UNESCO heritage series. Natural and cultural heritage

The adoption in 1972 by the international organization UNESCO of the Convention for the Protection of the World Heritage of Humanity was due to serious global changes human habitats. The need for additional measures aimed at improving the environment, in which a person is inextricably linked with nature and ensures the safety of cultural heritage inherited from past generations, has become obvious.

natural heritage

In the list of monuments of the World natural heritage objects of both animate and inanimate nature are included. The monuments of world significance include all the most famous wonders of nature, which have exceptional beauty and are valuable for all mankind. These are such objects as the Grand Canyon, Iguazu Falls, Mount Chomolungma, Komodo Island, Mount Kilimanjaro, and many dozens of other objects. World natural heritage sites in Russia include Lake Baikal, volcanoes, primeval Komi forests, the island, the Ubsunur basin, the mountains of the Western Caucasus, Central Sikhote-Alin and Altai.

The World Heritage sites also include specially protected areas of habitats for endangered species of animals and plants. Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks in Tanzania are protected by several million individuals of wild animals. different types. In the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), giant sea turtles, iguana lizards and other animals are protected. most of which are endemic.

Cultural heritage

Various monuments of the World Cultural Heritage can be combined into several groups.

Firstly, these are the historical centers of cities or even entire cities, reflecting architectural styles different eras. In Europe, these are the cities of the Ancient World - Rome and Athens, the oldest temples and palaces of which were built in the style of classicism. Medieval Florence and Venice, Krakow and Prague retain majestic Catholic cathedrals and luxurious Renaissance palaces. In Asia it center of three Jerusalem, ancient capital. In America, the capital of the Aztec Empire, the Inca fortress city of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Secondly, the number of cultural heritage sites includes individual architectural masterpieces. These are, for example, religious centers in Europe (Cologne and Reims cathedrals, Canterbury and Westminster abbeys) and in Asia (Buddhist temples Borobudur and Angor-Watt, mausoleum).

Thirdly, unique monuments of engineering art become objects of cultural heritage. Among them, for example, the Iron Bridge (England), the most grandiose creation of human hands - the Great Wall of China.

Fourthly, these are the oldest religious buildings and archaeological sites primitive and ancient world. Examples of such objects are English, the Greek ruins of Delphi and Olympia, the ruins of Carthage in.

Fifth, special heritage objects are memorable places associated with historical events or the activities of famous people.

Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that endowed man with untold riches and allowed him to use its benefits to create comfortable conditions life. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution has always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this is the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia

In the northern part Saudi Arabia there is a unique complex Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 graves dating back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegr, an ancient city that became the center of caravan trade.

More than 50 inscriptions were found on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the Donabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.

Longmen Grottoes, China

"Dragon Gate" or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. An amazing ensemble of beautiful temples and ancient caves, until 494 was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty.

After the transfer of residence to new town, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.

2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the full-flowing Yishui River - these are precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture that make up single complex have been included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, built in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman, has been preserved. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and way of life of the Khmers.

In addition to the Bayon Temple, over a thousand more unique temples are located in the Angkor region, representing different eras and levels of civilization development. Every year, millions of curious tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.

Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones, silently resting among the endless fields sown with rice.

Stonehend, UK

The overall stone structure - Stonehend is located among the luxurious nature of the Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones, placed in a certain sequence, are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at the amazing creation of man, created in 3000 BC.

Influenced by time and natural phenomena the unique monument of antiquity began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 they can only be looked at. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.

Stonehand was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Lonely George, Ecuador

The only giant tortoise representing this species mammals, lives on the territory of the National Park, located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on the island of Pinta, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.

The most famous bachelor in the world is in the prime of his life, according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to breed. George has already found a female that has a genetic resemblance to the progenitors of the "groom", so there is every reason to believe that the genus of giant tortoises will continue.

Summer Palace, China

Among the fabulous beautiful scenery In the Imperial Garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day keeps the memory of the royal people who lived within its walls.

In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.

In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of the UNESCO World Treasury.

Statue of Liberty, America

The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolitan areas of the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift given by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.

"Lady Liberty" personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the struggle of Americans for their rights.

In 1984, "Lady Liberty" added to the list of UNESCO heritage.

Iguazu National Park, Argentina

On the territory of the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique heritage by UNESCO.

