Currently, over 1,000 sites are protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The growing list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites all carry some importance to local communities.
The organization defines cultural and natural heritages as, “irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.” They deem the sites, ” touchstones, our points of reference, our identity.”
The sites can be natural or man-made. They can have a long history or be an up-and-coming destination. But, how does a location become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?