The Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, brings together the concepts of nature preservation and cultural properties conservation.
The World Heritage’s concept is based upon its universal application: irrespective of the territory on which they are located World Heritage sites have a "outstanding universal value" thus belong to all peoples of the world.
Furthermore the idea of "cultural good" relates to manmade properties but also to natural beauties and highlights the need for a balanced interaction between man and nature.
By joining hands to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage the States Parties to the Convention express a shared commitment to preserve our legacy for future generations.
WHC’s main Bodies
The General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention elects the members of the World Heritage Committee.
In compliance with the Convention, State parties finance the World Heritage Fund by means of assessed contributions (presently, 1% of their contributions to UNESCO’s regular budget). The Fund provides technical and vocational assistance to developing countries who request it.
The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, between June and July. It consists of 21 members elected by the General Assembly, for a term of four years.
Its essential functions are to:
• identify the cultural and natural properties of global value to be included in the World Heritage list;
• examine the state of conservation of properties inscribed in the world heritage list through monitoring activities and periodic reports;
• decide on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger;
• decide on the deletion of properties from the World Heritage List;
• define how to allocate the World Heritage Fund’s resources;
• examine and periodically evaluate how the Convention is implemented;
• develop a global strategy for the World Heritage List.
