Summary

The protection of a World Heritage Site is a complex and demanding task for its coordinating body. In 2005 the UNESCO made it mandatory for state parties to include management plans in the nomination documents for prospective World Heritage Sites in order to aid their proper safeguarding. In 'Management of World Heritage Sites', Thomas H. Karpati argues that the documents that have been created since often - for various reasons - appear as not being as effective as they should be. Considering the fact that over 800 sites, which have been inscribed on the World Heritage List before 2005, eventually will need management plans in the future, he proposes a rethinking of present strategies for the creation of these documents. The author evaluates the management of several international heritage sites and critically points out strengths and weaknesses. He gives an overview of what future management plans should include and proposes an integrated structuring of documents in order to make them effective tools for the safeguarding of the world's heritage. Including a thorough introduction to the topic, this publication is aimed at interested laymen, students, and experts in the field alike."