The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Cultural heritage consists of monuments, groups of buildings, and sites. Natural heritage comprises natural features, geological and physiographical formations, and natural sites that are important from the perspectives of science, conservation, or natural beauty. South Africa accepted the convention on 10 July 1997. There are twelve World Heritage Sites in South Africa.