Elaborate the process of “World Heritage Site declaration”.

The declaration of a site as a World Heritage Site involves a comprehensive and multistep process led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The process aims to identify and recognize sites of outstanding universal value, whether they are cultural, natural, or mixed (both cultural and natural). The World Heritage designation is a prestigious recognition that carries international significance. Here is an elaboration of the process:

1. Tentative List:

   • The process typically begins at the national level, where countries identify and compile a Tentative List of sites within their territories that may meet the criteria for World Heritage status. This list serves as an initial inventory of potential candidates and is submitted to UNESCO.

2. Nomination by the State Party:

   • Once a site is selected from the Tentative List, the country (referred to as the State Party) prepares a comprehensive nomination dossier. This dossier contains detailed information about the site, including its cultural or natural significance, boundaries, management plans, and conservation measures. The nomination must address specific criteria outlined by UNESCO.

3. Evaluation by Advisory Bodies:

   • The nomination dossier is then submitted to one of the three advisory bodies that assess World Heritage nominations:
     • ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites): Evaluates cultural heritage sites.
     • IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Evaluates natural heritage sites.
     • ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property): Provides advice on conservation.

4. Technical Evaluation:

   • The advisory bodies conduct a thorough technical evaluation of the nomination, assessing the site's authenticity, integrity, and the fulfillment of World Heritage criteria. They also provide recommendations for the site's management and conservation.

5. Recommendations to the World Heritage Committee:

   • Based on the technical evaluations, the advisory bodies submit their recommendations to the World Heritage Committee. The Committee is composed of representatives from different countries and meets annually to review nominations and make decisions.

6. World Heritage Committee Decision:

   • The World Heritage Committee reviews the recommendations and makes a final decision regarding the inscription of the site on the World Heritage List. The decision takes into account the site's cultural or natural significance, its representation of outstanding universal value, and the adequacy of its protection and management.

7. Inscription on the World Heritage List:

   • If the World Heritage Committee approves the nomination, the site is officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. This designation signifies that the site is of outstanding universal value and warrants protection and conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

8. Periodic Reporting and Monitoring:

   • Once inscribed, State Parties are required to submit periodic reports to UNESCO outlining the state of conservation and management of the World Heritage Site. This process ensures that sites continue to meet the criteria for outstanding universal value and are adequately protected.

9. Emergency Measures:

   • In cases of imminent danger to a World Heritage Site, the World Heritage Committee can place the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This designation triggers additional support and monitoring to address the identified threats.

10. De-listing:

    • In extreme cases where a site's outstanding universal value is irreversibly damaged, the World Heritage Committee may consider removing it from the World Heritage List. De-listing is a measure of last resort and is only taken when all efforts to protect the site have failed.

The World Heritage Site declaration process underscores the collaborative nature of international efforts to identify, protect, and celebrate cultural and natural treasures. It reflects a commitment to the preservation of global heritage and the recognition of the interconnectedness of humanity through the shared appreciation of outstanding universal value.