Jose Sanchez
Research expert covering society, economy, & politics for Latin America
Heritage sites and national parks in Latin America - statistics & facts
The protection of the natural and cultural wealth of our planet is a testament for the future. And so was it understood in 1972, when the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO (鈥淯nited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization鈥) and ratified by 20 state parties three years later. With now 196 state parties, it operates as an international movement to protect the cultural and natural properties and areas around the world that hold exceptional value for humanity. As of 2024, 1,223 properties were on the World Heritage List.
