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. The Kingdom of Bhutan accepted the convention on 22 October 2001. There are no World Heritage Sites in the country, but there are eight on the tentative list. It has not served any terms on the Heritage Committee.

Tentative list UNESCO lists sites under ten criteria; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural, and vii through x are natural. In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list. In 2012, Bhutan formally listed its tentative sites to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It was the first time Bhutan listed its sites to the organization for future inclusion. Eight sites were listed throughout the country.Bhutan. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved on 2020-07-28.

+ Site Image Location (district) UNESCO criteria Year listed Description Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong Paro District iii, iv (cultural) 2012 The site includes the ruins of a fortress-Buddhist monastery built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649. Unlike other dzongs which served religious and administrative purposes, Drukgyel only served as a defense against external invasions. It was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in a campaign to construct dzongs and unify the country. It is also said to be created to commemorate Bhutanese victory over Mongolian and Tibetan armies. It was destroyed by a fire in 1951, but it still retains many of its stone features.Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Trashiyangtse District vii, ix, x (natural) 2012 It was created in 1993, when Kulong Chhu Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bumdeling conservation area were merged: later being renamed to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary the following year. It is 1520.61 km2, encompasses a plethora of lakes,Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities (Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong) Multiple Cultural 2012 The site includes five dzongs significant to Bhutanese history, namely, Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong.Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities (Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong) . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) Multiple districts Natural 2012 The site is the second largest national park in Bhutan.Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP). UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) Multiple districts Natural 2012 The site is the oldest national park in Bhutan.Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants Multiple Cultural 2012 The site includes various dzongs.Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) Multiple districts Cultural 2012 The site was established to protect a mythical race known as migoi, as well as the wildlife within the site.Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Tamzhing Monastery Bumthang District Cultural 2012 The site is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan.Tamzhing Monastery . UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28.

See also List of World Heritage Sites in Asia

References