UNESCO objects. Natural heritage of Russia, marked by UNESCO

Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that has endowed man with countless riches and made it possible to take advantage of its benefits to create comfortable living conditions. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution have always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this are 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 burials dating from the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegra, an ancient city that became a center of caravan trade.

More than 50 inscriptions were discovered on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the pre-Nabatean 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. This amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty, until 494.

After moving the 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 deep Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, making up a single complex, were brought in on the UNESCO heritage list.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, erected 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 everyday life of the Khmers.

In addition to the Bayon Temple, the Angkor region is home to over a thousand unique temples, representing different eras and levels of civilization. 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 endless fields sown with rice.

Stonehand, UK

An oversized stone structure, Stonehand is located among the luxurious nature of 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 amazing creation man, created in 3000 BC.

Under the influence of time and natural phenomena, the unique ancient monument 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 you can only look at them. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.

Stonehand was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Lonesome George, Ecuador

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

The world's most famous bachelor is in the prime of his life; according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to have offspring. For George, a female has already been found that has genetic similarities to the “groom’s” ancestors, so there is every reason to believe that the line of giant tortoises will continue.

Summer Palace, China

Among the fabulous beautiful scenery imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, a magnificent Summer Palace, which to this day preserves the memory of the royalty 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 UNSO World Treasures

Statue of Liberty, America

The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolises in the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift presented 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 Americans’ struggle for their rights.

In 1984, “Lady Liberty” was added to the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Iguazu National Park, Argentina

In the picturesque province of Misiones there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - national park Iguazu, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique heritage by UNESCO.

In addition to the diversity of bird species and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for the incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of cascading 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 on earth, filled with the strange 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 with their own eyes the riches of the Argentine region.

Kinderdijk, Netherlands

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

More than a thousand historical structures, named Kinderdijk, after the village in which they are located, have replenished UNESCO's bottomless treasury.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The decoration of the relief landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the sweet name 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 a decoration Argentine Patagonia, he replenished the UNESCO world treasury. A 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 spills over to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant increase in water levels in the southern part of the lake.

Cubic meters of icy liquid press on the walls of the glacier, breaking the binding barrier. Such an action is a fascinating spectacle and occurs sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.

Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel

In the north of Israel is the picturesque town of Haifa, whose territory is surrounded by unique terraced gardens created many years ago.

The beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the popular Bahai religious movement, is buried in the luxury of amazing vegetation.

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

Vatican

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

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

Residents small state carefully preserve historical and cultural heritage previous generations, part of which was the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art preserved behind the walls of the holy 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. Residential areas carved out of sandstones 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 and 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

Big barrier reef- a unique system consisting of 3,000 separately located coral reefs and more than 900 picturesque islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and annually attracts millions of divers eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.

Over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on the planet, visible even from space.

In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the UNESCO treasury, and earlier it was awarded the status of a “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 list world heritage UNESCO.

The picturesque nature conservation site is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions; the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
The picturesque landscapes of this amazing area provide excellent conditions for the habitat of many species of animals, including those listed in the Red Book of Belarus.

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

Rock paintings in Alta, Norway

Another UNESCO cultural and historical heritage is 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 traded here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock paintings reflect the way of life of those who lived in coastal areas and on the mainland people, 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.

People first started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, when the first petroglyphs were found. During further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites of Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum was founded, open to tourists.

Urnes Stave Church, Norway

Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outline of the stave church Urnes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms. 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 craftsmen 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.

The durable wood, prepared 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 lucky enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.

Struve Arc

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

The Struve arc was used to establish 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, and Sweden. Total length The network on which the triangulation points are located is 2820 kilometers.

34 strongholds of the Arc, named after one of its creators, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO world treasury.

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine

The 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 is a unique reminder ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.

The Pechersk Lavra received 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 became the spiritual and cultural stronghold of Kievan Rus, and its fame resounded far beyond the borders of the state.

Basilica of the Nativity and pilgrim paths, Palestine

A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity of Christ, built in 339 AD. The location for the founding of the basilica was not chosen by chance; it is believed that this is where 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 structure.

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

Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of lush plains and picturesque plateaus, marshy areas covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers cutting through the park's life-filled expanses.

In the park you can see hundreds of rare plant species and endangered animals. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock paintings found during archaeological excavations. The drawings reflect the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.

