World Heritage Convention Act (Act No. 49 of 1999).

The objectives of this Act are, inter alia, to: (a) provide for, the cultural and environmental protection and sustainable development of, and related activities within, World Heritage Sites; and giving effect to the values of the World Heritage Convention; (b) make the Convention part of South African domestic law and to create a framework to ensure that the Convention and the Operational Guidelines are effectively implemented in the Republic; (c) ensure that everything done in terms of this Act conforms with the obligations of the Republic in terms of the Convention and the Operational Guidelines;(d) ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage of the Republic; (e) encourage investment and innovation in connection with World Heritage Sites; and (f) promote the development of culturally, environmentally and, if applicable, economically sustainable projects in connection with World Heritage Sites (sect. 3). Section 4 outlines the fundamental principles of this Act. Where an existing organ of state is already lawfully managing or involved in a World Heritage Site, the Minister may declare that organ of state to an Authority under this Act. The Minister may also establish new Authorities under section 9.