Resources
World Heritage
Explore both fun and innovative World Heritage resources while also discovering organizations involved in the conservation and protection of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
The World Heritage Centre is the coordinator within UNESCO for matters related to World Heritage. The website provides the list and significance for the 800+ natural, cultural, and mixed World Heritage sites.
Use Google Earth to “fly” over the world and learn about World Heritage sites along your way. Just download Google Earth, and under “Layers” select UNESCO World Heritage Sites within “Community Showcase.” [Google Earth required]
World Heritage Photos
Explore World Heritage sites in 360 degree panography imaging.
Admire the beauty and serenity of Martin Gray’s collection of photographs of many of the world’s most renowned World Heritage sites.
OUR PLACE, the World’s Heritage, is a photographic collection of images taken of the world’s most important and significant locations – the UNESCO World Heritage sites. OUR PLACE has been granted official partnership status with the UNESCO World Heritage Center, and is dedicated to promoting these universally significant sites to the widest possible audience both online and through a series of books and TV items.
Advisory Bodies
There are three Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee. Read how each aids in World Heritage protection.
ICOMOS provides evaluations of cultural and mixed world heritage properties.
ICCROM provides expert advice on the conservation of enlisted properties and trains in restoration techniques.
IUCN provides a network of specialists and reports on the conservation of natural world heritage properties.
Countries
World Heritage sites are located in more than 140 countries. Below are just a few of the resources to explore the World Heritage of different nations.
There are 8 natural and 5 cultural World Heritage sites in Canada, including the Historic District of Quebec, a nearly 400 year old walled city on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Mexico has 27 World Heritage sites, ranging from the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino to the Ancient Mayan City of Calakmul.
The United States was the first signatory of the World Heritage Convention. Currently there are 20 World Heritage sites in the U.S.
Non-governmental Organizations
Many NGOs support World Heritage site conservation and sustainable tourism development, but sometimes it is difficult to determine where to begin your journey of knowledge. Below you will find organizations that offer valuable resources and information.
Read about how tourism affects biodiversity and found out ways Conservation International assists local communities develop sustainable tourism.
Earthwatch supports scientific field research to promote environmental sustainability.
National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations provides resources and tools for communities, travel professionals, and travelers looking to build the geotourism experience. Of particular interest, explore National Geographic’s Geotourism Charter, the Geotourism: A New Trend in Travel survey, and the Destination Scorecards that rate the sustainability of travel destinations around the globe.
Great resource for ecotourists, developers, and policy makers that want to learn more and stay updated in the sustainable tourism industry.
The Rainforest Alliance offers an eco-index on sustainable tourism businesses and certification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
RARE offers an ecotourism manual for conservation managers, an interactive ecotourism map and resource center to promote ecotourism as an incentive for nature conservation.
Provides travel tips and information to help tourists respectfully experience the local culture, community and environment.
Sign up to receive STI’s monthly e-newsletter with informative industry updates. Also, learn about STI’s tourism initiatives like tourism certification and carbon-offset programs.
TIES is the oldest ecotourism organization in the U.S. and provides educational materials to inform travelers, tourism professionals, influence policy. TIES also provides technical resources and statistics to build business support for ecotourism.
TNC promotes the preservation of diversity of life on earth through community based initiatives, including ecotourism.
Promotes the conservation of our world’s natural, cultural, and historic treasures through grants, education, administering sustainable tourism awards, and other initiatives.
WCS devises initiatives to positively influence individual attitudes toward nature and sustainable interaction of humans and wildlife through awareness and education.
WMF works to protect the endangered monuments that are part of the world’s built cultural heritage.
Traveler Resources
Travel decisions can promote the conservation of World Heritage sites and sustainable tourism. The resources below will help you get the most of your travel experiences as well as positively influence the destinations you visit.
This handbook is a comprehensive resource for both travelers and travel providers alike. The world’s leading responsible travel organizations offer guidance and instructions on how to research, select, and help create a valuable sustainable travel experience. Information includes definitions, travel tips, articles, case studies, research, and more.
The World Tourism Organization offers tips for enriching your travels based on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Designed to give travelers the tools need to travel responsibly, Green Passport is an interactive site created United Nations Environmental Program. From packing your bags to finishing your journey, Green Passport helps you make tourism a sustainable activity that helps the social development, economic development, and the environment around the communities you visit.
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