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

Rain forests of the east coast of Australia

In eastern Australia, along the vertiginous cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, lie the mysterious rain forests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This unique zone, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of enormous importance for modern science. After all, on its territory there are geological important objects, such as craters extinct volcanoes, and the dense rainforests are home to endemic species representing the local fauna.

Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

450 kilometers of tropical rainforests lie along the north-eastern coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and rare representatives of the richest Australian flora and equally diverse fauna.

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

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, which is more than 120 kilometers long, is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with damp tall forests, and the golden curves 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 its surrounding islands are fabulous a nice place, known for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10 thousand dugongs live in the waters washing the coast (the largest population of these animals in the world).

Secondly, in coastal waters you can see 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 colonies of algae that actively live under water.

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

Macquarie Island

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

As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks stored at a depth of over 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle were deposited onto the relief surface of the papaya. In 1997, Macquarie Island joined UNESCO's richest treasury.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, reminiscent of a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera theatre. The “shells” located on a solid foundation house a magnificently decorated hall and a wonderful restaurant.

Erected in 1973, the building took its place among UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the largest architectural structure modernity.

The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of this amazing project. Changing 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 created by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th centuries), eleven, located on the islet of Norfolk, Tasmania, around Sydney, were included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 2010.

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

This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion European countries, implemented through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals on the territory of 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. In the design of the exterior and interior, features of eclecticism are clearly visible, with the 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 Calvary) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.

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

Since 2011, León Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO treasury.

Mozambique island city

The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located in the territory 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 surrounded by 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. The buildings, maintained in the same style, were built from makuti stone and decorated taking into account the building traditions established in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing island city of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.

Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan

Teotihucan – holy city(previously considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and was completed only at the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and high level cultural development made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.

The notable architecture of Teotihucan, especially the large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids Moons and Suns designed using the principles of geometry.

Since 1987, the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihucan has been a UNESCO treasure.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is decorated with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name Sian Ka'an. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs, which 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 exotic birds enliven the dense forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions contribute to the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates, typical for such a region.

The picturesque Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1987.

Historic city of Meknes, Morocco

Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement blossomed over time and became the picturesque town of Maknes. Under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a distinctly Spanish-Moorish flavor.

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

Bikini Atoll

Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could easily be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, kind people, crystal clear waters Pacific Ocean. But the beginning cold war"put an end to a happy existence local residents. In 1946, they were resettled from their home island, and the picturesque landscapes and waters became a test site for American nuclear weapons.

Over 12 years, over 60 nuclear explosions occurred on the atoll; the first hydrogen bomb was tested here, 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 radiation.

The ships that sank during the tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb, became silent witnesses to the unfortunate events.

Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was included in 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, the waters of which are home to many interesting representatives of underwater fauna.

The deep-sea lake with the purest water is home to dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.

The unique lake was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1984.

Ancient quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg

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

This was the case until 1867, after which the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind us of the former power of military-era architecture.

The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the list 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 areas ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.

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

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

Los Catios National Park, Colombia

Los Catios National Park is located on 72 thousand hectares of picturesque Colombian land, which was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1994.

The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The park territory became 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, home to an incredible diversity of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can survive only if they are within the safe Great Rift Valley.

The emerald surface of the lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes, covered with emerald thickets of forests, which 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 the shallow waters. 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 lake system, which was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 2011.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has added 19 new sites to its list of World Heritage Sites.
Among the new objects - mountain range in Mexico, mountains in France, a cathedral in Germany and a forest in Canada.
These places are listed as protected areas for future generations.
The World Heritage Committee announced this last week after a meeting in Bahrain.
The committee selects sites around the world that need to be preserved for their cultural, historical or scientific significance. The list already includes the Indian Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu in Peru and many others
Once a location is specified, it receives legal protection under international treaties.

Check out the amazing places around the world that have been added to the list.

1. Colombia's Chiribiquete National Park is a new member. The park has a huge variety of plants found in the Amazon Valley.

Chiribiquete has been a national park since 1989. Only a small part of the park has been studied, as it is difficult to access, but it is known that there is also a diverse animal world from jaguars to hummingbirds.

The park contains rock art in 60 caves that is approximately 20,000 years old.

2. China's Fangjingsan Mountain was added to the list due to its beauty and biodiversity. A mountain up to 2,570 meters above sea level, it is home to a number of endangered species.

Fanjingsan is home to plant species that date back to 65 million years ago, and there are also waterfalls.

