Page 47 - ce_cusco_2019

UNESCO and its committee qualify sites to be included on the World Heritage List based on ten criteria.

There are both natural and cultural sites, though it is more than possible for a site to be considered as both (an

example would be Peru’s Machu Picchu - which meets an impressive four criteria: two cultural, and two

natural). When sites are included on the list, there are increased chances of funding, international recognition,

and an increase in tourism due to the publicity. UNESCO’s keeps sites on the list as long as the value and

authenticity remains. A threat to the historical authenticity of a downtown area due to skyscrapers, for

example, causes a cultural site to be endangered, and would be removed from the list if such buildings were

constructed (an issue that the Historic Centre of Vienna is currently facing). In addition, areas in Syria are

currently all in danger of being removed because of the issue of war and violence that threatens the sites

themselves.

RELATED SITES

Before considering specific criteria to the Freeman Houses, analyzing sites that possess the same or

similar value to the Freeman Houses may help to provide insight and arguments as to why the houses more

than qualify for cultural heritage in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The United States holds many natural

and cultural sites, though there are many more that could easily be included in the list as well. Currently, the

United States alone possesses 22 World Heritage Sites, 10 of which are cultural and listed below:

i. Cohokia Mounds State Historic Site

ii. Chaco Culture

iii. Independence Hall

iv. La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico

v. Mesa Verde National Park

vi. Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville

vii. Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point

47