Explain with reasons: The list of World Heritage Sites is announced by UNESCO.

Reason: UNESCO works at the global level to protect cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

• Our cultural and natural heritage must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
• UNESCO, the global organisation of the United Nations, has issued certain directives with the objective of promoting and protecting cultural and natural heritage.
• On the basis of these directives, sites and traditions of outstanding value are declared as 'World Heritage'.
• Such recognition brings international attention, funds and expertise for their conservation. For example, Ajanta and Verul (Ellora) caves (1983) and the Western Ghats, including the Kaas plateau, are on the list.

Hence the list of World Heritage Sites is announced by UNESCO.