Elaborate the process of “World Heritage Site declaration”.

 World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding universal value, designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). They represent cultural and natural heritage that is significant to the entire world and require protection for future generations. The process of declaring a site as a World Heritage Site is a complex and lengthy one, involving several stages and criteria. In this essay, we will discuss the process of World Heritage Site declaration, including the criteria for selection, the role of UNESCO, and the benefits and challenges of World Heritage Site status.

Criteria for Selection

To be eligible for consideration as a World Heritage Site, a site must meet at least one of the ten criteria established by UNESCO. These criteria are divided into two categories: cultural and natural.

Cultural Criteria:

1. Represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.

2. Exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.

3. Bear a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.

4. Be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.

5. Be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture, or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.

6. Be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

Natural Criteria: 7. Be outstanding examples representing major stages of Earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.

1. Be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.

2. Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

3. Be outstanding examples representing the major ecosystems of the Earth's continents, oceans, and coasts.

The Role of UNESCO

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and for the management of the World Heritage List. The committee is composed of representatives from 21 member states elected for four-year terms. The committee meets once a year to review the state of conservation of existing World Heritage Sites and to consider new nominations for inclusion on the World Heritage List.

The nomination process for a new site typically begins with the submission of a tentative list by a country to UNESCO. This tentative list includes potential sites that a country believes may be suitable for designation as World Heritage Sites. Once a site is selected for nomination, the country must prepare a nomination dossier that includes detailed information about the site, including its history, cultural or natural significance, management plan, and conservation measures. The dossier must also include maps, photographs, and other supporting documents.

The nomination dossier is then evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) or the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), depending on whether the site is cultural or natural. These advisory bodies provide expert advice to the World Heritage Committee on the suitability of the site for inclusion on the World Heritage List.

Once the advisory bodies have completed their evaluations, the nomination is reviewed by the World Heritage Committee at its annual meeting. The committee makes the final decision on whether to include the site on the World Heritage List.

Benefits and Challenges of World Heritage Site Status

The designation of a site as a World Heritage Site can bring many benefits, including increased tourism, economic development, and cultural preservation. The World Heritage status can also help to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for the site. Additionally, it can bring international recognition and prestige to the site and the country.

However, World Heritage status also brings challenges, such as increased pressure on the site due to tourism, the need for additional resources for preservation and maintenance, and potential conflicts between development and conservation goals.

Conclusion

The process of declaring a site as a World Heritage Site is a complex and lengthy one, involving several stages and criteria. The selection criteria established by UNESCO ensure that only sites of outstanding universal value are considered for designation. The role of UNESCO, ICOMOS, and IUCN in the nomination and evaluation process is crucial in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the sites. While World Heritage Site status brings many benefits, it also poses challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure the long-term conservation of the site. Ultimately, the World Heritage List represents a global commitment to preserving the world's cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)