world heritage site

The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention) was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972. It covers both cultural and natural heritage sites. 'Cultural heritage' is a monument, group of buildings or site of historical, aesthetic, archaeological, scientific, ethnological or anthropological value. 'Natural heritage' designates outstanding physical, biological, and geological features; habitats of threatened plants or animal species and areas of value on scientific or aesthetic grounds or from the point of view of conservation. More than 170 countries have adhered to the Convention.