World Heritage Day is observed on April 18 by International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The day came into being after a suggestion that a special day should be marked and celebrated across the globe called 'International Day for Monuments and Sites'. Thereafter, UNESCO's General Conference approved the day in 1983 and since then, April 18 is marked as the World Heritage Day. This year the theme for World Heritage Day is 'Wetlands for a sustainable urban future'.

The day aims to draw attention to ancient sites around the world and raise public awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage. The day thus gives exposure to international efforts to preserve heritage sites and increase awareness of the importance of supporting such causes.

What is a World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which holds cultural-historical, scientific or other forms of significance. The place is legally protected by international treaties. The sites are judged important and heritage status is given depending on the collective interests of humanity.

There are 1,052 Heritage Sites in the world, of which 814 are cultural, 203 are natural and 35 are mixed. Fifty-five of these sites are in danger, including the birthplace of Jesus, Church of the Nativity and Pilgrimage Route in Bethlehem. Hence it is need of the hour to protect these sites from further endangerment.

In India, to mark the International World Heritage Day, the Department of Archaeology will organise a 15-day scientific cleaning programme in Hampi and Bengaluru from April 16. The event will be organised under the theme 'Heritage for Generations'.

This World Heritage Day, Egypt's Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anany has decided to open all archaeological sites registered on the World Heritage List for free to Egyptian students on Wednesday, as part of the ministry’s celebration of the day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 16, 2018 02:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).