World heritage sites are protected under conventions established by which organization?

World Heritage Sites are designated and protected under the conventions established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, commonly known as UNESCO. UNESCO operates the World Heritage Convention, which was adopted in 1972 to identify and preserve places of cultural and natural significance around the world. The goal is to promote cooperation among nations in the protection of this heritage so that future generations can enjoy and benefit from these important sites.

UNESCO's role includes not just the designation of these sites but also providing technical assistance and expertise for their conservation and managing the challenges they may face. This makes its connection to World Heritage Sites direct and instrumental, ensuring that significant historical, cultural, and natural resources are safeguarded on a global scale.

The other organizations listed do not have the same formal role in the protection of World Heritage Sites. The United Nations Development Project focuses on economic and programmatic development to reduce poverty, while the World Wildlife Fund emphasizes wildlife conservation and environmental protection but does not directly manage cultural heritage sites. Human Rights Watch is dedicated to defending human rights and does not engage in heritage conservation.