NIKU works with issues related to UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention of 1972. We conduct research on international world heritage management and carry out studies of various world heritage sites. Further, we conduct planning-related assignments that include world heritage, with impact assessments and scenario analyses.

We investigate how the management of world heritage sites can contribute to urban and rural development and create sustainable cultural environments for future generations. We have a particular focus on how world heritage is included in guidelines and strategic plans, as well as climate-related threats to world heritage.

We work with projects locally and in international networks, in collaboration with researchers from leading knowledge environments at in Norway and abroad.