3. The Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Shanghai consist of seven temples dating from the 7th to 9th centuries.

These sacred monasteries have survived centuries.

4. The Spanish caliphate city of Medina Azahara, an architectural site dating back to the 11th century, was once the seat of the Caliphate of Cordoba.

The city has been open to tourists since the beginning of the 20th century.

5. Aasivissuit-Nipisat Hunting Grounds in Greenland The area "contains evidence of 4,200 years of human history."

Arctic territories contain archaeological sites.

6. Germany's Naumburg Cathedral is "an outstanding testament to medieval art and architecture," according to UNESCO. Part of the cathedral dates back to the 13th century.

7. The island of Kyushu in Nagasaki Prefecture of Japan contains a village built by the first Christian settlers in Japan between the 16th and 19th centuries.

8. Göbekli Tepe in Turkey contains ancient sites created by hunting tribes between 9,600 and 8,200 BC.

9. The Tehuacán-Cuicatlan Valley in Mexico has the richest biodiversity in the entire North America and a large number of endangered cacti, as well as archaeological sites.

10. Chaine des Puys - 80 dormant volcanoes in the center of France stretch over 40 kilometers. Visitors can take a train to the highest peak.

11. South Africa's Barberton Mahonwa Mountains "represent the best-preserved remnants of volcanic and sedimentary rocks from 3.6 to 3.25 billion years ago, when the first continents began to form on primitive Earth."

12. There are remains at the Hedeby archaeological site in Germany trading city with traces of roads, buildings, cemeteries and a harbor.

13. The Pimahyowin Aki Forest in China has rivers, lakes, wetlands and forest. It is part of the ancestral home of the Anishinabeg First Nations people.

14. Italian city Ivrea - industrial city, designed by leading Italian urban planners and architects, mainly between the 1930s and 1960s. UNESCO believes that the city "expresses a modern vision of the relationship between industrial production and architecture."

15. UNESCO has recognized a series of eight archaeological sites in Iran for the way they show the influence that Achaemenid, Parthian and Roman traditions had in the Islamic era.

16. Victorian Gothic architecture of Mumbai and Art Deco. A row of Art Deco apartment buildings along the shores of the Arabian Sea can be seen in the picture below.

17. According to UNESCO, the archaeological site of Kenya at Thimlihe Ohinga was probably built in the 16th century. The settlements appear to have served as forts for communities and livestock. The site, the organization says, is "the largest and best of these traditional enclosures."

18. On the east coast of Oman ancient city Qalhat was a major port city between the 11th and 15th centuries AD. “Today it has unique archaeological evidence of trade relations between east coast Arabia, East Africa, India, China and South-East Asia", UNESCO said in a statement.

Al Ahsa from Saudi Arabia is the largest oasis in the world. Boasting 2.5 million date palms, the area has been home to people from the Neolithic era to the present day.

Currently, there are 26 World Heritage Sites located on the territory of the Russian Federation:
16 cultural sites (designated with the letter C - cultural) and 10 natural heritage sites (designated with the letter N - natural) on the World Heritage List.

Three of them are transboundary, i.e. located on the territory of several states: Curonian Spit (Lithuania, Russian Federation), Ubsunur Basin (Mongolia, Russian Federation), Struve Geodetic Arc (Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Estonia)

The first objects - “Historical Center St. Petersburg and associated groups of monuments”, “Kizhi Pogost”, “Moscow Kremlin and Red Square” - were included in the World Heritage List at the 14th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in 1990 in the Canadian city of Banff.

14th Session of the World Heritage Committee - 1990 (Banff, Canada)

№С540 - Historical center St. Petersburg and related groups of monuments

Criteria (i) (ii) (iv) (vi)
The "Venice of the North", with its many canals and more than 400 bridges, is the result of a great urban planning project, begun in 1703 under Peter the Great. The city turned out to be closely connected with the October Revolution of 1917, and in 1924-1991. it bore the name Leningrad. Its architectural heritage combines such various styles like baroque and classicism, which can be seen in the example of the Admiralty, Winter Palace, Marble Palace and the Hermitage.
Information about the object:

No. S544 - Kizhi Pogost

Criteria: (i)(iv)(v)
Kizhi Pogost is located on one of the many islands of Lake Onega, in Karelia. Here you can see two wooden churches from the 18th century, as well as an octagonal bell tower, built of wood in 1862. These unusual structures, the pinnacle of carpentry, represent an example of an ancient church parish and blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

