World Heritage Sites

In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted an international treaty on the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which involves identifying, protecting, and maintaining cultural and natural heritage sites around the world, all of which are considered to be of substantial value to humanity. UNESCO sites are chosen based on their unique cultural and historical values and characteristics and are deemed to be of outstanding universal value and diversity while effectively and accurately representing local culture, history, and the environment. UNESCO also strives to create knowledge, awareness, interest, and understanding of World Heritage Sites (WHSs). According to UNESCO, as of 2013, UNESCO has 987 WHSs globally, composed of 759 cultural sites, 193 natural sites, and ...