World Heritage Nominations
The Process
Countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, can submit nominations for sites on their territory to be considered for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Each nominated site is independently evaluated by two Advisory Bodies – ICOMOS for cultural properties and IUCN for natural properties. ICOMOS and IUCN work together for the evaluation of mixed (natural and cultural) properties, while IUCN also provides input, where relevant, to the ICOMOS evaluation of cultural landscapes.
Each year IUCN, as technical advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, receives all complete World Heritage nominations for natural and mixed properties and cultural landscapes from UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Between May and April, IUCN carries out a rigorous, year-long evaluation process before providing its recommendations to the UNESCO intergovernmental World Heritage Committee. The Committee, meeting annually in June or July, decides which sites to inscribe on the World Heritage List. It can also defer its decision, refer a nomination back to the State Party for further work or reject inscription.
The IUCN evaluation process includes a field mission to each nominated site to meet the authorities and stakeholders, and to assess the management and integrity of the site. IUCN also seeks input from international experts knowledgeable about the sites or the natural values they represent. These reviewers carry out desk reviews of each nomination and provide views on their global significance, management and integrity.
IUCN is currently seeking input from international experts in the evaluation of this year’s World Heritage nominations. Experts are asked to contribute voluntarily by carrying out a desk review of one or more nominations. This input is critical to the IUCN Evaluation Process and in ensuring the ongoing credibility of the World Heritage List. For more information see Information for Expert Reviewers
