World natural heritage sites of South America. Conservation area of Central Suriname. Pantanal Protected Area, Brazil
Introduction
Criteria and conditions for the inclusion of natural sites in the World Heritage List
1 Conditions
2 Natural criteria
South America. World natural heritage sites
1 Argentina
2 national park Los Glaciares
3 Iguazu National Park
4 Valdes Peninsula
5 Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks
Bolivia
1 Noel-Kempff-Mercado National Park
Brazil
1 Iguazu National Park
2 Serra da Capivara National Park
3 Eastern Atlantic Forest Reserves
4 Southeast Atlantic Forest Reserves
5 The complex of reserves of the Central Amazon
6 Pantanal Protected Area
7 Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll
8 Campos Cerrado National Parks: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas
Venezuela
1 Canaima National Park
Colombia
1 Los Katios National Park
2 Malpelo Island
1 historical reserve Machu Picchu
2 Huascaran National Park
3 Manu National Park
4 Rio Abiseo National Park
Suriname
1 Central Suriname Conservation Area
Ecuador
1 Galapagos Islands
2 Sangay National Park
Conclusion
References and Internet resources
Introduction
UNESCO World Heritage - natural or man-made sites, priorities in relation to which, according to UNESCO, their preservation and promotion are due to their special cultural, historical or environmental significance.
In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (entered into force in 1975). By September 2012, the convention had been ratified by 190 participating countries.
Each year, the World Heritage Committee holds sessions at which "World Heritage site status" is awarded.
As of 2013, there are 981 properties on the World Heritage List, of which 759 are cultural, 193 are natural and 29 are mixed.
There are 67 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America.
1. Criteria and conditions for the inclusion of natural objects in the World Heritage List
.1 Conditions
As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention, natural heritage includes the following properties:
) natural monuments created by physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, which are of outstanding universal value in terms of aesthetics or science;
) geological and physiographic formations and severely restricted areas representing the range of endangered animal and plant species of outstanding universal scientific or conservation value;
) natural landmarks or severely restricted natural areas of outstanding universal value for scientific, conservation or natural beauty.
Outstanding global value means cultural and/or natural significance that is so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is of universal value to present and future generations of all mankind. Therefore, the continued protection of this heritage is of paramount importance to the international community as a whole. A natural heritage property that meets one of the above definitions and is nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List is considered to be an Outstanding World Heritage Site for the purposes of the Convention if the Committee is able to verify that the property satisfies one or more of the criteria as well as integrity conditions.
1.2 Natural criteria
The main purpose of the World Heritage List is to make known and protect properties that are unique in their own way. For this, and because of the desire for objectivity, evaluation criteria were drawn up. Initially (since 1978) there were only criteria for objects cultural heritage- this list consisted of six items. Then, to restore a certain balance between the various continents, natural objects and for them a list of four items. And finally, in 2005, all these criteria were brought together, and now every World Heritage site has at least one of them in its description. - include the greatest natural phenomena or places of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic value; - present an outstanding example , reflecting the main stages of the history of the Earth, including traces of ancient life, ongoing geological processes of the development of forms of the earth's surface of importance, or significant geomorphological and physiographic phenomena; - provide an outstanding example of important and ongoing ecological and biological processes of evolution and development of terrestrial, river and lake , coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals; - include natural areas that are the most important and significant in terms of the conservation of biological diversity, including habitats of endangered species of outstanding world value in terms of science and nature conservation.
2. South America. World natural heritage sites
South America is the southern continent in America, located mainly in the Western and Southern hemispheres of planet Earth, however, part of the continent is also located in the Northern Hemisphere. It is washed in the west by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by the Atlantic, from the north it is limited by North America, the border between the Americas runs along the Isthmus of Panama and the Caribbean Sea.
.1 Argentina
unesco monument landmark area
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina includes 8 items (for 2011), 4 sites are included according to natural criteria. Los Glaciares and Iguazu recognized natural phenomena or spaces of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. Among them:
· Los Glaciares National Park (1981)
· Iguazu National Park (1984)
· Peninsula Valdes (1999)
· Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks (2000)
In addition, as of 2010, 8 objects on the territory of the state are among the candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List, including 5 - cultural, 1 - natural and 2 - mixed criteria.
