Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention

WHC. 05/2

2 February 2005

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE

I. INTRODUCTION

I.A The Operational Guidelines

1. The Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (hereinafter referred to as the Operational Guidelines) aim to facilitate the implementation of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as "the World Heritage Convention" or "the Convention”), by setting forth the procedure for:

a) the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger;

b) the protection and conservation of World Heritage properties;

c) the granting of International Assistance under the World Heritage Fund; and

d) the mobilization of national and international support in favor of the Convention.

2. The Operational Guidelines are periodically revised to reflect the decisions of the World Heritage Committee.

3. The key users of the Operational Guidelines are:

a) the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention;

b) the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, hereinafter referred to as "the World Heritage Committee" or “the Committee”;

c) the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as Secretariat to the World Heritage Committee, hereinafter referred to as "the Secretariat”;

d) the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee ;

e) site managers, stakeholders and partners in the  protection of World Heritage properties.

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Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention