In 1972 UNESCO's General Assembly passed the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". Its main task is to pinpoint the world's natural and cultural heritage and to make a list of objects of such exceptional interest and value that all of mankind should take responsibility for their preservation. The goal of this convention is to promote cooperation between all people and nations and to contribute effectively to preservation.
By signing the convention, each country undertakes to protect and preserve monuments of exceptional and world wide significance within its national borders. In return, the member states obtain UNESCO's expert support on preserving their monuments, and developing countries also receive funding. Inclusion of national monuments in the World Heritage list contributes to promoting international cooperation between the nations according to the spirit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Important Internet Addresses:
- The Werbegemeinschaft UNESCO-Weltkulturgüter in Deutschland offers detailed information on the German World Cultural Heritage Sites
http://www.unesco-welterbe.de/ - UNESCO's World Heritage Centre offers detailed information in English and French: World Heritage Convention, World Heritage List with brief descriptions of all World Heritage Sites
http://whc.unesco.org/