World heritage convention is a commonly used term to describe a treaty adopted by UNESCO in 1972 to protect and preserve cultural and natural properties of exceptional value for humanity. However, there are other terms used to refer to this convention such as the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the World Heritage Treaty or simply the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Regardless of the synonym used, the aim remains the same: to promote international cooperation to safeguard the planet's most significant sites for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Today, there are over 1,100 World Heritage sites recognized globally.