World Heritage Day 2023:
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) declared April 18th as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, in 1982.
- The theme for this year is “Heritage Changes,” which focuses on the role of cultural heritage in climate action and its importance in protecting vulnerable communities.
- India is currently home to 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the country with the sixth-largest number of sites in the world.
- Out of these, 32 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites, and one is a mixed-type site, the Khangchendzonga National Park.
- The cultural heritage sites in India include ancient temples, forts, palaces, mosques, and archaeological sites that reflect the rich history and diversity of the country.
- The natural heritage sites in India include national parks, wildlife reserves, and natural landscapes that showcase the country’s unique biodiversity and ecological significance.
- The mixed-type site in India, the Khangchendzonga National Park, is known for its cultural significance as well as its biodiversity, as it is home to several rare and endangered species.
