India, Oct. 19 -- A UNESCO World Heritage tag can put a historic monument, ancient city or natural landscape on the global map, attracting visitors and renewed attention to its past. But the recognition is about more than tourism. It also brings responsibilities for the country concerned, including protecting the site's heritage, managing its conservation and preserving the features that made it internationally significant.

According to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, a site must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value and meet at least one of ten selection criteria to qualify for the list. These criteria cover cultural and natural heritage, including architectural achievements, important historical traditions, exceptional landscapes and...