Argentina ratified the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage on August 23, 1978. The first site in Argentina was listed in 1981 at the 5th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
2.2 Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, glaciers) is a national park located in Patagonia (South America), in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. The area of the park is 4459 km ². In 1981 it was included in the World Heritage List.
Founded in 1937, Los Glaciares is the second largest national park in Argentina. The park owes its name to the huge ice cap in the Andes, which feeds 47 big glaciers, of which only 13 flow towards the Atlantic Ocean. This ice mass is the largest after the ice of Antarctica and Greenland. In other parts of the world, glaciation begins at least 2,500 m above sea level, but in Los Glaciares Park, due to the size of the ice cap, glaciers begin at 1,500 m and slide down to 200 m, eroding the slopes of the underlying mountains.
The territory of Los Glaciares, which is 30% covered with ice, can be divided into two parts, each of which belongs to its own lake. Argentino Lake, the largest in Argentina (area 1466 km ²) located in the southern part of the park, and Lake Viedma (area 1100 km ²) - in the north. Both lakes feed the Santa Cruz River, which flows to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Between these two parts is the Central Zone (Zona Centro), closed to tourists, in which there are no lakes.
The northern half of the park includes part of Lake Viedma, the Viedma Glacier, small glaciers and several mountain peaks popular with climbers and mountain hikers such as Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.
The southern half of the park, along with small glaciers, includes the main glaciers flowing into Lake Argentino: Perito Moreno, Uppsala and Spegazzini. A typical boat trip includes a tour of the otherwise inaccessible Uppsala and Spegazzini glaciers. The Perito Moreno Glacier can be reached by land.
Los Glaciares Park is a popular destination in international tourism. Tours start in the village of El Calafate, located on Lake Argentino, and in the village of El Chalten, located in the northern part of the park at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.
Climate . The whole natural appearance of the park and its originality are associated primarily with climatic features region. Nowhere on the globe are there such favorable conditions for the development of modern glaciation in such low sprats, the "Roaring forties" winds of the western direction meet on their way over the oceanic expanses of the World Ocean of the Southern Hemisphere only the only obstacle in the form of the Patagonian Andes. On their western (Chilean) slopes, the winds fall with terrible force and give away almost all the moisture accumulated from the ocean.
Completely different climatic conditions are characteristic of the eastern (Argentinean) slopes and foothills of the Patagonian Andes, where the national park is located. Having lost strength and moisture on the western slopes, the air masses of the "roaring forties" arrive on the eastern slopes "weakened" and almost dried up. Being in the "rain shadow" of the Andes, the territory of the park receives much less precipitation - up to 900 mm on the slopes of the mountains and 500 mm in the east of the park. The average annual precipitation for the entire park is 809 mm, and the average annual temperatures are within +7.5 °С, minimum +3.3 °С, maximum + 12 °С. Here, unlike the eastern slopes of the Patagonian Andes, the sun shines most of the year. Only from April to May the sky is covered with clouds, it rains in the foothills, and snow falls in the mountains. In winter, and this is June-August in the Southern Hemisphere, snowfalls are common. In early spring and in summer, strong hurricane-force winds from the west and south - from Antarctica rush over the territory of the park.
Flora. Except snow-capped peaks(which are of undoubted interest to climbers), huge glacial fields and amazingly beautiful lake surfaces in the Los Glaciares National Park, you can also get acquainted with the peculiar flora of Patagonia.
Two types of plant communities are represented in the park - subantarctic Patagonian forests (in the west) and Patagonian steppes, characteristic of the flat-flat part (in the east).
Fauna. The vertebrate fauna of the national park, with the exception of the avifauna, has not yet been studied enough. About 100 species of birds have been recorded here, of which the Andean condor and the long-billed (Darwinian) rhea are the most notable.
Among the birds, the Andean spur (brook) duck, chaffinch are very numerous.
There is a small population of Andean deer. The Andean deer is listed in the International Red Book.
In the park, there are individual individuals of the mountain veskashi from the order of rodents. More often you can meet llamas, guanacos.
Very rich ichthyofauna glacial lakes and small streams. Many tourists come to Los Glaciares National Park specifically for sport fishing. In lakes Viedma and Lago Argentino, two species of salmon fish have been introduced specifically for sport fishing.
.3 Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Iguaz) ú) - a national park in Argentina, located in the department of Iguazu, in the northern part of the province of Misiones, in the Argentine Mesopotamia.
