Once on the tentative list, what is the process for being added to the World Heritage List?
According to the World Heritage Operational Guidelines, countries are requested to wait for one year after submitting their tentative list before sending forward any nomination for a site on the tentative list. It is anticipated that the first U. S. World Heritage nomination of a site included on the new tentative list will be submitted on February 1, 2009 for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its annual session in 2010. During the period between submission of the nomination by the US and the Committees review of it, the nomination will be evaluated by the appropriate advisory bodythe World Conservation Union (IUCN) for natural sites, and the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for cultural sites. The advisory bodies make formal site visits and consult with experts before giving their recommendation to the committee as to whether a nominated site meets the eligibility criteria.
