What is a World Heritage?

There are more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries – most have been designated for their cultural values, but some have been included on the World Heritage List for their unique natural values. A few, such as Sweden’s Laponia, have been recognized for both their natural and cultural heritage.

194 countries have signed UNESCO’s 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, commonly known as the World Heritage Convention. The goal of the convention is for countries to establish legislation and management systems to preserve cultural and natural heritage within their own borders. Countries report to UNESCO every five years on how they are working with cultural and natural heritage.

In Sweden, the Swedish National Heritage Board and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency are responsible for nominations and reporting.

The World Heritage List and the World Heritage Convention can be found on UNESCO’s World Heritage website. External link.

World Heritage coordination of Gammelstad Church Town

The World Heritage site of Gammelstad Church Town is owned and managed by many different stakeholders, including church cottage owners, the Swedish Transport Administration, Nederluleå Parish, and Luleå Municipality. To coordinate all stakeholders and ensure proper management of the World Heritage site, we also have a World Heritage Coordinator, employed by Luleå Municipality.

Here you’ll find information about the management of the World Heritage site. External link.