The 1972 World Heritage Convention: An Introduction
Francesco Francioni
Abstract
Abstract This chapter introduces the 1972 World Heritage Convention. It notes the young definition of international law on the protection of cultural and natural heritage when the World Heritage Convention was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972. Since 1972, international law applicable to cultural and natural heritage became part of an international movement that aims to transcend the narrow concept of ‘cultural property’ as the object of private rights of a predominantly economic nature. The chapter acknowledges the international law changes since the adoption of the World Heritage Convention. The changes primarily revolve around international public goods, the common interest of humanity, and common concerns.