No. C545 - Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

Criteria: (i)(ii)(iv)(vi)
This place is inextricably linked with the most important historical and political events in the life of Russia. Since the 13th century. The Moscow Kremlin, created in the period from the 14th century. to the 17th century outstanding Russian and foreign architects, was the grand ducal and then the royal residence, as well as religious center. On Red Square, located near the walls of the Kremlin, stands St. Basil's Cathedral - a true masterpiece of Russian Orthodox architecture.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Moscow Kremlin Museums
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

16th session of the World Heritage Committee - 1992 (Santa Fe, USA)

No. S604 - Historical monuments Veliky Novgorod and surroundings

Criteria: (ii)(iv)(vi)
Novgorod, advantageously located on the ancient trade route between Central Asia And Northern Europe, was in the 9th century. the first capital of Russia, the center of Orthodox spirituality and Russian architecture. Its medieval monuments, churches and monasteries, as well as the frescoes of Theophanes the Greek (Andrei Rublev's teacher), dating back to the 14th century, clearly illustrate the outstanding level of architectural and artistic creativity.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Novgorod Region
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

No. C632 - Historical and cultural complex of the Solovetsky Islands

Criterion: (iv)
Solovetsky archipelago, located in the western part White Sea, consists of 6 islands with total area more than 300 sq. km. They were inhabited in the 5th century. BC, however, the very first evidence of human presence here dates back to the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. The islands, starting from the 15th century, became the site of the creation and active development of the largest monastery in the Russian North. There are also several churches from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Solovetsky State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve"
on the website "Museums of Russia"

No. C633 - White stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal

Criteria: (i)(ii)(iv)
These two ancient cultural centers of Central Russia occupy an important place in the history of the formation of the country's architecture. There is a number of majestic religious and public buildings of the 12th-13th centuries, among which the Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals(Vladimir).
Information about the object:
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

17th session of the World Heritage Committee -1993 (Cartagena, Colombia)

No. S657 - Architectural ensemble Trinity Lavra of Sergius in the city of Sergiev Posad

Criteria: (ii)(iv)
This is a striking example of a functioning Orthodox monastery, which has the features of a fortress, which was fully consistent with the spirit of the time of its formation - the 15th-18th centuries. In the main temple of the Lavra - the Assumption Cathedral, created in the image and likeness of the cathedral of the same name in the Moscow Kremlin - there is the tomb of Boris Godunov. Among the treasures of the Lavra is the famous Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev.
Information about the object:
on website of the Ministry of Culture of the Moscow Region
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

18th session of the World Heritage Committee - 1994 (Phuket, Thailand)

№С634rev- Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye (Moscow)

Criterion: (ii)
This church was built in 1532 on the royal estate of Kolomenskoye near Moscow to commemorate the birth of the heir - the future Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible. The Church of the Ascension, which is one of the earliest examples of the traditional hipped roof completion in stone, has had big influence on further development Russian church architecture.
Information about the object:

on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

19th session of the World Heritage Committee - 1995 (Berlin, Germany)

N719 - Virgin forests of Komi

Criteria: (vii) (ix)
Covering an area of ​​3.28 million hectares, the heritage site includes lowland tundra, mountain tundra of the Urals, and one of the largest tracts of primary boreal forest remaining in Europe. A vast area of ​​swamps, rivers and lakes, home to conifers, birch and aspen, has been studied and protected for more than 50 years. Here you can trace the progress of natural natural processes that determine the biodiversity of the taiga ecosystem.
Information about the object:

on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

20th session of the World Heritage Committee - 1996 (Merida, Mexico)

№ N754 - Lake Baikal

Criteria: (vii) (viii) (ix) (x)
Located in the southeast of Siberia and covering an area of ​​3.15 million hectares, Baikal is recognized as the oldest (25 million years old) and deepest (about 1700 m) lake on the planet. The reservoir stores approximately 20% of the world's fresh water reserves. In the lake, which is known as the “Galapagos of Russia,” due to its ancient age and isolation, a freshwater ecosystem, unique even by world standards, has formed, the study of which is of enduring importance for understanding the evolution of life on Earth.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

22nd Session of the World Heritage Committee - 1998 (Kyoto, Japan)

№ N768rev - “Golden Mountains of Altai”

