conservation efforts. However, it also places the onus on host countries to manage these sites responsibly to prevent over-tourism and ensure their preservation for future generations.

Controversies and Criticisms

There have been criticisms regarding:

• Western bias in selection criteria
• The political nature of the listing process
• The effectiveness of UNESCO's intervention in protecting threatened sites

External Links for Further Reading

• UNESCO World Heritage List
• About World Heritage
• IUCN and World Heritage
• ICOMOS Website

Related Topics

• Cultural Heritage
• Biodiversity Conservation
• International Law
• Sustainable Tourism