Britannica
Sources used in this answer
When did the World Heritage Convention take effect?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
World Heritage site
Reclining Buddha statue, Ajanta Caves, north-central Maharashtra state, India.
The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which establishes the framework for designating World Heritage sites, was adopted by UNESCO on November 16, 1972. The convention formally took effect in 1975, following its ratification by 20 countries.12