Criteria: (x)
The Altai Mountains, which are the main mountainous region in the south of Western Siberia, form the sources of the largest rivers in this region - the Ob and Irtysh. The heritage site includes three separate areas: the Altai Reserve with the water protection zone of Lake Teletskoye, the Katunsky Reserve plus the Belukha Nature Park, and the Ukok Plateau. The total area is 1.64 million hectares. The region demonstrates the widest range of altitudinal zones within Central Siberia: from steppes, forest-steppes and mixed forests to subalpine and alpine meadows and glaciers. The area is home to endangered animals such as the snow leopard.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

23rd session of the World Heritage Committee - 1999 (Marrakech, Morocco)

№ N900 - Western Caucasus

Criteria: (ix) (x)
This is one of the few large high mountain ranges in Europe where nature has not yet been subject to significant anthropogenic influence. The area of ​​the facility is approximately 300 thousand hectares, it is located in the west Greater Caucasus, 50 km northeast of the Black Sea coast. Only wild animals graze in the local alpine and subalpine meadows, and the vast untouched mountain forests, stretching from the low-mountain zone to the subalpine, are also unique in Europe. The area is characterized by a wide variety of ecosystems, highly endemic flora and fauna, and is an area once inhabited, and later re-acclimatized, by a mountain subspecies of the European bison.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

24th Session of the World Heritage Committee - 2000 (Cairns, Australia)

No. C980 - Historical and architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin

Criteria: (ii) (iii) (iv)
Emerging from a territory inhabited since ancient times, the Kazan Kremlin traces its history back to the Muslim period in the history of the Golden Horde and the Kazan Khanate. It was conquered in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible and became a stronghold of Orthodoxy in the Volga region. The Kremlin, which largely preserved the layout of the ancient Tatar fortress and became an important center of pilgrimage, includes outstanding historical buildings of the 16th-19th centuries, built on the ruins of earlier structures of the 10th-16th centuries.
Information about the object:
on the website of the State Historical-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve "Kazan Kremlin"
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

No. C982 - Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery

Criteria: (i) (iv)
Ferapontov Monastery is located in the Vologda region, in the north of the European part of Russia. This is an exceptionally well-preserved Orthodox monastery complex of the 15th-17th centuries, i.e. a period that was of great importance for the formation of a centralized Russian state and the development of its culture. The architecture of the monastery is unique and holistic. The interior of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary preserves magnificent wall frescoes by Dionysius, the greatest Russian artist of the late 15th century.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Kirillo-Belozersky Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve”
on the website of the Museum of Frescoes of Dionysius
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

№С994 - Curonian Spit
Transboundary object: Lithuania, Russian Federation

Criterion: (v)
Human development of this narrow sandy peninsula, which has a length of 98 km and a width of 400 m to 4 km, began in prehistoric times. The spit was also exposed to natural forces - wind and sea waves. Preserving this unique cultural landscape to this day became possible only thanks to man's ongoing struggle against erosion processes (fixation of dunes, forest planting).
Information about the object:
on the website of the Curonian Spit National Park (Russia)
on the website of the Curonian Spit National Park (Lithuania)
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

25th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2001 (Helsinki, Finland)

№ N766rev - Central Sikhote-Alin

Criterion: (x)
The Sikhote-Alin Mountains are home to Far Eastern coniferous-deciduous forests, which are recognized as one of the richest and most original in species composition among all temperate forests on Earth. In this transition zone, located at the junction of the taiga and subtropics, there is an unusual mixture of southern (tiger, Himalayan bear) and northern animal species (brown bear, lynx). The territory extends from the most high peaks Sikhote-Alin to the coast Sea of ​​Japan, and serves as a refuge for many endangered species, including the Amur tiger.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

27th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2003 (Paris, France)

№ N769 rev- Ubsunur Basin
Transboundary site: Mongolia, Russian Federation

Criteria: (ix) (x)
The heritage site (with an area of ​​1,069 thousand hectares) is located within the boundaries of the northernmost of all drainage basins in Central Asia. Its name comes from the name of the vast shallow and very salty lake Ubsunur, in the area of ​​which a mass of migratory, waterfowl and semi-aquatic birds accumulate. The object consists of 12 isolated areas (including seven areas in Russia, with an area of ​​258.6 thousand hectares), which represent all the main types of landscapes characteristic of Eastern Eurasia. In the steppes it is noted big variety birds, and desert areas are home to rare species of small mammals. In the high mountainous part, such globally rare animals as the snow leopard and argali mountain sheep, as well as the Siberian ibex, are noted.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Tuvan Republican Branch of the Russian Geographical Society
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

