Every site that is inscribed on the World Heritage List (WHL) must have a management plan or
some other management system. According to the UNESCO Operational Guidelines the purpose of a
management plan is to ensure the effective protection of the nominated property for present and
future generations. This requirement was in part necessitated by the need to implement real
systems of monitoring on the management of World Heritage Sites. Since its implementation in
2005 discussion on the function and the contents of management plans for World Heritage Sites
has grown tremendously. The discussions have mainly been focused on the theoretical frameworks
of World Heritage site management plans and proposals of practical guidelines for their
implementation. This volume provides a platform for heritage practitioners especially those
working at Cultural World Heritage Sites to put in writing their experiences and impressions
about the implementation of site management plans at properties that are inscribed on the WHL.
Cultural World Heritage Sites in this case refer to world heritage properties such as
archaeological sites cultural landscapes religious sites and architectural structures. The
book also seeks to examine the extent to which site management plans have been or are being
implemented at Cultural World Heritage Sites.
