World Heritage Day-18 April

Why in News?

• World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on 18 April.
  • It is officially called the International Day of Monuments and Sites.
• Theme of World Heritage Day 2025 - Heritage at risk from disasters and conflicts: preparedness and learning from 60 years of ICOMOS actions.

History of World Heritage Day

• On 18 April 1982, the 'International Council of Monuments and Sites' celebrated World Heritage Day for the first time in Tunisia. 
• A year later, in November 1983, UNESCO approved celebrating Monument Day as World Heritage Day. 
• After that, World Heritage Day started being celebrated all over the world on 18 April every year.

Objectives:

• To promote the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
• To understand the importance of historical buildings, monuments and sites around the world.
• To create awareness about threats that may damage heritage sites.
• To develop a sense of respect and responsibility towards heritage in the younger generation.

World Heritage Sites in India:

• These are divided into cultural, natural and mixed categories.
• These sites are identified by UNESCO on the basis of their historical, cultural, architectural and natural significance.
• Currently there are a total of 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Initially declared:
  • Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra), 1983
  • Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), 1983
• Recently declared:
  • Moidam – Mound-Mound System of Ahom Dynasty (Assam) 2024
  • Hoysala Group of Temples – Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur (Karnataka) 2023
  • Santiniketan (West Bengal) 2023