"The idea of this convention is really unique because it is about heritage of outstanding universal value, which is to be preserved not for us, but for the generations to come. And that idea came together in 1972 when we had the first International Conference on the Human Environment. The first UN Conference on this. And it was quite interesting. It was a time when you had many NGOs. It was after the publication of a book which was called Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. And it was the idea that there are so many threats to this amazing heritage that the whole of the international community has to do something."

Mechtild Rössler is the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and has worked at the organization for almost 30 years holding different positions, including overseeing the Cultural Heritage Treaty Section, Programme Specialist  ...