Conserving world culture, biodiversity, and beauty

There are places in the world that are so beautiful, so phenomenal, so unique, and so historically significant that they are protected by international law. UNESCO—United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—chooses world heritage sites to conserve those important pieces of history and humanity.

Some UNESCO sites you know of, or can certainly guess, are The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids from Giza to Dahshur, Stonehenge, the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu, and the city of Rome. However, UNESCO’s official website shows that as of last month, 1,092 sites are now protected world heritage sites.

These important places can be selected because of their cultural significance or their natural phenomena, or both. Cities and monuments show ancient civilizations, creative genius, historical architecture or technology, astonishing human tradition, or changing human values and beliefs. Natural world heritage sites are exceptionally beautiful and often home to threatened species and habitats. They also exhibit Earth’s historical geological processes or evolving ecosystems.

More UNESCO sites are selected and added each year for such reasons. Recently added to the list are the ancient wetlands of Pimachiowin Aki, Canada, the mountain monasteries in Sansa, South Korea, and the mountain top 2,500 meters above sea level in Fanjingshan, China that supports the unique plant and animal species living there.

As it turns out, there are far more than just 7 wonders of the world.