Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I am a photographer; how can I propose my services to UNESCO, or sell my photos to UNESCO?

UNESCO does not purchase photographs from private individuals, professional photographers or agencies.

UNESCO does however, favour partnerships with photographic institutions that promote the World Heritage Convention and the preservation of World Heritage sites.

UNESCO is also happy to accept the generous donations of photographs which are extremely useful in raising awareness of the importance of World Heritage preservation among the public.

These pictures must:

• have been taken within the defined limits of the World Heritage site, and represent as accurately as possible the outstanding universal value of the site
• include a caption and the date they were taken
• be in .jpg or .tif format, and in high definition (300 dpi, minimum 2480x3508 pixels) for potential use in UNESCO publications. (The photos shown on the World Heritage Centre website are in low definition in order to prevent unauthorized downloading)

The donor signs a standard non-exclusive cession rights form which recognizes his or her ownership of the work, while allowing UNESCO the right to use it.

UNESCO indicates the photographer/copyright holder any time a photo is used, in any form.

For more information about donating photos, please write to the following address: j.tovey@unesco.org