Tentative List
Inclusion on the Tentative List always precedes the nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List. The State Parties to the Convention are invited to draw up a National Tentative List of sites within their borders that they deem suitable for inscription on the List. They provide the Secretariat with particulars such as the name and the geographical position of the area, as well as a brief description and a statement as to the site’s outstanding universal values. Inclusion on the Tentative List bears no legal status.

Nomination
Nominations are subject to procedural requirements and substantive criteria. These procedural requirements are administrative and decision-making processes that guarantee consistency in the designation process. Nominations must be submitted to the Secretariat, whereupon a procedure is started that takes at least 18 months. Nominations are submitted by means of a nomination file. Among other things, this file contains a description and a history of the site, data concerning its geographical position including maps and pictures, and information on the relevant legislation. And, of course, a motivation based on the criteria that apply to designation as a World Heritage site. The substantive Criteria for Inscription on the World Heritage List were established to ensure the List is of a high standard. The nomination file itself and the nominated site (area or building) are inspected (on site) by ICOMOS and/or IUCN, the independent advisory bodies of the World Heritage Committee. These bodies draw up a recommendation to the Committee. Occasionally, the Committee asks the relevant country for additional information. The Committee eventually decides whether or not the nomination should be inscribed on the World Heritage List.