The list of world Heritage Sites is announced by UNESCO.

UNESCO announces the list of World Heritage Sites because it is the United Nations body responsible for protecting the world's cultural and natural heritage.

• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) adopted the World Heritage Convention in 1972 to protect cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value.
• Under this convention, member countries nominate important sites. After expert evaluation, the World Heritage Committee decides which sites to include, and UNESCO announces the list.
• Sites are listed in three categories: cultural, natural and mixed.
• Inclusion in the list brings international recognition, help for conservation and greater tourism. For example, the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra are World Heritage Sites.

The aim is to preserve these sites, which belong to all of humanity, for future generations.