Which is the First UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Have you ever seen or visited such a wonderful place that you wished everyone in the world could see it and protect it forever? That is the whole idea behind UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

They are different places all around the world, be it a beautiful forest, an ancient city, or a historic monument. These places are so important to human beings that they must be protected and preserved for all future generations. But have you ever wondered where did it all start from? Which was the very first UNESCO World Heritage Site?

What is UNESCO and Why Does It Matter?

Before we get to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is important to know what UNESCO actually is. UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It was established in November 1945, right after the end of World War II, with the goal of restoring educational opportunities and scientific research in the pursuit of peace. 

The UNESCO mentions: “UNESCO was created to decide what kind of society we wanted to build together after the destruction of two World Wars. As early as 1942, global leaders began imagining an organization that would use education, culture, science and information to build lasting peace.”

Several decades later, UNESCO started to be concerned about the loss of world cultural and natural treasures. There had to be something to be done. The General Conference of UNESCO voted to adopt the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, on 16th November 1972. 

Which is the First UNESCO World Heritage Site?

In 1978, 12 properties were the first to be inscribed as World Heritage Sites. Guinness World Records So there was not a single first site as there were 12 places that simultaneously received the honour.

The Guinness World Records mentions: “The inaugural World Heritage Sites inducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was a group of 12 properties inscribed in 1978.”

The 12 included in this list according to their number were: 

• The Galapagos Islands 

• City of Quito (both of Ecuador) 

• Aachen Cathedral (Germany)

• L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (Canada)

• Simien National Park, 

• The Rock-Hewn Churches 

• Lalibela (both of Ethiopia)

• Nahanni National Park (Canada), 

• The Island of Gorée (Senegal)

• Mesa Verde National Park

• Yellowstone National Park (both USA)

• Historic Centre of Kraków and Wieliczka

• Bochnia Royal Salt Mines (both Poland)

All these sites were selected on the basis of the remarkable thing that they would leave behind that the world could not afford to lose.

A Look at the Iconic First UNESCO Heritage World Sites

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Source: UNESCO

The Galapagos Islands are approximately 1,000 km off the continent of South America. A vast array of marine species, many of which are unique to the Earth, live in these islands and the marine reserve surrounding them. The Galapagos Islands were known throughout the world after Charles Darwin made his visit in 1835 whilst trying to come up with the theory of evolution through natural selection.

The UNESCO mentions: “Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a ‘melting pot’ of marine species.”

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Source: UNESCO

Yellowstone is the most recognized natural wonder in the world. It is located primarily in the state of Wyoming, and is characterized by geysers, hot springs, and incredible wildlife. 

The park covers nearly 9,000 km2 and its natural beauty is one of the reasons that it was included in the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. 

UNESCO mentions: “The vast natural forest of Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 9,000 km2 ; 96% of the park lies in Wyoming, 3% in Montana and 1% in Idaho. Yellowstone contains half of all the world's known geothermal features, with more than 10,000 examples. It also has the world's largest concentration of geysers (more than 300 geyers, or two thirds of all those on the planet). Established in 1872, Yellowstone is equally known for its wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison and wapitis.”

Quito city, Ecuador

Source: UNESCO

The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, was established by the Spanish in 1534 on the remains of an Inca city. It has the finest preserved, and least altered historic centre in the whole of Latin America, although it has endured an earthquake in 1917 that was quite fatal. 

UNESCO mentions: “Isolated in the Andes at 2,818 m. altitude, the city of Quito is spread along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and is bordered by the hills of Panecillo and Ichimbia.  Founded by the Spanish in 1534, on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito proudly possesses one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic centres of Spanish America.”

So, now whenever you hear of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, don't forget that it all began in September 1978, with 12 amazing locations that the world determined that were just too important to simply be left without protection. 

READ| List Of The First UNESCO World Heritage Sites Recognised In India

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