In addition to the species diversity of birds and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for an incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of falling streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.

The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise corner of the earth, filled with outlandish aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see the riches of the Argentinean region with their own eyes.

Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

On the picturesque banks of the canals, located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills, built several decades ago, majestically rise.

More than a thousand historical structures, named in Kinderdijk after the village in which they are located, have added to the bottomless treasury of UNESCO.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The decoration of the relief landscapes of the Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the amiable name of Perito Moreno. In size, it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.

An amazing masterpiece created by nature has become not only an adornment of the Argentinean Patagonia, it has replenished the UNESCO world treasury. The talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.

The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spreads to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant rise in the water level in the southern part of the lake.

Cubic meters of icy liquid put pressure on the walls of the glacier, breaking the shackling barrier. Such an action is a bewitching spectacle and takes place sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.

Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel

In the north of Israel, the picturesque town of Haifa is located, the territory of which is lined with unique terraced gardens created many years ago.

In the luxury of amazing vegetation, the beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the Baha'i religious trend that is popular today, is buried.

The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man in 2008 was included in the list of unique heritage of UNESCO.

Vatican

The Vatican is a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is world center Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 by architect Bernini.

Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres join near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where the faithful gather to hear and see the pontiff.

The inhabitants of a small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of previous generations, part of which is the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art that are preserved behind the walls of the sacred basilica.

In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.

Petra, Israel

The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Hollowed out in the sandstones, residential quarters rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.

Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts, amazing temples, built many centuries ago, have been preserved.

The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list, in addition, since 2007 it has been called another "wonder of the world."

Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a unique system of 3,000 isolated coral reefs and over 900 scenic islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and attracts millions of divers every year, eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.

With over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on the planet, which can be seen even from space.

In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the treasury of UNESCO, and earlier it was given the status of "wonder of the world."

Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park in Belarus. In 1993, it received the status of a biosphere reserve, and a year earlier it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A picturesque nature protection object is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions, the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
On the picturesque landscapes of the amazing area, excellent conditions have been created for the habitat of many species of animals, among which are those listed in the "Red Book" of Belarus.

In the dense thickets of relic forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - bison, which tourists from different parts of the globe come to see.

Rock paintings in Alta, Norway

Another cultural and historical heritage of UNESCO is the rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who hunted here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of the people living in coastal areas and on the mainland, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.

More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.

For the first time, they started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, it was then that the first petroglyphs were found. In the course of further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum, open to tourists, was established.

Urnes Stave Church, Norway

Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outlines of the Urnes Stave Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, loom. An amazing masterpiece of wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.

The masters who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.

Durable wood, harvested for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been fortunate enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.

Arc Struve

A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground by means of stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.

The Struve Arc has been used to determine the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Sweden. Total length the network on which the triangulation points are located is 2820 kilometers.

34 strongholds of the Duga, named after one of its founders, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO World Treasury.

Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today, a unique monument of ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.

The Caves Lavra got its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.

From the day of its foundation, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra has become a spiritual and cultural stronghold Kievan Rus, and the fame of her thundered far beyond the borders of the state.

Basilica of the Nativity and Pilgrims' Trails, Palestine

A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity, built in 339 AD. The place for the foundation of the basilica was not chosen by chance, it is believed that it was here that Jesus Christ was born.

In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original building.

In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage trails, bell towers, magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of luxurious plains and picturesque plateaus, swampy terrain covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers that cut through the open spaces of the park filled with life.

On the territory of the park you can see hundreds of rare species of plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction. Amazing natural complex located in the north of Australia, where the tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by the found in the course archaeological sites rock painting. The drawings depict the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.

Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, in 1981 listed as a UNESCO site.

Rainforests of the east coast of Australia

In the eastern part of Australia, along the dizzying cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, there are mysterious rainforests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This unique area, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of great importance for modern science. Indeed, on its territory there are geologically important objects, such as, for example, craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rainforests have become home to endemic species representing the local fauna.

Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

450 kilometers of tropical rain forests lie along the northeast coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and the rarest representatives of the richest Australian flora and no less diverse fauna.

In 1988, tropical rainforests added to the treasury of the world organization UNESCO.

