Search Results for “list of world heritage sites in brazil”

Source: List of World Heritage Sites in Brazil

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty, are defined as natural heritage. Brazil accepted the convention on 1 September 1977, making its sites eligible for inclusion on the list.
There are 24 World Heritage Sites in Brazil, and a further 22 sites on its tentative list. The first site in Brazil, the Historic Town of Ouro Preto, was inscribed on the list at the 4th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France in 1980. The most recent site, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, was inscribed in 2024. Among the 24 sites, 15 are listed for their cultural significance. Eight sites are listed for their natural significance, and one site, Paraty and Ilha Grande - Culture and Biodiversity, is listed for both. One site is transnational: the Jesuit Missions Guaranis is shared with Argentina. From 1999 to 2001, Iguaçu National Park was listed as endangered due to an illegally opened road through the park, dams on the river, and helicopter flights. Brazil has served on the World Heritage Committee four times.