The park was created in 1934 and partially contains one of the natural monuments of South America - Iguazu Falls, surrounded by subtropical jungle. On the other side of the Iguazu River lies the Brazilian park of the same name (Iguazu National Park). Both parks were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites (in 1984 and 1986, respectively).
Flora. The flora includes 2 thousand species of plants, in particular: one of the endangered species of aspidosperm trees - Aspidosperma polyneuron (Eng.), rarely found outside the park due to cutting down for edible fruits, one of the species of cabbage palm - Euterpe edulis (Eng. ), phebe, holly, legcarp, in Lately less and less common zedrel, araucaria, palo rose. There are trees of the burser family, a lot of vascular plants. Among the flowers there are bromeliads, various types of orchids.
Fauna. The fauna of the park includes 70 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, several hundred species of butterflies, including endangered species. The most common representatives of the fauna are the following: jaguar, jaguarundi, mazama deer, plains tapir, capybara, water opossum, ocelot, giant anteater, brazilian otter, bush dog, cougar, monkeys (capuchins and howler monkeys), nosoha, Paraguayan caiman, broad-faced caiman, coral asp. Birds such as swifts and large toucans can also be found there. Common for these places, the vine-breasted Amazon, the American swift, the tirika, the Brazilian merganser, the bronze penelope (English) Russian, the South American harpy, the hummingbird. Among the known representatives of bats, the most common type of vampire is the common vampire.
The geography of the falls. The complex is 2.7 km wide and includes approximately 270 individual waterfalls. The height of the water fall reaches 82 meters, but on most waterfalls a little more than 60 meters. The largest waterfall is the "Devil's Throat" - a U-shaped cliff 150 meters wide and 700 meters long. This waterfall marks the border between Brazil and Argentina.
There are three cities in the vicinity of the falls - Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side, Puerto Iguacu on the Argentine side, and Ciudad del Este on the Paraguay side.
The most famous names of the waterfalls: "Adam and Eve", "Three Musketeers", "Two Sisters", "Salto Escondido" ("hidden jump"), "Salto Floriano" ("flower jump"), "San Martin" , "Ramirez" and a number of others.
Tourism. The Iguazu Falls are one of the most visited tourist destinations in South America. Every year there are 1.5-2 million visitors here. Viewing platforms are specially equipped for tourists. In the vicinity of the waterfall, hiking and road routes. Also, tourists are offered waterproof clothing, as the routes go to the very foot of the waterfalls. In the vicinity of the Iguazu Falls, there is an international airport, dozens of hotels, campsites, access roads, and walking trails have been built. The local population is also employed in this industry, specially equipped areas for them, where they show local dances and songs, while dressing in local costumes.
.4 Valdes Peninsula
Valdes is a peninsula on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. Area - 3625 km ². It is connected to the mainland by the isthmus of Carlos Ameghino. The Bay of San José juts out from the north, and Golfo Nuevo juts out from the south. Most of the peninsula is uninhabited territory. There are several salt lakes, the largest of which lies 40 meters below sea level. This is the lowest point on land for South America.
In 1999, the Valdes Peninsula was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - primarily for its unique and rich fauna.
Physical and geographical features. The peninsula is located in the northeast of the province of Chubut, and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. From the north and south, its coasts are washed by the bays of San José and Nuevo.
The relief of the territory is a typical Patagonian plateau, which breaks off into the sea with sheer shores. The coast is composed of marine sediments, which are subject to constant erosion. Part of the coastline is represented by beaches, among which rocky ones stand out - a favorite place for elephant seals.
The climate on the territory of the peninsula is transitional between the temperate climate of the central part of the country, with a maximum of precipitation in the hot months and a cold climate with winter rains, which is more characteristic of Patagonia. Summers on the peninsula are hot but short, and winters are cold.
Diversity of flora and fauna. The main vegetation of the seashores is algae. They cover the rocky shores with colorful blankets: blue-green, green, brown, red or yellow-green, depending on the pigment in the plant cells.
The Valdes Peninsula in Patagonia is of great conservation importance marine mammals. A population of the endangered Australian right whale subspecies breeds here. The peninsula is known all over the world precisely because of the excellent opportunities for observing these giants. They come ashore in June and stay until December to breed. The southern whale reaches a length of about 14 meters and weighs up to 50 tons. Females bear cubs for a whole year, and at a time give birth to only one offspring.
