A new list of endangered species

When we see endangered lists, of course the first bulb to flash usually refers to animals, but UNESCO, the Paris based organization keeping track of the world’s most valuable cultural heritage sights, tells us our most sought after travel destinations may be in jeopardy as well.

Our environment is changing, and iconic sights such as the ice fields of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania may not be there by the time you get around to making the journey. Between 1912 And 2000, 80% of the ice has melted.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world is also under serious threat. Rising water temperatures have caused a phenomenon called ‘coral bleaching’, threatening the health of this living system.

The Great Barrier Reef also has another enemy. Us.
Human interference and careless behaviour around the world’s most fragile ecosystems has caused irreparable damage.

In Pammukale, Turkey, there is a beautiful hillside, bleached white by the calcium rich waters that have flown over it for centuries. The travertines that people usd to swim in are now drying up as the hotels built on the hill have interrupted the water’s natural flow.

The Turkish government has attempted to reverse the effects by tearing down one hotel, but many fear it is already too late.

Urbanization and pollution are threatening the earth everywhere from the Katmandu Valley to the Everglades national park. This is a problem we all need to address, and to take into account to make responsible choices when choosing a holiday destination.

http://portal.unesco.org