Science and health: challenges facing World Heritage

Abstract Since 1972, when the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has assessed applications and added properties to its World Heritage List. In a quest to broaden the scope of heritage of outstanding universal value, giving due recognition to human diversity and sociocultural expression, UNESCO has introduced new categories and topics. The results it has attained in its listing of heritage sites are evaluated in the light of regional differences and potential gaps in the recognition of cultural diversity and everyday human activities and production as health and scientific heritage.