Southern elephant seals and southern sea lions also breed here, and the killer whales living here use a unique hunting strategy adapted to the conditions of the local coastline.
The peninsula is also home to many species of birds and land animals such as guanaco, fox, American rhea, American (pampas) partridge, and Patagonian hare.
2.5 Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks
Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks - Two contiguous parks spread over 275,300 hectares in a desert region on the western border of the Sierra Pampeanas in Central Argentina. Here you can see the most complete paleontological record, starting from the Triassic period (245-208 million years ago). The six geological formations in the parks contain the fossilized remains of numerous mammalian, dinosaurian and plant precursors, showing the evolution of vertebrates and the nature of the paleographic setting during the Triassic period. Included in the UNESCO List in 2000
Flora and fauna of Ischigualasto. The flora and fauna of Ischigualasto is unique. All inhabitants demonstrate amazing adaptability to the desert arid climate. Some of the most common types of animals that travelers can not only see but also feed are Argentine gray foxes, viscachas and rabbits. While traveling through the park, guests also come across peculiar animals - maras, which are also called Patagonian hares, although they have nothing to do with hares.
Of the predators that live in Ischigualasto, one of the most common are the "damage" skunks, since these animals, which defend themselves with the fetid secretions of the anal glands, have a particular preference for open areas.
From the canine family, the gray Argentine fox, or "sorro de la pampa", is widespread here.
In the protected area there are condors, two species of South American vultures - turkey and urubu, many songbirds. And even representatives of the parrot family, which, in our view, are characteristic only of tropical forests.
Surprisingly, even several species of frogs and toads live in these waterless lands.
Vegetation is represented mainly by cacti, rare thorny shrubs and trees, such as "retama", "chanyar", "algorobo" and others. Many of the plants found here are used in medicine.
Attractions of the Talampaya Park
· The dry bed of the Talampaya River, where dinosaurs lived several million years ago - as in Ischigualasto, fossils of that era can be found here.
· Talampaya Canyon - the height of the walls reaches 143 m, the minimum width is 80 m.
· Remains of settlements of local peoples, such as petroglyphs in Puerta del Canyon.
· botanical garden with local flora in the narrow part of the canyon.
· Fauna of the region: guanacos, hares, maras, foxes and condors.
3. Bolivia
Bolivia has only 1 natural world heritage site, the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. In addition, as of 2010, 7 objects on the territory of the state are among the candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List, including 4 - cultural, 1 - natural and 2 - mixed criteria.
.1 Noel-Kempff-Mercado National Park
The Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is located in the José Miguel de Velasco province of the Santa Cruz department in eastern Bolivia on the border with Brazil. The territory of the park is 15,838 km ² , making it one of the largest parks in the entire Amazon. In 2000, the park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Climate. The climate is distinctly seasonal with approximately 1400-1500mm of average annual precipitation. There is a dry season of about 4-6 months (May to September) when there is a decrease in rainfall. Average annual temperature 25-26°C, but during the dry season temperatures can drop to 10 degrees for several days when the cold dry air masses of Patagonia (surazos) reach the park.
Flora and fauna. The inaccessibility of these places serves as a good natural protection of the virginity of the park, which includes five ecosystems located at altitudes from 200 to 1000m above sea level: mountain evergreen forests, deciduous forests, dry savannah, wet savannah and tropical rainforests. The diverse flora includes 4,000 plant species, of which 2,700 species have been identified. Among them are several types of palms, cedar, oak, creepers and bromeliads, many types of orchids. Breathtaking colors and scents, exotic passion fruit and mangaba fill these places.
More than 630 species of birds live in the park, 139 species of mammals - this is more than in the whole North America, including: jaguar, puma, river dolphin, giant anteater, maned wolf, tapirs, capybaras, swamp deer. Many species of butterflies and other insects, 62 species of amphibians, including the South American side turtle and black caiman, 127 species of reptiles. Two types of anacondas are found here at the same time - green ordinary and yellow Paraguayan. About 254 species of fish are found in the rivers.
Some of these fauna are endangered elsewhere in Bolivia.
4. Brazil
There are 8 natural sites on the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in Brazil. Among them, 4 objects are recognized as "natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance" (criterion vii).