Fraser Island

At over 120 kilometers long, Fraser Island is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with moist tall forests, and the golden bends of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed "hanging" lakes filled with fresh water.

In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO Treasury.

Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay and the islands adjacent to it are a fabulously beautiful place, known for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10,000 dugong individuals (the largest population of these animals in the world) live in the waters washing the coast.

Secondly, in the coastal waters you can see the huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.

Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations - stromatolites. They owe their appearance to algae colonies that are active underwater.

Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay into the natural treasure, in 1991, which added to the lists of UNESCO.

Macquarie Island

In the boundless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny island of Macquarie is lost. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate from Indo-Australian.

As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks, stored at a depth of more than 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, fell on the relief surface. In 1997, Macquarie Island was added to the richest treasury of UNESCO.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, resembling a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. In the "shells" located on a solid foundation, a magnificently decorated hall and a fine restaurant were located.

Erected in 1973, the building took its place among the UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.

The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of an amazing project. Having changed the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.

Convict settlements, Australia

Of the thousands of camps set up british empire on the territory of Austria (18-19 century), eleven, located on the island of Norfolk, Tasmania, around Sydney, were listed as UNESCO sites in 2010.

The prisons were designed to hold hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. They were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-education of criminals.

This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, implemented through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in the colonies.

Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua

The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. The design of the exterior and interior clearly shows the features of eclecticism, with a refined luxury characteristic of the style and an abundance of decorative details, harmoniously combined into a single ensemble.

Magnificent stained-glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Golgotha) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.

The monumental construction of the temple was created according to a project developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.

Since 2011, Leon Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO Treasury.

Island City Mozambique

The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.

A tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is immersed in the luxury of exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.

But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. Built in the same style, the buildings were built of makuchi stone and decorated in accordance with the building traditions laid down in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing city-island of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.

Prehispanic city of Teotihuacan

Teotiukan - the sacred city (formerly considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and completed only by the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and a high level of cultural development have made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.

Remarkable architecture of Teotiucan, especially large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed according to the principles of geometry.

Since 1987, the pre-Spanish city of Teotiucan has graced the UNESCO Treasury.

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is adorned with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name of Sian Kaan. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs that have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.

The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of strange birds enliven the dense thickets of forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions favor the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates typical of this region.

The picturesque biosphere reserve Sian Kaan in 1987 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.

Historic city of Meknes, Morocco

Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement flourished over time and turned into the picturesque city of Maknes. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a pronounced Spanish-Moorish flavor.

Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of bygone centuries prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historic city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

Bikini Atoll

Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could safely be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear clear waters Pacific Ocean. But the beginning cold war"put an end to the happy existence of local residents. In 1946, they were relocated from their native island, and the picturesque landscapes and water area became a test site for American nuclear weapons.

Over 60 thunderstorms have thundered on the atoll in 12 years nuclear explosions, here they experienced the first hydrogen bomb, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such exposure.

Silent witnesses of the unfortunate events were the ships that sank during the ongoing tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb.

Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

Lake Malawi National Park

The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, in the waters of which many interesting representatives of the underwater fauna live.

A deep-sea lake with the purest water has sheltered dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on the ground.

The unique lake in 1984 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.

Old quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a fortified city, which at different times was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing into possession from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.

So it was until 1867, after the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind of the former power of the architecture of the military era.

The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 1994.

curonian spit

The Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different sections ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.

The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by man since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece, exposed to the winds and the sea. To negate the negative impact of natural factors, work is underway to strengthen the forest plantation and sand dunes.

In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.

Los Catios National Park, Colombia

On 72,000 hectares of picturesque Colombian land, the Los Catios National Park is spread, which in 1994 replenished the UNESCO treasury.

The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The park has become home to huge amount amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.

Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, which is home to an incredible variety of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can only survive if they are within the Great Rift Valley, which is safe for them.

The emerald expanse of lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes covered with emerald thickets of forests that have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).

The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in shallow water. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and the lake system, in 2011, listed as a UNESCO site.

Every year on March 3, World Wildlife Day is celebrated. The date was not chosen by chance: on this day in 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was adopted. World Wildlife Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the diversity and beauty of the world around us.

In order to preserve and increase not only the cultural, but also the natural wealth of the planet, in 1972 UNESCO created the List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the main objective which is to make known and protect objects that are unique in their kind. Now there are more than a thousand objects in the list.

