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Above Image: [1] Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA; [2] Trimurti at Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, India;
and [3] the Statue of Churchill at Westminster, UK.

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Of all the places I’ve seen, World Heritage Sites are closest to my heart. These locations are so important that they have transcended  local boundaries, and are elevated to the status of World Heritage Site, that needs to be preserved and protected for future generations!  Its been a privilege to get to see such diverse cultural and natural sites as..  the Birthplace of Industrial Revolution in the 18th century [Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, UK], the location where American Declaration of Independence was adopted [Independence Hall, Philadelphia, USA],  the place that bears open nearly two billion years of  Earth’s geological history [Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA], the place where Buddha attained Enlightenment [Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India], the Rock Cut caves of Ajanta that dates to 2nd century BC [pre-Christian era]… and so many more places which really are heritage of the humanity!

Since UNESCO’s 1972 convention,  the World Heritage Program identifies, protects and preserves  such cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. These are inscribed on the World Heritage list.  For more on UNESCO World Heritage Site, scroll down, after the photo gallery..

My Trips – UNESCO World Heritage Sites..

USA: Grand Canyon National Park [Arizona], Independence Hall [Philadelphia], Statue Of Liberty [NYC].

UK: Tower of London [England], Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey [London, England], Liverpool-Maritime Mercantile City [England], Iron bridge George [England], Old and New town of Edinburgh [Scotland].

India: Mahabodhi Temple Complex [Bodh Gaya, Bihar], Konark Sun Temple [Konark, Odisha], Ajanta Caves [Maharashtra], Ellora Caves [Maharashtra], Elephanta Caves [Maharashtra], Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus[ CST, Mumbai, Maharashtra], Qutb Minar & Monuments, Red Ford complex.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites that I’ve seen

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USA

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UK

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INDIA

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World Heritage Sites: are natural or cultural sites that are inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO]’s international World Heritage Program. The program catalogues, names, and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity, in an effort to preserve it. Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund.

– What is Heritage? Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.
– What is World Heritage? World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage.
– What is UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

The idea of creating an international movement for protecting heritage emerged after World War I. The 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage developed from the merging of two separate movements: the first focusing on the preservation of cultural sites, and the other dealing with the conservation of nature. The 1972 convention resulted in the formation of international World Heritage Program. The Program is administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected by the General Assembly.

World Heritage Committee – meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years. The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund and has the final say on whether a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Criteria for selection of World Heritage site: To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria. These criteria are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage. The criteria are regularly revised by the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself.

Since the formation of World Heritage Program, 191 states parties have ratified the Convention, making it one of the most adhered to international instruments. Only Liechtenstein, Nauru, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste and Tuvalu are not Party to the Convention.

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Related Links

My Vacations Photo Gallery.. click here..

My Vacations.. click here..
Vacation: USA.. click here..
Vacation: UK.. click here..
Vacation: India.. click here..
UNESCO World Heritage Site.. click here..

Home: Public Art in Chicago.. click here..

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