No. C1070 - Citadel, Old city and fortifications of Derbent

Criteria: (iii) (iv)
Ancient Derbent was located on northern borders Sasanian Persia, which at that time extended east and west from the Caspian Sea. The ancient fortifications, built of stone, include two fortress walls that run parallel to each other from the seashore to the mountains. The city of Derbent developed between these two walls and has retained its medieval character to this day. It continued to be a strategically important place until the 19th century.
Information about the object:
on the website of the State Budgetary Institution "Derbent State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve"
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

28th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2004 (Suzhou, China)

No. S1097 - Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent (Moscow)

Criteria: (i) (iv) (vi)
The Novodevichy Convent, located in the southwest of Moscow, was created during the 16th-17th centuries and was one of the links in the chain of monastic ensembles united in the city’s defense system. The monastery was closely connected with the political, cultural and religious life of Russia, as well as with the Moscow Kremlin. Representatives of the royal family, noble boyar and noble families were tonsured and buried here. The ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent is one of the masterpieces of Russian architecture (Moscow Baroque style), and its interiors, where valuable collections of paintings and works of decorative and applied art are stored, are distinguished by their rich interior decoration.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Mother of God of Smolensk Novodevichy Convent
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

№ N1023rev- Natural complex Wrangel Island Nature Reserve

Criteria: (ix) (x)
The heritage site, located above the Arctic Circle, includes the mountainous Wrangel Island (7.6 thousand sq. km) and Herald Island (11 sq. km) along with the adjacent waters of the Chukchi and East Siberian seas. Since this area was not covered by the powerful Quaternary glaciation, there is very high biodiversity here. Wrangel Island is known for its huge walrus rookeries (one of the largest in the Arctic), as well as the highest density of ancestral dens in the world polar bear. The area is important as a feeding ground for gray whales migrating here from California and as a nesting site for more than 50 species of birds, many of which are classified as rare and endangered. More than 400 species and varieties of vascular plants have been recorded on the island, that is, more than on any other Arctic island. Some of the living organisms found here are special island forms of those plants and animals that are widespread on the continent. About 40 species and subspecies of plants, insects, birds and animals are identified as endemic.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution State Nature Reserve "Wrangel Island"
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

29th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2005 (Durban, South Africa)

No. S1187 - Struve geodetic arc
Transboundary object: Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Estonia

Criteria: (ii) (iii) (vi)
“Struve Arc” is a chain of triangulation points stretching for 2820 km across the territory of ten European countries from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea. These observation reference points were established in the period 1816-1855. astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve (aka Vasily Yakovlevich Struve), who thus made the first reliable measurement of a large segment of the earth's meridian arc. This made it possible to accurately determine the size and shape of our planet, which was an important step in the development of earth sciences and topographic mapping. This was an exceptional example of scientific collaboration between scientists different countries and between reigning monarchs. Initially, the “arc” consisted of 258 geodetic “triangles” (polygons) with 265 main triangulation points. The World Heritage Site includes 34 such points (the best preserved to date), which are marked on the ground in a variety of ways, such as hollows carved into the rocks, iron crosses, cairns or specially installed obelisks.

Criteria: (ii) (iv)
The historical city of Yaroslavl, located approximately 250 km northeast of Moscow at the confluence of the Kotorosl River and the Volga, was founded in the 11th century. and subsequently developed into a large shopping mall. It is known for its numerous churches from the 17th century, and as an outstanding example of the implementation of the urban planning reform carried out by decree of Empress Catherine the Great in 1763 throughout Russia. Although the city retained a number of remarkable historical buildings, it was later reconstructed in the classicist style based on a radial master plan. It also preserves items dating back to the 16th century. constructions of the Spassky Monastery - one of the oldest in the Upper Volga region, which arose at the end of the 12th century. on the site of a pagan temple, but rebuilt over time.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Official portal of the city of Yaroslavl
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

34th Session of the World Heritage Committee - 2010 (Brasilia, Brazil)

№ N1234rev - Putorana Plateau

Criteria: (vii) (ix)
This object coincides with its borders with the Putorana State nature reserve, located in the northern part of Central Siberia, 100 km beyond the Arctic Circle. The World Heritage portion of this plateau preserves a full range of subarctic and arctic ecosystems, preserved in isolated conditions mountain range, including untouched taiga, forest-tundra, tundra and arctic desert systems, as well as a pristine lake with cold water and river systems. The main migration route of deer runs through the site, which is an exceptional, majestic and increasingly rare natural phenomenon.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "United Directorate of Taimyr Nature Reserves"
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

