Natural heritage refers to the sum total of the elements of biodiversity, includes flora and fauna, ecosystems and geological structures.
[7] When this network was extended outside the United States, the term "Conservation Data Center (or Centre)" was suggested by Guillermo Mann and came to be preferred for programs outside the US[citation needed].
The UNESCO programme, catalogues, names, and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity.
The new agreements commit countries to conserve biodiversity, develop resources for sustainability and share the benefits resulting from their use.
Under new rules, it is expected that bioprospecting or collection of natural products has to be allowed by the biodiversity-rich country, in exchange for a share of the benefits.