Outstanding Universal Value

 The Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of a World Heritage site refers to its cultural and/or natural significance, which is so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and holds common importance for present and future generations of all humanity1. In other words, it represents the essence of what makes a site truly remarkable and universally valuable.

To be included on the World Heritage List, a site must meet at least one out of ten selection criteria. These criteria are outlined in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Here are the ten criteria:

1. Representing Human Creative Genius: The site is a masterpiece of human creativity.
2. Interchange of Human Values: It exhibits important cultural exchanges over time or within a specific cultural area.
3. Unique Testimony to Tradition or Civilization: The site bears exceptional testimony to a living or vanished cultural tradition or civilization.
4. Outstanding Architectural or Technological Example: It exemplifies significant stages in human history through architecture, technology, or landscape design.
5. Representing Traditional Human Settlements: It showcases a traditional settlement, land-use, or sea-use representative of a culture.
6. Association with Events, Traditions, Ideas, or Beliefs: It is directly associated with events, living traditions, ideas, or artistic and literary works of universal significance.
7. Superlative Natural Phenomena or Beauty: The site contains exceptional natural beauty or phenomena.
8. Representing Earth’s Geological History: It represents major stages in Earth’s geological history.
9. Significant Ecological and Biological Processes: It exemplifies ongoing ecological and biological processes in various ecosystems.
10. Critical Natural Habitats for Biodiversity Conservation: It contains vital habitats for conserving biological diversity, especially threatened species2.

Statements of OUV provide a clear understanding of the reasons for World Heritage inscription and guide long-term management to sustain this exceptional value3. In essence, OUV underscores the importance of preserving these sites for the benefit of all humanity.