Mechtild Rössler, director of Unesco's World Heritage Centre, has said the youth population must be prepared to protect the world's heritage for future generations.

Speaking on 18 April – the International Day for Monuments and Sites – Rössler said the education of young people would be the best way to protect heritage for the future.

"The World Heritage Education Programme gives young people around the world the chance to learn about their heritage, and to be a part of preserving it, through forums, animated films, volunteer action camps, seminars and workshops for teachers, and educational tools," he said.

"It enables tomorrow’s decision-makers to participate in heritage conservation and to respond to continuing threats facing our World Heritage."

To date, Unesco's World Heritage Volunteers Initiative has seen more than 3,500 people take part in 359 action camps, taking place across more than 142 World Heritage sites in 61 countries.

In terms of education, Unesco has invested in teaching in schools, with nearly 1,250 teachers and educators receiving training through seminars and workshops at national, regional and international levels. Additionally, thirteen animated short film episodes of Patrimonito’s World Heritage Adventures – an animated kids show for heritage education – have been produced. Unesco's World Heritage in Young Hands Kit – an educational resource for secondary school teachers – has also been translated and adapted to national needs in 37 languages.

"If we want to protect our heritage, we have to know about it," said Rössler. "Education is the first step in protecting our shared heritage, now and in the future."