The International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, was adopted on November 16, 1972. The convention establishes a framework for the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value. The Convention recognizes that the duty of ensuring the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of the cultural and natural heritage situated on its territory, belongs primarily to that State. The term “World Heritage” refers to sites that have been recognized for their exceptional cultural and natural significance.
The convention establishes the World Heritage Committee, responsible for the implementation of the convention. The committee reviews nominations, monitors the state of conservation of listed properties, and makes decisions regarding the inscription or removal of sites from the World Heritage List. The convention promotes international cooperation in the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. It encourages collaboration among nations to safeguard and manage these sites effectively.
The Convention sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites and their role in protecting and preserving them. 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.The convention recognizes both cultural and natural heritage sites, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human culture and the environment. It also emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable development, aiming to balance the protection of heritage with the needs of present and future generations.
Law 1126/1981 (32/Α/10-2-1981) ratifies the International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage signed at Paris on 23 November 1972.
