Preliminary Assessment
The adoption of Preliminary Assessment represents the most significant amendment since the Convention was adopted in 1972. Preliminary Assessment is an independent, desk-based review process (conducted by IUCN for natural and mixed requests), that will become mandatory as of 2027 as the first phase of the nomination process.
Preliminary Assessment provides an opportunity for enhanced and early dialogue between IUCN and the States Parties and is intended to provide targeted specialist advice to assist States Parties in preparing robust nominations in phase II for sites that hold potential to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value.
The evaluation of Preliminary Assessment requests capitalises on IUCN’s international and diverse network of experts and our final recommendations are determined through the Joint ICOMOS-IUCN Preliminary Assessment Panel (which meets in May-July each year).