Being named a UNESCO World Heritage site is a big deal “” so is losing it

Being named a UNESCO World Heritage site is a big deal “” so is losing it

Being named to UNESCO's World Heritage List often brings worldwide acclaim, tourist revenue and access to international funding and expertise.But there are strings attached.  World Heritage sites are, in principle, inscribed "forever,“ said Mechtild Rossler, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, but countries have to do their part to protect and counteract threats to the sites. That includes agreeing not to materially alter sites.Failure to comply can result in being "delisted,“ a fate which has befallen only two World Heritage sites to date.  

Being named to the World Heritage List

The process to be inscribed on the World Heritage List takes years, said Rossler, adding that several sites waited some 25 years to be named to the prestigious list.Only countries that ratify the World Heritage Convention (adopted by UNESCO in 1972) are eligible to have sites within their territories named to the list. Called "State Parties," there are currently 194 around the globe.

Sites must be included on a "tentative list" before they can be formally nominated. The World Heritage Committee, comprising representatives from 21 State Parties, meets once a year to decide which nominated sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage List.To be accepted, sites must be of "outstanding