All the diversity of the world heritage is divided into three conditional groups: cultural, natural and cultural-natural objects. There are currently 26 monuments on the territory of Russia, 10 of which are unique natural objects.

Virgin forests of Komi

The virgin Komi forests were the first to be included in the list of world natural heritage in Russia. This is a huge and almost untouched natural massif, located in the north-east of the Komi Republic. The local forests mainly grow spruce, pine, fir, as well as several species of birch, larch and cedar.

The structure of this object includes one of the oldest in Russia, the Pechoro-Ilychsky nature reserve, located on the western slopes of the Northern Urals, and the national park "Yugyd va". In general, this entire long protected strip plays a huge role in stabilizing the state of the environment. natural environment. In addition, the virgin nature of the reserve and the park is of interest to archaeologists and paleontologists.

Volcanoes of Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka are six separate areas that are located in the east, in the center and in the south of the peninsula. Together they reflect almost all the main landscapes of Kamchatka, but at the same time each of them has a bright personality. In total, there are about 30 active and 300 extinct volcanoes.

The boundaries of this UNESCO monument include the Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve (this is a unique picturesque mountainous area that includes 26 volcanoes), the underdeveloped high-mountainous Bystrinsky Nature Park, Klyuchevskoy Natural Park with Klyuchevskoy Sopka- the highest active volcano Eurasia - and the natural park "Nalychevo". The latter includes the well-known Nalychevo resort area, where there are about 200 healing springs of thermal and mineral waters.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is one of the largest natural heritage sites in the world. This is the oldest freshwater reservoir on our planet - its age is usually estimated at 25 million years, as well as the deepest lake in the world - its maximum depth is 1620 meters. In addition, about 20% of the world's fresh water reserves are contained in Baikal. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings attract tourists from all over Russia and from many countries of the world.

Golden Mountains of Altai

In the area where the territories of the four largest states Eurasia - Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia, are the Golden Mountains of Altai, one of the most significant mountain systems in Central Asia and South Siberia.

Here you can see a wide variety of landscapes - from steppes and taiga to mountain tundra and glaciers. The area is dominated by the two-headed mountain Belukha, covered with a cap of eternal snow and ice. It reaches 4506 meters in height and is the highest point not only Altai, but throughout Siberia. And to the west of Belukha there are dozens of mountain glaciers.

Western Caucasus

The Western Caucasus is a natural massif located in the western part Greater Caucasus, about 50 kilometers northeast of Sochi. More than 6 thousand species of plants and animals have been recorded in this territory, which makes it a unique center of biodiversity not only on the scale of the Caucasus, but also of Eurasia.

Several tourist routes have been laid along the territory of the reserve, observation platforms have been equipped, and a museum of nature has been created. The most visited place is the area of Krasnaya Polyana, located at the southern borders of the reserve.

Central Sikhote-Alin

This most valuable mountain and forest region is located in the south of the Russian Far East. Here you can see narrow intermountain valleys, through which small but fast rivers flow; mountains rising up and rocky cliffs, sometimes sheerly leaving in the waters of the Sea of Japan. Due to the local humid climate, dense forests have formed here, recognized as one of the richest and most original in terms of species composition in the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Ubsunur hollow

Ubsunur is a rather large shallow salt lake located in the western part of a vast and closed intermountain basin. The northern part of this basin is located on the territory of Russia (Tuva), and the southern part is on the territory of Mongolia. The World Heritage Site itself consists of 12 scattered sites, seven of which are located in Russia.

All sites are located in different parts drainage basin of Lake Ubsunur, so they differ markedly from each other in natural conditions and in general represent all the main types of landscapes characteristic of Central Asia. In addition, monuments of cultural heritage were found in the basin: ancient burials, rock paintings, stone sculptures.

Wrangel Island

The area of Wrangel Island is the northernmost among the world natural heritage sites, it is located about 500 kilometers above the border of the Northern polar circle, at 71 degrees north latitude. In addition to Wrangel Island, the object includes Herald Island, located 70 kilometers to the east, as well as the adjacent waters of the East Siberian and Chukchi Seas.

