DOI 10.17721/2521-1706.2026.21.9

Viktoriia Pilkevych

Ph. D. (History), Associate Professor, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8304-4567
 

Abstract. This article examines the cooperation between Canada and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the field of cultural and natural heritage preservation. In a world of persistent threats, the risk of destruction of cultural monuments, and global challenges facing natural sites, the protection and promotion of World Heritage have become essential. Canada is no exception in this regard; the country’s active engagement in heritage preservation through its partnership with UNESCO holds a prominent place in its foreign policy. The relevance of this issue underscores the need for further scholarly investigation.

The aim of the article is to analyze the cooperation between Canada and UNESCO regarding the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, a systematic approach, and scientific objectivity. The study employs historical-comparative, statistical, and chronological methods.

The scientific novelty lies in the attempt to provide the first systematic analysis of the relationship between Canada and UNESCO concerning the protection of cultural and natural heritage, tracing the stages of cooperation, communication features, and the challenges the country faces in protecting its sites.

Conclusions. The author identifies the key achievements of Canada and UNESCO’s joint efforts to protect heritage sites within the country, as well as the problems affecting the state of preservation of Canadian sites. Significant attention is paid to joint initiatives, specifically the 2008 World Heritage Committee session, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of Quebec City (the historic district of which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List). The author emphasizes a unique feature of Canadian sites on the UNESCO list: the predominance of natural sites, which highlights the country’s commitment to preserving and promoting its natural heritage. Finally, the prospects for further cooperation between Canada and UNESCO in the field of preserving the cultural and natural heritage of mankind are outlined, considering the mutual interests of both parties.

Key words: Canada, UNESCO, cultural and natural heritage, sites, preservation.

Submitted: 17.02.2026


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