The topic of this paper is the nomination process of the Kopački rit Nature Park for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located at the confluence of the Drava River and the Danube, Kopački rit was designated as a Nature Park in 1999 and is renowned for its rich ecosystem, which includes over 2300 species of flora and fauna, many of which are rare or endangered. Its ornithological diversity is particularly significant, with more than 300 recorded bird species. Kopački rit is also internationally important as a bird area, included in the Ramsar Convention since 1967 and part of the Natura 2000 ecological network. The park is managed through various tourism activities, including boat trips, photo safaris, educational programs, and recreational fishing. The aim of this paper is to analyze the criteria and process for nominating Kopački rit for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The paper focuses on two hypotheses: H1: Kopački rit meets the criteria for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List and H2: Kopački rit will soon be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To achieve these goals, the paper examines the specific characteristics of Kopački rit in relation to UNESCO's criteria and the current status of the nomination process. The research methodology includes a review of academic literature and online sources related to UNESCO and the criteria for inclusion, as well as an analysis of the specific features of Kopački rit. The paper is structured into six main sections: an introduction defining the issue, a review of UNESCO and its programs, an analysis of protected nature areas in Croatia, a detailed analysis of the importance of Kopački rit, empirical research, and a conclusion. The paper also includes a bibliography and appendices supporting the conclusions drawn.