The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.
[1] Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites).
[2] Belarus accepted the convention on 12 October 1988, making its natural and historical sites eligible for inclusion on the list.
In addition to Białowieża Forest, the Struve Geodetic Arc is also a transnational site, and is shared with nine other countries.
[6] In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination.