In recent years, new cultural and natural sites from the South-East European region have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, illustrating progress made with conservation and management, and witnessing to a general rise in the awareness of the importance of cultural heritage in the region.

The growing recognition of the richness and diversity of this heritage offers a unique opportunity to help Member States of the region in developing further national heritage policies and legislations, as well as protection, preservation and conservation activities.