First, it selects sites nominated by member states to be included on the World Heritage List, based on the criteria established by the Committee. Decisions are generally made by consensus. The Committee monitors the sites and when a site is seriously endangered, it may be put on a List of World Heritage in Danger. In 1992, the Committee adopted a plan to improve its operations, including an increased focus on monitoring conditions at existing sites rather than adding new sites to the List. The Committee also administers the World Heritage Fund, which provides technical and financial aid to countries requesting assistance.
Assistance can include such support as expert studies, training, and equipment for protection.
The World Heritage Fund receives income from several sources. The Fund also receives voluntary contributions from Governments, donations from institutions, individuals, and from national or international promotional activities. Virtually no other U.S. money was contributed to this program. The National Park Service is the primary U.S. contact for World Heritage sites in the United States. The National Park Service administers all the U.S. sites with funds appropriated by Congress, except for several that are owned by states, a foundation, and an Indian tribe.