The island itself is valuable in that it is a pronounced autonomous ecosystem that developed under conditions complete isolation the last 50 thousand years - since the time when the island began to separate from the mainland. In addition, this territory is characterized by an exceptional for the Arctic biodiversity, occurs here whole line rare and endangered species.

Putorana Plateau

The boundaries of this object coincide with the boundaries of the Putorana State nature reserve located in the northern part of Central Siberia, 100 kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle. The World Heritage part of this plateau features full set subarctic and arctic ecosystems preserved in an isolated mountain range, including pristine taiga, forest-tundra, tundra and arctic deserts, as well as a pristine cold water lake and river systems.

Nature Park"Lena Pillars"

The Lena Pillars are rock formations of rare beauty that reach a height of about 100 meters and are located along the banks of the Lena River in the central part of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The pillars are separated from each other by deep and steep ravines, partially filled with rubble. rock. On the territory of the object there are remains of many different species of the Cambrian period.

The material was prepared by the editors of the site

For a long time, people did not think about what they would leave to their descendants. Rulers were replaced, entire cultures were destroyed, there was not a trace of them left. Later, people became smarter and preserved works of art, buildings of stunning beauty, interesting monuments, etc. In the end, mankind came to the conclusion that the most valuable objects should be included in a special list. Today, tourists visiting certain countries are interested in World Heritage Abroad. The UNESCO project has long been more than successful.

world heritage

At some point, people were distracted from the consumption of resources and realized the need to protect natural and flora and fauna. This aspiration expressed in a special list, the idea of which was implemented in 1972 within the framework of the Convention "On the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage", which proclaimed universal responsibility for the preservation of the most significant objects.

Today, the list includes more than a thousand items, and all these monuments are located on the territory of 161 states. Among them are picturesque corners nature and amazing creations of human hands, but some objects may surprise those who do not know on what principles this list is compiled.

Criteria

World heritage abroad and in Russia is not just buildings and natural monuments. Each object is unique in its own way and is included in the list with certain criteria. Conventionally, they are divided into two parts.

For artificial objects, criteria such as reflecting the relationship of human values, the development of architecture, uniqueness or exclusivity, connection with ideas that are in the public domain are important. Of course, beauty and aesthetics are also taken into account. There are six key factors.

As for natural monuments, they should include phenomena or areas of exceptional aesthetic qualities, be an example of the main stages of history, geological or biological processes or be important in terms of conservation of animal diversity and flora. Only four criteria are presented.

Those located abroad or in Russia, which can be attributed to approximately equally both to one and to the other group are called mixed, or having cultural and natural significance. So, what exactly is on the UNESCO list?

Record countries

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are very unevenly distributed around the world. States in which it is located the largest number monuments are Italy, China, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, India, Great Britain, Russia and the USA. In total, more than 350 objects are located on their territory, which is more than a third of the entire list. Almost all of these countries can be said to be the heirs of great civilizations and have natural wealth. In any case, such a beginning of the list is not at all surprising.

man-made objects

In this category for 2014, there are 779 objects. This includes the most famous and significant buildings and structures in the world, many of which are symbols of their countries: Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Easter Island, the Great Abu Mena in Egypt, Versailles, the Athenian Acropolis, the Taj Mahal, Prambanan and Borobudur temples in Indonesia, ancient Samarra, located on modern territory Iran, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan in Mexico, Cusco in Peru, Kizhi churchyard, the church in Kolomenskoye, Stonehenge, the Statue of Liberty, a building cities - especially often this is observed in Europe. All the most popular attractions among tourists will certainly fall into this list. But sometimes, if there have been some major changes, the object "leaves" the World Heritage. Two such cases are known abroad: the Elbe river valley near Dresden was excluded in connection with the construction highway; The reserve of white oryx - a special kind of antelope - in Oman was removed from the list due to the reduction of its territory and ineffective fight against poaching. This will probably change over time, but even if not, every year a special committee considers more and more proposals for the inclusion of various properties in the World Heritage Abroad.

natural monuments

The most interesting and beautiful monuments in the category "World Heritage Abroad" - the Creation of man, that is, buildings, structures, etc., are also curious, but it is much more interesting to observe what was created without the help and intervention of people. The list of such monuments (for 2014) includes 197 items. The objects are located in 87 countries of the world. 19 of them are endangered (for one reason or another). By the way, the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites begins with a natural monument - the Galapagos Islands, which received this honor in 1978. And, perhaps, this can be called quite fair, because many very rare animals and plants live here, the archipelago is also known for its stunning views. And, ultimately, nature remains the most valuable wealth of mankind.

mixed category

Some man-made structures are so closely related to the landscape and environment that it is difficult to unequivocally call them man-made. Or, on the contrary, a person only slightly changed what appeared as a result of geological, biological and other natural processes. In any case, the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage, represented by objects from this category, is truly unique.

