In 1972, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted a resolution with overwhelming enthusiasm creating thereby a ‘Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’. The main objectives were to define the World Heritage in both cultural and natural aspects; to enlist Sites and Monuments from the member countries which are of exceptional interest and universal value, the protection of which is the concern of all mankind; and to promote co-operation among all Nations and people to contribute for the protection of these universal treasures intact for future generations.
 

The List of recorded sites on the World Heritage now stands at 981 which include both cultural and natural wonders, and endowment that is shared by all mankind and the protection of which is the concern of the entire mankind. These include 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed properties in 137 state parties. India is an active member State on the World Heritage from 1977 and has been working in close co-operation with other International agencies like ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) and ICCROM (International Centre for the study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property).
 
There are 40 World Heritage Properties in India out of which 32 are Cultural Properties and 7 Natural and 1 Mixed Properties.