The Netherlands committed itself to implementing the World Heritage Convention when it signed the Convention in 1992. To this end, the Netherlands drew up and submitted a Tentative List to the World Heritage Committee. This Tentative List, which currently includes only archaeological (1994) and structural (1995) sites, was approved by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). Inscription on a Tentative List has no legal implications.

So far, the Netherlands has submitted no Tentative List of Natural Heritage. The Governments of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are currently discussing possible joint efforts to have the Wadden Sea inscribed on the World Heritage List as a site of natural and cultural significance. Cultural heritage applies as well in this instance because of the many shipwrecks in the Wadden Sea. As the Tentative List contains no natural heritage sites, the role of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has been relatively limited thus far.

The heritage sites listed on the Tentative List may be nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List if the parties directly concerned (such as municipalities and provinces) agree. The cabinet must agree to the nominations. Nominations must meet stringent requirements. The relevant criteria are provided elsewhere on this website. Nominations must be prepared with all parties involved in the country of the nominated site. These can be provinces, municipalities, district water boards and private parties.
The Netherlands is responsible for protecting and preserving its own World Heritage sites. The policy concerning preservation of these sites is formulated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The Netherlands has agreed to provide a Fund-in-Trust, referred to as the NFIT, as required.

The Netherlands Department for Conservation (RDMZ) and the Dutch National Service for Archaeological Heritage (ROB) play a major part is implementing the policy, obviously in consultation with the Ministry.

Ministerie van OCW/Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Rijnstraat 50
Post Office Box 16375
2500 BJ the Hague
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)70 412 34 56
Fax: +31 (0)70 412 34 50
Email: ocwinfo@postbus51.nl