Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

General Information

Category

Sub category

Groups

What is it about?

State Parties to this Convention are eligible to participate in the “World Heritage List” as well as benefit from the “World Heritage Fund”. Every State Party to this Convention must submit to the World Heritage Committee an inventory of property forming part of the cultural and natural heritage, situated in its territory. This inventory includes documentation about the location of the property in question and its significance. After review, the Committee may choose a site, where it can then benefit from international assistance for preservation and renovation under the World Heritage Fund. The latter is a trust fund in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Why is it relevant?

By protecting their national and cultural property, States may preserve their heritage. They may also achieve some economic growth, especially in the tourism sector.

Additional Information

In 2003, 754 sites in 128 State parties were enrolled under the World Heritage Fund.

Related treaties

Download