World Heritage Status Bid
A submission was made on 27th January 2012 to UNESCO who’s stated aims and objectives regarding world heritage sites are –
“What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.
This submission has been withdrawn for the time being.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage , adopted by UNESCO in 1972.”
The World Heritage status bid for Wearmouth-Jarrow included all of the known standing and buried remains of both of the Anglo-Saxon monastic complexes. It argued that the direct association with Bede, Biscop and Bede’s teacher Ceolfrith makes it one of the most influential monastic sites in Europe.
UNESCO provide information about their work and about this bid on their website You can see the bid entry and further information about UNESCO by following this link.
Did You Know?
Becoming a World Heritage site is not a guarantee that it will be cherished, protected and nurtured.
UNESCO states – “Armed conflict and war, earthquakes and other natural disasters, pollution, poaching, uncontrolled urbanization and unchecked tourist development pose major problems to World Heritage sites.”
If you would like to find out more information about these important issues for our world heritage you can visit the UNESCO website by clicking on this link to see the list of World Heritage in danger (opens in a new window).