Technical notes (a) Derivation of terms

Natural features


Natural features are referred to as part of the
definition of natural heritage in Article 2 of the
Convention (UNESCO 1972).
see Natural heritage
Natural heritage


Natural heritage is defined in Article 2 of the
Convention as shown below:
Article 2
For the purposes of this Convention, the following shall
be considered as "natural heritage";
natural features consisting of physical and biological
formations or groups of such formations, which are of
outstanding universal value from the aesthetic or
scientific point of view;
geological and physiographical formations and precisely
delineated areas which constitute the habitat of
threatened species of animals and plants of outstanding
universal value from the point of view of science or conservation;
natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas of
outstanding universal value from the point of view of
science, conservation or natural beauty (UNESCO
1972).


Natural heritage criteria

A natural property may be inscribed in the

World Heritage List if it meets one or more of the
natural heritage criteria and the conditions of
integrity presented in Paragraph 44 of the Operational
Guidelines (UNESCO February 1996: 12-15).

see Conditions of integrity, Criteria, Cultural

heritage criteria


Natural property


Properties inscribed in the World Heritage List
after having met at least one of the natural heritage
criteria and the conditions of integrity are
referred to as natural properties.


Natural sites
Natural sites are referred to as part of the
definition of natural heritage in Article 2 of the
Convention (UNESCO 1972).
see Natural heritage


Nomination

The process whereby a States Party, or States