Context
Every year, World Heritage Day is observed on 18 April.
- It is an internationally recognised day to preserve monuments and historical sites and rich inheritance associated with them. The way we live tells a lot about our culture.
History
- The ICOMOS had brought up the idea for the observance of 18th April as the World Heritage Day in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1982.
- UNESCO approved the proposal in 1983 during the 22nd General Conference.
- The ICOMOS had stated that the purpose for the observance was to make the countries celebrate their national heritages, and bring up international solidarity with the objective of safeguarding and strengthening the cultural heritage of the world.
What is a World Heritage Site?
- A landmark site of cultural and natural importance as recognised by UNESCO and offered special care and preservation is termed world heritage sites.
- These sites own global appraise in universal recognition and are of immense value to humanity and its rich cultural legacy.
- In essence, world heritage sites belong to all world citizens, are not limited by territories or locations and backed by lawsuits for protection through international treaties.
- These sites are the elements of protection, recognition and risk, portray diversities in geological and biological landscapes and are of interest to the global political communities.
World Heritage Day in India
- India has been following the tenets of the international standards maintained by UNESCO in the context of the International Day for Monuments and Sites or the World Heritage Day.
- The day is promoted in Indian culture as a day of awareness, when the vast Indian population understands and celebrates the value of the rich cultural heritage of the country.
- A total of 1121 World Heritage Sites are identified by UNESCO worldwide.
- Out of these, India has 40 sites throughout its vast territory.
- With the concern for the protection of these sites, the day is marked as a day of significance in the context of understanding the value of a sustainable future with the conservation of cultural heritage.
- With the latest edition of Dholavira and Ramappa Temple in 2021, the count of UNESCO World Heritage Siteshas gone up from 38 to 40.
- Candidates can get a comprehensive list of these Indian sites at the linked article.
Theme
- The World Heritage Day 2022 theme is “Heritage and Climate“.
- The World Heritage Day 2021 theme was “Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures.”
