When planning a trip anywhere around the world, many travelers are anxious to visit some of the most historically significant sites in the area. Although it can be difficult to narrow down the list to just the most intriguing and inspiring locations, adventure seekers can get some helpful advice and input from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization—or UNESCO. Although the acronym might sound familiar, many people do not quite understand the relevance of this organization. Here is a brief review of what it is and why it is important.
The World Heritage Program
For decades, UNESCO has added new sites to its World Heritage Program, which is a list of natural and man-made locations with an important connection to humanity. To include only the most appropriate sites from around the world, the program focuses on several factors when determining which places to add to its list. For starters, if a destination can be shown to represent high levels of human ingenuity or significance to the local culture, UNESCO might consider it for its list. Other criteria include, but are not limited to, significant works of art, a revolutionary form of architecture, revolutionary types of technology, and a population of threatened biological species.
Benefits of Appearing on the List
Sites that make it into UNESCO’s World Heritage Program are sure to receive an increased amount of publicity. This is likely to result in a spike in tourism, which can benefit the local economy and create jobs throughout the region. Furthermore, the new status as a recommended site means more funding for restorations, repairs, and maintenance to ensure that the location remains preserved for future generations. Finally, these locations are included within the Geneva Convention’s rules and are thereby protected during times of war from invading armies that might otherwise target the historical locations for destruction.
Some of the Most Recognizable Sites
Although any entry in the World Heritage Program list is inherently captivating for its own unique reasons, there are some destinations that have become household names around the world. Among the most prominent sites are Peru’s Machu Picchu, India’s Taj Mahal, and Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.