· Iguazu National Park (1986)
· Serra da Capivara National Park (1991)
· East Atlantic Forest Reserves (1999)
· Southeast Atlantic Forest Reserves (1999)
· Complex of reserves of the Central Amazon (2000)
· Pantanal Protected Area (2000)
· Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll (2001)
· Campos Cerrado National Parks: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas (2001)
.1 Iguazu National Park
Iguazu is a national park of Brazil and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the state of Parana. It is famous for its waterfall (part of which is located in the Argentinean province of Misiones) and its scenic wildlife (especially a wide variety of birds) that includes rare and endangered species. This is the most unique place in the world, as 5 forest species are concentrated on one piece of land.
4.2 Serra da Capivara National Park
The Serra da Capivara National Park is a national park in the state of Piauí in northeastern Brazil. The park contains many monuments of prehistoric rock art, which were discovered by the archaeologist Nyede Gidon. On her own initiative, a park was created to preserve the images. In 1991 it was listed as a World Heritage Site. The area of the park is 1291.4 km².
Archaeological studies show that in ancient times the Serra da Capivara was very densely populated, there was the largest concentration of prehistoric peasant farms in ancient America.
Climate, flora and fauna. The climate in these places is very hot and arid, and therefore the vegetation of the park is represented by thorny trees and shrubs, as well as cacti, of various bizarre forms, more reminiscent of a chandelier. Despite the dryness of the climate, which, I must say, is not at all typical for Brazil, in these places it is not difficult to meet anteaters, armadillos, snakes, jaguars, cougars, and various parrots. Also in these places lives an interesting animal - a false vampire. This is a bat with a meter wingspan.
Attractions of the park. In Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park, there are caves where distant human ancestors lived 50,000 years ago. Most likely this is the oldest community of people in South America. The national park is located near the town of San Raimondo Nonato (central part of the state of Piauí).
Scientists have counted more than three hundred archaeological sites in this place. The main images are well preserved and have an age of 22-25 thousand years before the birth of Christ. Extinct animals are painted on the rocks, which will never be on planet Earth.
4.3 East Atlantic Forest Reserves
Eight protected natural areas(including three national parks) with a total area of 112,000 hectares are located in the states of Bahia and Espirito Santo and include Atlantic wet forests and bushes ("restinga"). In terms of biodiversity, this area is one of the richest on the planet. A number of endemic species live in the reserves, which makes it possible to trace the evolutionary path of living organisms, and this, in turn, is of great importance both from a scientific and environmental point of view.
Biodiversity. Despite the fact that the ecoregion has suffered greatly from deforestation for agricultural purposes and urbanization (out of a million square kilometers of virgin forests, about 7% remain), the flora and fauna are very rich here, 450 species of trees can grow on one hectare. Many endemics, for example, 92% of local amphibians are found nowhere else. An example of primates is the genus lion marmosets (Leontopithecus). The collared sloth (Bradypus torquatus) is only found in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Birds include the blue-capped tanager (Tangara cyanocephala), the red-billed crax (Crax blumenbachii), the blue-bellied parrot (Triclaria malachitacea), the three-toed jacamar (Jacamaralcyon tridactyla) and others.
.4 Southeast Atlantic Forest Reserves
The forest reserves of the southeast Atlantic coast contain the finest and most extensive examples of the Atlantic forests in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up this monument, with a total area of about 470,000 hectares, demonstrate the biological richness and evolutionary history of the last remnants of the Atlantic forests. This area is distinguished by its diversity and beauty and has a huge scientific significance.
Biodiversity. Partially insulated since ice age The Atlantic forests have developed into a complex ecosystem with exceptionally high levels of endemism (70% tree species, 85% primates, and 39% mammals).
The designated World Heritage Site contains a well-preserved section of a very diverse Atlantic rainforest. More than 450 species of trees per hectare can be found in some areas. The forest canopy along the river valleys is higher with isolated trees reaching up to 30 m in height.
There is a very diverse fauna. Mammals include 120 species, probably the largest number in Brazil. Some notable species are the jaguar, ocelot, bush dog, La Plata otter, 20 species of bats and various endangered primate species, especially the muriqui and brown howler monkey. The avifauna is very diverse with 350 species recorded.
.5 Central Amazonian Reserve Complex
A huge area (more than 6 million hectares) of the world's unique treasures of nature is a delightful complex of reserves of the Central Amazon. This region is distinguished by a great variety of biological objects. For example, the reserves include such valuable protected areas as Jau National Park, the Anavillanas Archipelago and the Amazon Forest Cover. The diverse ecological systems "varzeya" and "igapo" make the reserves an invaluable world landmark. The peculiar ecology of these places is great place for the habitat of the world's largest electric snakes, Amazonian manatees, black caiman, as well as giant fish - arapaima. In the rivers and lakes that form a bizarre aqua system, you can meet 2 species of dolphins here.
