Historic England provides expert advice to DCMS on the implementation of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention in relation to cultural sites across the UK. We also provide advice to owners and decision-makers about proposed changes that relate to World Heritage.
These pages explore the World Heritage Convention, our responsibilities, how we work with UNESCO, and how industry professionals can help.
The World Heritage Convention
The UK has signed and ratified the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Find out more about the convention.
The ‘Tentative List’ and World Heritage Nomination Process
Nomination for World Heritage status is a proactive process requiring the input of considerable resources.
Protection and Management of World Heritage Sites
The protection and management system for a World Heritage property reflects all the measures put in place to ensure its status can be maintained.
Reporting and Monitoring Mechanisms
Several mechanisms are in place for the reporting and monitoring of World Heritage properties at the international level.
World Heritage and Climate Change
Climate change is recognised as one of the most significant threats to World Heritage, impacting Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of many properties.
#TheNext50 – a World Heritage Panel Discussion
How can World Heritage be more representative, accessible, and sustainable? We worked with UNESCO to find out in #TheNext50.
World Heritage Glossary
Definitions of World Heritage terminology.
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