It comes as part of the organisation's Clean Water Partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has raised concerns about sport having a negative impact on World Heritage Sites.

Sites on the list all have "outstanding universal value" and meet criteria relating to cultural, historical, scientific or natural significance.

According to FISA, they are the first global sports body to sign a deal to protect Heritage Sites.

The organisation has now put into action a policy which enforces a commitment to look after the areas.

"World Rowing recognises that large sporting events can have a negative impact on a location," a statement said.

"While the rowing venues currently used for World Rowing events do not impact directly on World Heritage Sites, World Rowing has established policy to assess the potential effect of its events on such sites and their buffer zones and aim to reduce any impact. 

"The policy is reflected in World Rowing's latest bidding and operational guidelines.

"World Rowing also intends to raise awareness across the wider sport of rowing so that its member federations, governing bodies, clubs and regatta organisers understand how to avoid negative impacts on natural World Heritage Sites and their buffer zones."

World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland welcomed the arrangement.

"As rowing is a sport that is intimately connected to nature, we recognise the importance of protecting natural sites," the Frenchman said.

"World Rowing hopes that other international sporting organisations will follow in committing to preserve these areas of the world."

Marco Lambertini, director general of WWF International, added: "UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of our planet's most special places. 

"Unfortunately, many are under threat, including from sports events and sports-related infrastructure. In pledging to respect them, the World Rowing Federation is showing real leadership. 

"Our favourite sports must not risk these irreplaceable areas and their outstanding universal value to people and nature.

"This commitment must be the start of a broader transition in sport. 

"With the eyes of the world on the upcoming Winter Olympics, other sports must follow World Rowing in adopting policies that manage the risk of sports events and associated infrastructure developments on the environment. 

"WWF calls on all sports to commit to protecting UNESCO World Heritage sites."