UNESCO is celebrating its 80th anniversary of promoting natural and cultural heritage around the world.

Gwynedd is home to two World Heritage sites - the slate landscape of North West Wales, designated in 2021, and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward, which were granted status in 1986.

In addition, GeoMôn is designated as one of two global geoparks in Wales while the Dyfi Biosphere has been recognised as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Cyngor Gwynedd says the designation of the slate landscape has attracted over £38 million to the county over the last four years.

Projects in the area have included conservation work on the former Penrhyn Quarry Hospital in Bethesda and the ongoing redevelopment of the National Slate Museum in Llanberis as well as town centre improvements including public art.

In addition, Caernarfon Castle attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes, cabinet member for economy and community, said: "We are extremely proud of our UNESCO World Heritage designations here in Gwynedd."

"A visitor economy in the interests and well-being of the people, environment, language and culture of Gwynedd and Eryri is at the heart of our sustainable visitor economy plan 2035."

"The visitor economy is very important to this special area, but we also want to ensure that the area and its special qualities are protected and safeguarded – so that what is so unique about the area is preserved for today and future generations."

"UNESCO status is an additional tool to ensure that, together, we and our partners manage our sites in a sustainable way for generations to come."

"The designation has been a catalyst for economic and social regeneration in our communities, boosting them to take pride in their heritage, while also making a visual difference in the heart of the slate communities."

Since its formation in London in 1945, nearly 60 sites across the UK have been recognised by UNESCO, including a mix of world heritage sites, biosphere reserves and geoparks.