36th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2012 (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation)

№ N1299 - Natural Park"Lena Pillars"

Criteria: (viii)
The Lena Pillars Natural Park is formed by 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). They arose in a sharply continental climate with differences in annual temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius (from -60°C in winter to +40°C in summer). The pillars are separated from each other by deep and steep ravines, partially filled with frost-covered debris rock. The penetration of water from the surface accelerated the freezing process and contributed to frost weathering. This led to the deepening of the ravines between the pillars and their dispersal. The proximity of the river and its current are dangerous factors for the pillars. The site contains remains of a wide variety of Cambrian species.
Information about the object:
on the website of the State Budgetary Institution of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Natural Park “Lena Pillars”
on the website of the Natural Heritage Conservation Foundation
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

38th session of the World Heritage Committee - 2014 (Doha, Qatar)

No. S981rev- Bulgarian Historical and Archaeological Complex

Criteria:(ii) (vi)
The facility is located on the banks of the Volga River south of the confluence of the Kama River and south of the capital of Tatarstan, the city of Kazan. It contains evidence of the existence medieval city Bolgar, an ancient settlement of the Volga Bulgar people, which existed from the 7th to the 15th centuries. and was in the 13th century. the first capital of the Golden Horde. Bolgar demonstrates the historical and cultural relationships and transformations in Eurasia over several centuries, which played a decisive role in the formation of civilizations, customs and cultural traditions. The site represents important evidence of historical continuity and cultural diversity. It is a symbolic reminder of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgars in 922 and remains sacred place pilgrimage of Tatars - Muslims.
Information about the object:
on the website of the Bulgarian State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve “Great Bolgar”
on the website of the Russian Commission for UNESCO
on the World Heritage Center website

To be included on the World Heritage List, a property must represent an outstanding global asset and meet at least one of ten criteria. The criteria are explained in the “Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention”, which, together with the Convention itself, is the main operational instrument in the application of the World Heritage concept. The Criteria are regularly reviewed by the World Heritage Committee to reflect the development of the World Heritage concept.

Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were selected based on six cultural and four natural criteria. Following the adoption of the revised Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, a single list of ten criteria emerged.

An object nominated for inclusion in the List must:

I. Be a work of human creative genius;

II. Reflect the importance of the relationship between human values ​​existing over a period of time or within a particular cultural area and the development of architecture or technology, monumental art, town planning or landscape planning;

III. Be unique or at least exceptional evidence cultural tradition or civilization, existing or disappeared;

IV. Be an outstanding example of a type of structure, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape illustrating an important stage(s) in human history;

V. Represent an outstanding example of traditional human settlement, land or sea use characteristic of a culture (or cultures), interaction between humans and the natural environment, especially if there is a risk of destruction due to irreversible changes;

VI. Be directly or significantly associated with events or traditions, ideas or beliefs, or works of literature or art that are of outstanding global heritage. (In the opinion of the World Heritage Committee, this criterion should preferably be used in combination with other criteria);

VII. Include unique natural phenomena or an area of ​​exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic value;

VIII. Present outstanding examples of the reflection of the main stages of the history of the Earth, including traces of ancient life, significant geological processes that continue to occur in the development of the forms of the earth's surface, significant geomorphological or physical-geographical features of the relief;

IX. Provide outstanding examples of important, ongoing ecological and biological processes occurring in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities;

X. Include natural habitats of greatest importance and significance for the conservation of biological diversity within them, including habitats of endangered species that represent an outstanding global asset from a scientific and conservation perspective.

Also, the object must be protected, have a management system, and meet the criteria of authenticity and integrity.

Since 1992, significant examples of interaction between humans and the natural environment have come to be defined by the term "cultural landscape".

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

World Heritage

At some point, people turned away from resource consumption and realized the need to protect natural flora and fauna. This desire is 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 safety 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 there are picturesque corners of nature and amazing creations of human hands, but some objects may surprise those who do not know by 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 indicating certain criteria. Conventionally, they are divided into two parts.

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

As for natural monuments, they must include phenomena or areas of exceptional aesthetic quality, represent an example of the main stages of history, geological or biological processes, or be important from the point of view of preserving the diversity of flora and fauna. Only four criteria are presented.