Flora. The flora of the igapo is comparatively poor, being most characteristic of the imbauba-cecropia, which grows rapidly but not high (usually about 10 m), with broad palmate, almost white leaves and aerial roots supporting it underwater. At the surface of the water, in the pools covered with huge leaves of victoria reggae, bushes of nondescript Ivoreans stretch. During the retreat of the floods thickets of tall hard grasses develop. These gloomy forests are decorated with climbing vines and epiphytes, among which there are many orchids. The Amazon forests are the realm of vines. They spread like garlands along the ground, climbing out onto trunks, thrown from branch to branch, from one tree to another, hanging from the trees.
Fauna. Numerous lakes and streams form a mosaic aquatic system within the site, which is in a state of constant development and serves as a habitat for the world's largest population of electric eels.
Rare and endangered species include the Amazonian manatee, black caiman (the largest South American alligator, whose length is 5 m), two species of river dolphins, and also a fish - a giant arapaima.
There are many herbivores on the territory of the object, forest deer and antelope are especially common; there are anteaters, sloth, tapir, peccary, armadillo, many rodents. Monkeys can be seen everywhere, they are very numerous and diverse: capuchins, durukuly, uakari, howler monkeys. There are a lot of bats in the forests.
.6 Pantanal Protected Area
Pantanal is a vast swampy tectonic basin in Brazil, small parts of it are also located in Bolivia and Paraguay, in the Paraguay River basin. It is located in the west of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and in the south of the state of Mato Grosso. The total area is approximately between 150-195 thousand km ², it is one of the largest wetlands on the planet.
Geography and geology. The prevailing heights are 50–70 m above sea level. From the north, east and southeast, the territory is sharply limited by the cliffs of the Brazilian Plateau. natural conditions this region are very contrasting. Floods in wet summer season turn the Pantanal into a huge swamp lake and alternate with winter droughts that form a patchy landscape of perennial semi-grown swamps, lakes, subtle wandering riverbeds, salt marshes, sandbars and grassy areas.
Biodiversity. There is a huge variety of flora and fauna. Over 3,500 plant species grow throughout the Pantanal. There are 650 species of birds, 230 species of fish and 50 species of reptiles, more than 80 species of mammals. There are about 20 million crocodiles alone. On the territory of the Pantanal there is a specially protected natural reserve - "Pantanal", which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reserve "Pantanal" is a unique and at the same time a wonderful attraction in Brazil. Its borders are in contact with Paraguay and Bolivia. The prevailing heights are within 50-70 meters. This amazing savannah is separated from the north by the Amazon jungle, and to the south by dense coastal Atlantic forests. The Paraguay River flows through the Pantanal, which creates numerous swamps, lakes and water meadows.
Among this richest fauna on the planet are such well-known species as the hyacinth macaw, toucans, capybara, guar wolf, many species of monkeys, deer, coatis, armadillos, anteater, sloth, more than 1000 species of butterflies, etc. Many of the animals that are threatened extinction in other parts of South America, they live in the Pantanal. Not far from the reserve is the small and wonderful town of Bonito, which is surrounded by greenery. The Brazilians dubbed it - the gate to the Pantanal. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this protected natural park all year round. amazing beauty and diversity.
.7 Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago and the Rocas Atoll, which are the peaks of the underwater South Atlantic Ridge that come to the surface of the ocean, lie near eastern shores Brazil. These islands are among the largest in this region of the Atlantic, and their coastal waters are highly bio-productive and play an exceptional role as habitats and breeding grounds for tuna, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals. The largest concentrations of marine tropical birds in the Western Atlantic have been noted on the islands; there is also a large local population of dolphins. During low tides on Rocas Atoll, you can observe an impressive picture: shallow lagoons teeming with fish.
Flora and fauna of Fernando de Noronha. The island was covered with forest until the nineteenth century, after the prison was opened on the island, the forest began to be cut down from the construction of escape rafts. Currently, the islands are predominantly covered with shrubs, and in some areas new forest has recently been planted.