There are relatively few such objects - 31, but it is simply impossible to even briefly talk about each one, they are so diverse and interesting in their own way. This includes the national parks of Australia and New Zealand, Mount Athos, Machu Picchu, the monasteries of Meteora, the wildlife of Tasmania, the scenery and life of Lapland and much more. It is a real miracle that all this wealth has come down to our time in this form, and the common task of mankind is to preserve this heritage for posterity.

Russia and CIS countries

In the territory former USSR There are a large number of monuments included in the UNESCO list. Some are nominated as candidates. There are 52 objects in total, including geodetic arc Struve, located on the territory of several states.

The list includes such names as the Moscow Kremlin, Samarkand, Tauric Chersonese, Bukhara, Lake Baikal, Lena Pillars, Putorana Plateau, Mount Sulaiman-Too etc. Having carefully studied the UNESCO World Heritage List located on the territory of the CIS countries, you can even decide never to travel to foreign countries without exploring your native lands - so diverse and interesting objects are presented in it. Well, and then it is already possible to look at the neighbors, and go beyond the three seas - there will be something to compare with.

UNESCO World Heritage in Ukraine is 7 objects on this moment, and 15 more are under consideration. Of the CIS countries, this country ranks second in terms of the number of items included in the list we are considering. These include, for example, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and in Kyiv, the historical center of Lviv, the beech forest of the Carpathians.

Status

It may seem that World Heritage listing abroad is just a nice bonus, making it easier for tourists and travelers to choose where to go and what to see. But this is absolutely not the case, because many objects are under the threat of partial destruction or disappearance and need special treatment. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list allows to additionally guarantee their safety. In addition, adding certain attractions to this list raises their prestige and popularity, which, in turn, attracts more tourists to the country. The development of this sector of the economy makes it possible to obtain more funds at the disposal of which it is possible to restore those very cultural monuments that are on the UNESCO list. So this project is useful in every way.

Objects under threat

Unfortunately, everything is not so rosy. There is a special section of the list, which lists those natural and cultural monuments that are threatened with critical changes or complete disappearance. The reasons can be different: various kinds of catastrophes and incidents, wars, the negative impact of climate and time. Not all of this can be controlled, so that soon humanity may lose some of the objects included in the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Now this "alarming" list contains 46 items. None of them are included in the World Heritage in Russia. Abroad, such situations, unfortunately, are not rare. But the committee is working in this direction.

The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger includes those that appeared a very long time ago - in the 3-5 millennium BC, so their importance can hardly be overestimated. And yet, numerous problems, plans for construction and reconstruction, wars, floods, poaching, etc., do not yet allow us to say that these places are safe.

Committee activities

UNESCO is a huge organization dedicated to the most different problems, World Heritage Abroad is just one of them. And all issues related to this topic are decided by a special committee. It meets once a year to make a decision on the objects applying for inclusion in the list. In addition, the committee initiates the creation of working groups that deal with the problems of individual objects. It also acts as a financial institution, allocating funds to the member countries of the Convention upon their request. The committee has 21 members in total. Most of them expire in 2017.

Similar Listings

Of course, cultural and natural monuments are extremely important and valuable, but humanity seeks to preserve not only them. In contrast to material objects, lists have been created containing the most significant examples of creativity, areas of expertise, etc. Since 2001, UNESCO has kept records of masterpieces of oral and intangible creativity. But do not think that we are talking about literary works - this list is much wider and more diverse than it seems. This includes culinary traditions various countries world, the unique skills of individual peoples, characteristic chants and dances, even falconry!

Another project designed to preserve UNESCO World Heritage Sites is called "Memory of the World". And it really is something akin to a repository of various knowledge - after all, this list contains the most important documents of mankind of all times that have survived to this day. This includes films, photographs, sound recordings, paintings, manuscripts and archives of famous people.

