UNESCO World Heritage: basics

In short: UNESCO keeps a list of World Heritage sites considered especially valuable to humanity. Over 1,200 sites worldwide are protected, including natural and cultural heritage.

In more detail: The World Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972 to protect significant places from destruction.

In detail

• Categories: Cultural heritage, natural heritage and mixed sites.
• Nomination process: States propose sites, a committee decides.
• Examples in Germany: Cologne Cathedral, Völklingen Ironworks, Wadden Sea.
• Danger list: Endangered sites receive special attention.
• Intangible heritage: Traditions and customs can also be protected.
• Criticism: Some sites suffer from mass tourism despite their protected status.
• Funding: The World Heritage Fund supports poorer countries with preservation (weltwunder-der-antike-und-heute).