The cultural heritage and the natural heritage are among the priceless and irreplaceable possessions, not only of each nation, but also of mankind as a whole. The loss, through deterioration or disappearance, of any of these most prized possessions constitutes an impoverishment of the heritage of all the peoples in the world. Parts of that heritage, because of their exceptional qualities, can be considered to be of outstanding universal value and as such worthy of special protection against the dangers, which increasingly threaten them.
The purpose is to identify the sites worthy of the status of World Heritage Sites and then ensure their protection and conservation.