UNESCO projects aimed at drawing attention to cultural monuments and phenomena of all kinds, allow us not to forget that each person is able to create something great, worthy of forever remaining in history. They also help sometimes to stop and think about how much beauty was created by ancestors and nature, and how terrible it would be to lose it.

Before we present you with a list of countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, let's understand what they are.

Is a masterpiece of human creative genius;
Proves significant mutual influence universal values in a certain historical period or cultural space;
Is unique or exclusive to a culture and/or civilization that exists or has disappeared;
It is an outstanding example of architectural landscape design, illustrating an important period in human history;
Is an outstanding example of traditional human settlements or human interaction with the environment;
The object is directly related to historical events or cultural traditions, religious beliefs, artistic or literary works and is of great global importance.

World Heritage Sites fall into three categories:

cultural, i.e. Man-made are mainly architectural monuments.
created by nature, such as rock formations or caves, lakes, rivers and waterfalls
mixed, i.e. created jointly by nature and man - for the most part, these are various parks and gardens.

For natural objects there are selection criteria - for example, a natural phenomenon of exceptional beauty and aesthetic value.

In the US, there are Native American heritage sites, such as Taos Pueblo, an ancient Indian settlement. These are also structures created in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the Statue of Liberty.

In addition, the United States has several world heritage sites created by nature. These include the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. In total, there are 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States.

Russia made it to this top due to its rich and varied history and colossal territory. Among the objects of cultural heritage of Russia are the Moscow, Novgorod and Kazan Kremlins, the historical centers of St. Petersburg and Yaroslavl.

Also in Russia there are as many as 10 natural heritage sites, including the famous Lake Baikal and the Golden Altai Mountains.

The United Kingdom has many cultural heritage sites created, in particular, during the period of the Roman imperial occupation. Many of them are related to events affecting global history Europe. Of these, the Fortified Frontier of the Roman Empire and the Tower of London are especially famous.

India is the birthplace of the oldest earthly civilizations, which has seen the rise and fall of many empires and royal dynasties, as well as several world religions - Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism. India has several world heritage sites created by nature - caves and national parks.

The most famous cultural heritage sites in India are royal palace Taj Mahal and cave temples located on Elephanta Island.

Mexico was home to two ancient civilizations who lived in the New World until the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries - the Aztecs and the Maya. It was also where the earliest settlements of European colonists in the New World were located.

Mexico's World Heritage Sites include the historic center of Puebla and the ancient pre-Spanish cities of Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza and El Tajin.

During its long history, Germany has been both part of the Holy Roman Empire and the center of the German Empire. Hence the large number of cultural heritage sites. The most famous of them are Wartburg Castle and Cologne Cathedral.

As in the case of Germany, the history of France is closely connected with the Roman Empire. At one time, the Frankish tribes lived as part of the Empire. Later, however, France itself became a powerful monarchy.

So it is not surprising that in France many objects are classified as world heritage. First of all, this is Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles.

Of the 45 sites, 3 are located outside of Europe - for example, the Garajonay National Park, located on the island of La Gomera. This is due to the fact that Spain still retained some of the land acquired during the era of colonization.

In Spain itself, the most famous objects are the Roman city walls of Lugo and Burgos Cathedral.

China is home to the world's oldest civilizations and many cultures that still live and have disappeared. There are many cultural heritage sites in China, including the Great Wall of China.

But there are also a dozen natural heritage sites in China. One such place is Karst deposits in South China.

Finally, most of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Italy - the birthplace of the Holy Roman Empire, the Christian and most of the figures of the Renaissance. Among the objects of cultural heritage of Italy are the historical centers of Rome, Naples, Florence, Castel del Monte and Villa Del Casale.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a UNESCO World Heritage Site

World Heritage Sites make a significant contribution to the tourism industry, and hence the economy, of the countries that own them. They tend to be the most attractive for tourists visiting these countries.

This means a greater flow of tourists, and hence more money attracted by this industry. However, ownership of World Heritage properties comes at a high cost. The government of a country that owns a world heritage site has to spend a lot of money on the repair, protection and maintenance of these attractions.

This may create for a given country big problems especially during difficult economic times.

Beautiful shots from all corners of our Motherland, which depict the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Russia.