Environmental sustainability
According to the World Heritage Sustainable Development Policy, the World Heritage Convention promotes environmental sustainability:
“by valuing and conserving places of outstanding natural heritage value, containing exceptional biodiversity, geodiversity or other exceptional natural features, which are essential for human well-being.” (Article 13).
The policy also applies in this context to cultural properties, for example by;
“promoting environmental, social and cultural impact assessment tools when undertaking planning in sectors such as urban development, transport, infrastructure, mining and waste management - as well as by applying sustainable consumption and production patterns and promoting the use of renewable energy sources” (Article 15.ii).