UNESCO
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is the Organization of the United Nations for education, science, culture and communication.
It has 193 member nations and is a legally independent special organization of the United Nations headquartered in Paris.
In 1972, UNESCO adopted the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". Since then, 186 nations have signed the agreement.
The World Heritage Convention is the most important international instrument ever created by the community of nations for the protection of its cultural and natural heritage. 890 locations in 148 countries are currently on the list of World Heritage Sites (as of June 2009).
The strong reputation of the World Heritage Program and its ever-growing awareness among the public at large make it the flagship of the conventions of UNESCO.