How Does Somewhere Become a World Heritage Site?

In order for a place to be added to the World Heritage List, many people around the world must recognize that it has great value. It must also meet a number of conditions decided on by the World Heritage Committee, and there must be a framework to protect and manage the site so that its value can be passed on to future generations. The country in which the site is located makes the application to UNESCO.

Japan joined the World Heritage Convention in 1992, and it has since had nine cultural sites and two natural sites added to the list. Let's have a look at Yakushima and the Shirakami Mountains, the two natural treasures.