Maailmapärandit

Maailmapärandit refers to the cultural and natural heritage sites designated by UNESCO, also known as World Heritage sites. These sites are internationally recognized as being of outstanding value to humanity and are protected by international law.

The concept of maailmapärandit was introduced by UNESCO in 1972 through the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The convention aims to identify, protect and preserve sites of cultural and natural significance, and to promote cooperation among states in achieving these goals.

Maailmapärandit sites can be either cultural or natural. Cultural sites include monuments, cities, groups of buildings, and archaeological sites, such as the Taj Mahal in India or the Temple of Kukulkan in Mexico. Natural sites include national parks, wildlife reserves, and geological formations, such as the Grand Canyon in the United States.

In order for a site to be designated as a maailmapärandit, it must meet certain criteria, including representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, exhibiting an important interchange of human values over a span of time, or bearing a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization.

There are over 1,000 maailmapärandit sites worldwide, including 54 sites in Europe, 76 sites in Asia and the Pacific, and 206 sites in the Americas. These sites are managed by national authorities and international organizations, and are protected by national laws and international agreements.

The designation of a site as a maailmapärandit provides international recognition and protection for the site, and also provides financial and technical assistance for its conservation and management.