A UNESCO World Heritage Site can be either a cultural or natural site with significance. Natural sites usually consists of places like mountains, monuments, national parks, lakes or forests. To become one of these prestigious sites, it has to have some sort of physical or cultural significance that makes it important that it is protected. There are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and recently 6 more natural sites were added.
Stevns Klint, Denmark
Stevns Klint (pictured to the right) in Denmark is an interesting place. It’s believed to be the site where the Chicxulub meteorite crashed into earth 65 million years ago. This meteorite is thought to have caused the largest mass extinction in history. Stevns Klint has a long coastal cliff that is full of fossils and a lot of history.
Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex, the Russian Federation
Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex is made up of the ancient settlement of Bolgar. Today, there are some remains of brick and stone structures. It is estimated that there are over 100 different pieces of remains that still stand. It used to be a place that was used heavily for trade, but currently it is one of the orthodox Muslim pilgrim’s sacred places.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is an important part of the Philippines. It provides a habitat for numerous plants and animals. Without this area, many of these species would become extinct. Eight of these flora and fauna species are only currently found at Mount Hamiguitan.
Great Himalayan National Park, India
The Great Himalayan National Park is just over 468 miles large. It consists of a conservation area, large mountains and dense forests. Around 183 bird species and 31 different mammal species can be found at Great Himalayan National Park. Many of these animals are currently endangered, including Himalayan brown bear.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Vietnam
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, located in Vietnam, consists of the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the Trang An Ecological Area and the Tam Coc-Bich Dong River Landscape. In these areas caves, limestone karsts, strata and rivers can be found. Scientist believe the Tran An Region is more than 245 million year olds.
Pre-Colombian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquis, Costa Rica
The Pre-Colombian Chiefdom Settlements with stone spheres of the Diquies has over 45 different archaeological sites. This area consists of Cano Island, Grijalba, El Silencio, Finca 6 and Batambal. What makes them unique is the combinations of tropical rainforests with their unique artifacts: stone spheres. The whole Island of Cano is actually a natural reserve.
In order to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the nation that would like their site to be considered must convince the UNESCO committee that they will do everything they can to preserve the site and provide financial contributions. Many countries aim for one of their sites to become a world heritage site because this status will help protect it through conservation efforts. The UNESCO committee only meets once a year to determine if the nominees should become a world heritage site or not.
