Recognizing the way in which people interact with nature and the fundamental need to preserve the balance between the two, UNESCO has introduced the concept of ‘World Heritage’ with the relevant Convention, emphasizing the need for collaboration among all member-states for the preservation of cultural goods and natural environment of outstanding universal value. Since 1992, the Convention is managed by the World Heritage Centre, which is based in Paris, and which constitutes a focal point and a coordinator within UNESCO for all matters related to world heritage.
The concept of World Heritage has acquired great importance and is widely used today. UNESCO encourages the submission of applications for inclusion in the List of World Heritage sites and the design of management plans and evaluation of the state of conservation of the monuments so that the necessary measures are being undertaken. For this purpose, UNESCO aims at fostering international cooperation, exchange of experience, and provision of know-how to States with enlisted monuments. It also provides financial assistance for preserving monuments and for the implementation of specific measures in case of emergency.