UNESCO World Heritage Convention

About the convention

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, known as the World Heritage Convention, is the international agreement recognized worldwide by the States Parties. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the World Heritage sites situated on its territory, but also to protect its national heritage.

Countries adhered to the World Heritage Convention have agreed agree to identify and nominate natural and cultural properties of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) on their national territory to be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List . The OUV means “cultural and / or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generation of all humanity” (OG 49). The sites also have to meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.

Outstanding Universal Value

Each property on the World Heritage List has its own Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV). This includes a brief synthesis of the significance (values), criteria, integrity and authenticity and management arrangements that are in place. These terms are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, together with the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage.