Looking back over our travels, we realize that what most enthralls us is the rich legacy of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These treasures chronicle humankind in different times and places, and showcase natural wonders. Several are endangered. All merit protection and preservation. And yet few people know about them.
We want to change that.
Through our words and images, we hope to heighten an appreciation for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that fosters support of their preservation and conservation for future generations.
Our initial endeavors are two websites:
We hope you'll visit them and let us know what you think!
What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
They represent our world's most precious natural and cultural legacies. Among them are Yellowstone National Park, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. Currently, there are 754 sites.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site program started in 1972. National governments petition UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for designation of places within their boundaries. The United States, for example, has successfully petitioned for the inscription of 20 sites on the World Heritage List.
Why are they important to us?
We're all connected. Just about anyone who traces their heritage discovers they have roots in several distant places.
Moreover, what happens in one part of the world affects all of us. When the Talibans destroyed the two standing Buddha statues in Afghanistan, it was a loss for each and every one of us, whether or not we profess Buddhism.
What are our plans?
We plan to increase appreciation of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites through various methods, among them articles, slide programs, books and documentaries.
As mentioned above, our first steps have been the creation of One World Heritage and Sonya, The World Heritage Pointer.
We look forward to sharing these priceless treasures, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with you!
