The World Heritage Emblem

It symbolises the interaction between culture and nature. The central square stands for a form created by human beings, while the circle represents nature. Both forms are closely interlocked. The emblem is round like the earth but is also a symbol of protection.

Use of the World Heritage emblem in Switzerland

The Swiss Commission for UNESCO is, on behalf of the FDFA, the only body that can allow the use of the World Heritage emblem in Switzerland.

As the present rules indicate (full version in D/F/I, summarized version in D/F/I), the use of this emblem must go hand in hand with the promulgation of values that correspond to the guidelines and philosophical principles of the World Heritage Convention and of UNESCO.

The use of the World Heritage emblem for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

Requests for approval must be addressed at least 45 days before the intended use to the

Swiss Commission for UNESCO
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Bundesgasse 32
CH - 3003 Bern

or by e-mail (unesco(at)eda.admin(dot)ch).

The official site managers of the world heritage sites can advise persons and bodies who wish to make such a request.