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

Record-breaking countries

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

Man-made objects

There are 779 objects in this category as of 2014. 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, Great Abu Mena in Egypt, Versailles, Athenian Acropolis, Taj Mahal, Prambanan and Borobudur temples in Indonesia, ancient Samarra, located on the modern territory of Iran, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan in Mexico, Cusco in Peru, Kizhi Pogost, church in Kolomenskoye, Stonehenge, Statue of Liberty, building It is often so difficult to single out one thing that the list includes the entire historical center of certain cities - this is especially often observed in Europe. All the most popular attractions among tourists certainly fall into this list. But sometimes, if some major changes have occurred, the property “leaves” the World Heritage Site. Two such cases are known abroad: the Elbe River valley near Dresden was excluded due to construction highway; The white oryx reserve, a special type of antelope, in Oman was removed from the list due to a reduction in its territory and ineffective fight against poaching. The situation is likely to change over time, but even if not, every year a special committee considers new proposals for the inclusion of various sites abroad as World Heritage Sites.

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 interesting, but it is much more interesting to observe what was created without the help and intervention of people. The list of such monuments (as of 2014) includes 197 items. The facilities are located in 87 countries. 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 - Galapagos Islands, who 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 humanity.

Mixed category

Some man-made structures are so closely connected with the landscape and environment that it is difficult to clearly call them man-made. Or, on the contrary, man 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 talk about each one briefly, they are so diverse and interesting in their own way. This includes National parks Australia and New Zealand, Mount Athos, Machu Picchu, Meteora monasteries, wild nature Tasmania, landscapes and life of Lapland and much more. It is a real miracle that all this wealth has reached our time in exactly this form, and common task humanity - to preserve this heritage for posterity.

Russia and CIS countries

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

The list includes such names as the Moscow Kremlin, Samarkand, Chersonese Tauride, Bukhara, Lake Baikal, Lena Pillars, Putorana Plateau, Mount Sulaiman-Too, etc. Having carefully studied the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the territory of the CIS countries, you can even decide never to travel abroad without exploring your native lands - so diverse and interesting objects are presented in it. Well, then you can look at your neighbors and move across three seas - you’ll have something to compare with.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine are 7 sites in 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, and the beech forest of the Carpathians.

Status

It may seem that inclusion in a World Heritage Site abroad is simply a nice bonus, making it easier for tourists and travelers to choose where to go and what to see. But this is absolutely not true, because many objects are under threat of partial destruction or disappearance and need special treatment. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list allows us to further guarantee their safety. In addition, adding certain attractions to this list increases their prestige and popularity, which, in turn, attracts more tourists to country. The development of this sector of the economy makes it possible to obtain more funds, which can be used to restore the very cultural monuments that are on the UNESCO list. So this project is useful in all respects.

Objects under threat

Unfortunately, everything is not so rosy. There is a special section of the list that lists those natural and cultural monuments that are at risk of critical changes or complete disappearance. The reasons may be different: various types of disasters and incidents, wars, negative effects of climate and time. Not all of this can be controlled, so humanity may soon lose some of the sites included in the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage. There are currently 46 items on this “alarming” list. None of them are included in the World Heritage Sites in Russia. Abroad, such situations, unfortunately, are not uncommon. 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 3rd-5th millennium BC, so their importance is difficult to overestimate. And yet, numerous problems, construction and reconstruction plans, wars, floods, poaching, etc. do not yet allow us to say that these places are safe.

Committee activities

UNESCO is a huge organization dealing with a variety of issues, 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 decisions on objects applying for inclusion on 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, highlighting cash countries party to the Convention upon their request. There are 21 members in total on the committee. Most of their terms expire in 2017.

Similar lists

Of course, cultural and natural monuments are extremely important and valuable, but humanity strives to preserve not only them. As opposed to material objects, lists have been created containing the most significant examples of creativity, fields of knowledge, etc. Since 2001, UNESCO has been keeping records of masterpieces of oral and intangible creativity. But you shouldn’t think that we are talking about literary works - this list is much wider and more diverse than it seems. This includes the culinary traditions of different countries of the 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 humanity 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 every person is capable of creating something great, worthy of remaining in history forever. They also help us sometimes to stop and think how much beauty has been created by our ancestors and nature, and how terrible it would be to lose it.

 

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