Maailmanperintöstatuksen

Maailmanperintöstatus refers to the designation given by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to sites of outstanding universal value. This status is awarded through the World Heritage Convention, an international treaty adopted by UNESCO in 1972. The primary goal of the World Heritage program is to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites that are considered important for all of humanity.

Sites can be inscribed on the World Heritage List under three categories: cultural heritage, natural heritage, and mixed heritage (encompassing both cultural and natural significance). To be considered for inscription, a site must meet specific criteria, demonstrating exceptional universal value. These criteria relate to its historical, artistic, scientific, or ethnographic importance for cultural sites, and its aesthetic importance, representation of major stages in Earth's history, or significant natural phenomena for natural sites.

Once a site is inscribed, it benefits from international recognition and potential access to UNESCO's World Heritage Fund for conservation efforts. However, the primary responsibility for protecting the site remains with the country in which it is located. The World Heritage status encourages national governments and local communities to implement measures for the preservation and management of these invaluable places for present and future generations. The list currently includes over a thousand sites across the globe, representing a diverse range of cultural and natural treasures.