World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day History

World Heritage Day strives to raise public awareness about the diversity, value, and vulnerability of cultural heritage sites worldwide. Established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and promoted by UNESCO, this day supports ongoing efforts to identify, protect, and preserve architectural, natural, and cultural sites of historical and global importance.

Established in 1982 by ICOMOS, World Heritage Day has grown significantly over the years, engaging communities worldwide in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. In Australia, this day holds crucial significance, given the unique range of Indigenous cultures, history, and landmarks dating back tens of thousands of years. There are currently 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia, including iconic locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and Indigenous sites such as Kakadu National Park and Willandra Lakes Region. The day is an opportunity for Australians to appreciate, celebrate, and engage with these precious sites and the distinct cultural heritage they represent.

World Heritage Day is observed with a variety of events and online campaigns, which aim to educate the public about the significance of these sites and encourage their thoughtful engagement and care. Public talks, exhibitions, and site visits often form part of the celebration, providing unique opportunities to learn about the history and achievements of these remarkable locations. World Heritage Day is observed annually on April 18th.

World Heritage Day Facts

• The theme for World Heritage Day in 2023 was Heritage Changes.. The theme for World Heritage Day in 2022 was Heritage and Climate.
• According to icomos.org, the concept of preserving international heritage sites was first introduced in 1931 at the Athens Conference. Organised by the International Museums Office, the conference laid out plans for restoring historic buildings around the world.
• This massive sandstone monolith, located in Australia's Northern Territory, is an important cultural and spiritual site for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. Uluru stands 348 meters high and is noted for its ability to change color throughout the day, from shades of red and orange to purple.
• One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, the reef is home to thousands of species of fish, corals, and other marine life, making it an incredibly diverse and important ecosystem.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day Top Things to Do

• Browse the International Council on Monuments and Site's (ICOMOS) book collection to learn more about monuments and sites around the world.
• Read The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer.
• Create a mini garden or dedicate a section of your existing garden to plants native to Australia, including species found in World Heritage Sites like the Blue Mountains or the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
• Try cooking traditional or heritage recipes from various cultures to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Australia. Explore recipes from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cuisines, or dishes from different immigrant communities in Australia.