World Heritage Parks are those that possess natural and/or cultural properties that are recognized for their outstanding value to mankind and include:

• an example of the major stages in the earth's evolutionary history
• an exmaple of communities of plants and animals
• an area of superlative natural beauty
• an important habitat of threatened species

In addition, a site should:

• represent a unique artistic achievement
• exert an influence over subsequent cultural events
• be unique, rare or of very great antiquity
• be characteristic
• be associated with beliefs or events of outstanding historical significance

A site should also have long term protection and be of sufficient size to be self sustaining.

Firstly it will increase the recognition of the outstanding beauty of the area which will in turn engender pride which will increase the level of protection for the site.

Secondly, there will be a concomitant increase in tourism related benefits such as funding and jobs.