UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites refer to places of cultural, natural or historical importance recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites can take the form of buildings, cities, complexes, deserts, forests, islands, lakes, monuments or mountains.

To qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a location must meet certain criteria and strictly adhere to UNESCO’s guidelines. Factors such as the site’s level of preservation, cultural significance, and accessibility are taken into account during the evaluation process.

The primary objective of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Program is to preserve and protect culturally and historically significant sites for future generations. These sites serve as tangible and intangible representations of humanity’s cultural, natural, and historical heritage and are of exceptional value to all people, regardless of their origin. In addition to their preservation, these sites play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism, fostering international cooperation and advancing human development.

Today, there are over 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located across 167 countries. From ancient ruins to natural wonders, they all share one thing in common – a rare and precious value that transcends time, borders, and cultures.

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