World Heritage Experience Switzerland - WHES
For more than 15 years, the umbrella organisation WHES has been promoting the interests of its members in the field of UNESCO World Heritage in Switzerland.
About Us
Founded in 2009, the umbrella organisation unites World Heritage stakeholders in Switzerland with a shared objective: to foster collaboration at the national level and ensure the long-term preservation of World Heritage properties. Central to the mission of WHES is the guiding principle of "Achieving More Together," which embodies the commitment to collective impact and shared success.
Focus
Initially centred on tourism, WHES has evolved its scope in valorisation and mediation fields. The umbrella organisation is dedicated to a holistic approach to World Heritage, driven by the belief that "You only protect well what you know well." This philosophy guides WHES in minimising conflicts between conservation and use, ensuring that all stakeholders align with the values of UNESCO.
Networking and Collaboration
Through WHES, various actors within the association are interconnected at cantonal, regional and national level, fostering collaboration and shared benefits. WHES fosters synergies to enhance the collective impact.
International cooperation
WHES is founding member of the European Network of World Heritage Associations (ENWHA) and is committed to long-term transnational exchange and cooperation.
Funding Our Mission
The association is funded through membership and partner fees. Patronage also help sustain initiatives and in protecting and promoting World Heritage in Switzerland.
Cooperation opportunities
WHES offers all interested individuals and organisations the opportunity to join the network. For private individuals there is the possibility of individual membership and for organisations the possibility of institutional membership.
For interested organisations, who wish to work with us more intensively, there is the possibility of membership as a partner. This is also a prerequisite for booking cooperation in valorisation, mediation or management packages. In the right column you will find an overview of services and costs for members and partner packages, as well as the association's statutes (documents in German).
