World heritage sites are special places recognised by the United Nations for their outstanding value to all people, not just those living nearby. These can be ancient ruins, grand palaces, national parks, or even whole cities! But how does a place get this honour, and who makes the decision?The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation—better known as UNESCO—decides which places become world heritage sites. Countries suggest sites they believe are important, like the Taj Mahal in India or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These places are then carefully checked by experts who look at their history, beauty, and importance to people around the world.To be chosen, a site must meet strict rules. It could be a masterpiece of architecture, a natural wonder, or a place where important events happened. Some are chosen for their cultural value (like ancient temples or castles), while others are picked for their natural beauty or unique wildlife.Once a site is added to the World Heritage List, it gets extra protection and global recognition. This helps countries raise money and support to look after these treasures, especially if they are threatened by pollution, war, or natural disasters.There are over 1,100 world heritage sites in more than 160 countries. From the Egyptian pyramids to the Galápagos Islands, these sites are like a global “must-see” list for explorers, travellers, and students like you everywhere. First on the listGalápagos Islands and the city of Quito were the very first places added to the World Heritage List in 1978.Heritage site that moves!The Rhaetian Railway in the Swiss Alps is an operating train route, not a building or park, and is protected as a moving heritage site.Not all sites are on landSome World Heritage Sites are underwater! The Belize Barrier Reef and the Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines are just a few examples.Shared by many countriesThe Struve Geodetic Arc, a 2,820 km-long chain of survey points, runs through ten countries from Norway to Ukraine!‘Danger lists’UNESCO keeps a list of World Heritage Sites in danger—places at risk from war, climate change, or neglect. Being listed helps attract global support for rescue efforts.Antarctica is not on the listDespite being a treasure trove of nature, Antarctica has no World Heritage Sites—mainly due to its unique international status.Committee that decides changes every yearThe group of countries that make World Heritage decisions (the World Heritage Committee) is always rotating, so no country keeps power for long.
World heritage sites are special places recognised by the United Nations for their outstanding value to all people, not just those living nearby. These can be ancient ruins, grand palaces, national parks, or even whole cities! But how does a place get this honour, and who makes the decision?The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation—better known as UNESCO—decides which places become world heritage sites. Countries suggest sites they believe are important, like the Taj Mahal in India or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These places are then carefully checked by experts who look at their history, beauty, and importance to people around the world.To be chosen, a site must meet strict rules. It could be a masterpiece of architecture, a natural wonder, or a place where important events happened. Some are chosen for their cultural value (like ancient temples or castles), while others are picked for their natural beauty or unique wildlife.Once a site is added to the World Heritage List, it gets extra protection and global recognition. This helps countries raise money and support to look after these treasures, especially if they are threatened by pollution, war, or natural disasters.There are over 1,100 world heritage sites in more than 160 countries. From the Egyptian pyramids to the Galápagos Islands, these sites are like a global “must-see” list for explorers, travellers, and students like you everywhere. First on the listGalápagos Islands and the city of Quito were the very first places added to the World Heritage List in 1978.Heritage site that moves!The Rhaetian Railway in the Swiss Alps is an operating train route, not a building or park, and is protected as a moving heritage site.Not all sites are on landSome World Heritage Sites are underwater! The Belize Barrier Reef and the Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines are just a few examples.Shared by many countriesThe Struve Geodetic Arc, a 2,820 km-long chain of survey points, runs through ten countries from Norway to Ukraine!‘Danger lists’UNESCO keeps a list of World Heritage Sites in danger—places at risk from war, climate change, or neglect. Being listed helps attract global support for rescue efforts.Antarctica is not on the listDespite being a treasure trove of nature, Antarctica has no World Heritage Sites—mainly due to its unique international status.Committee that decides changes every yearThe group of countries that make World Heritage decisions (the World Heritage Committee) is always rotating, so no country keeps power for long.