The islands are inhabited by 2 species of endemic birds - Noronha Elaenia (Elaenia ridleyana) and Noronha Vireo (Vireo gracilirostris). Both are on the main island; Noronha Vireo is also present on Ilha Rata. In addition, there are the Eared Dove Noronha auriculata Zinaida, the rodents, Noronhomys vespuccii, mentioned by Amerigo Vespucci, have now disappeared.
Geography of Rocas Atoll . It has volcanic origin, formed by corals. The only atoll in the South Atlantic, one of the smallest atolls in the world.
The atoll is oval in shape, about 3.7 km long and 2.5 km wide. The depth of the lagoon is 6 m, the area is 7.1 km ². The area of the two islets of the atoll (Cemit ério in the southwest, Farol Cay in the northwest) is 0.36 km ², of these, Farol Cay accounts for approximately two-thirds of the territory. The most high point- a sand dune in the south of Farol Cay, its height is 6 m. The atoll consists mainly of corals and red algae. The coral ring is practically closed, with the exception of a strait 200 meters wide on north side and a much narrower strait on the western side.
Both islets are overgrown with grass, shrubs, and several palm trees also grow on them. The islets are inhabited by crabs, spiders, scorpions, sand fleas, beetles, and many bird species. Turtles, sharks, dolphins live near the atoll.
.8 Campos Cerrado National Parks: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas
"Campos Serrado" is one of the ecoregions of the tropical Brazilian savannah, which occupies about 20% of the country's territory. In this zone there are two Brazilian national parks (Emas and Chapada dos Veadeiros), which are not just protected areas, but also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their flora and fauna is distinguished by its biodiversity and at the same time is one of the oldest ecosystems in the tropical zone, which impresses with its amazing contrasts. These places have been pleasing to the eye for thousands of years, and also serve as a safe haven for a variety of animals and plants.
Emas. Emas National Park is located in the central part of the Brazilian Highland savannah. The authorities of the country, or rather President Juscelino, made this territory a reserve back in 1961, but Emas was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001. The park is rich in forested savanna flora. It is here that you can find amazing palm trees typical of the wooded savannahs. In the park, tourists can see the round crowns of huge babasu palms, reaching 75 meters in height.
The Emasa savanna has helped to preserve many species of living organisms during climate change. Among the most interesting representatives fauna can be noted large anteater, armadillo and maned wolf. As for the climate, winters are cold here, and summers are hot. Inquisitive tourists are offered such types of entertainment as fishing, horseback riding or boat trips.
Chapada dos Veadeiros. An equally interesting object is the Chapada dos Veadeiros park. Which also became a protected area in 1961. The park is located in the state of Goiás on an ancient plateau. If Emas is very rich in fauna, then nature has endowed Chapada dos Veadeiros with a wide variety of flora. There are more than 25 species of trees on the territory of the reserve. The fauna of the region is also quite bright and colorful (marsh deer, armadillos, tapirs). On hot summer days, temperatures up to 40 degrees can be observed here, but in winter there is sometimes a slight frost.
5. Venezuela
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Venezuela includes 3 items (for 2010), this is 0.3% of total number(981 for 2013). 2 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 1 object - according to natural criteria (Canaima National Park).
In addition, as of 2010, 3 objects on the territory of the state are among the candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The first site in Venezuela was listed in 1993 at the 17th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
.1 Canaima National Park
Canaima National Park is a park in the southeast of Venezuela, on the border with Brazil and Guyana. The area of the park is about 30,000 km ². It is located in the state of Bolivar and occupies approximately the same territory as the Gran Sabana Natural Park.
The park was opened on June 12, 1962 and is the second largest in the country, second only to Parima-Tapirapeco. In 1994, Canaima was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main attraction and value of the park are the tepui (flat-topped mountains) located there.
Flora and fauna. On the territory of Canaima, such representatives of the animal world live as: tapir - a large herbivorous mammal (somewhat reminiscent of a pig in shape, but has a short trunk adapted for grasping), peccaries - a large artiodactyl, similar to a pig, agouti - rodents, relatives of guinea pigs, moving on long limbs, anteater, puma, jaguar, as well as broad-faced caiman, etc. In the village Pemon Indians live a lot of rabbits, which are chased by children. The local jungle is famous for the special abundance of various types of orchids, of which there are about 500 species.
Attractions. Like fragments of another world, the Table Mountains stand here - the unique plateau of the Gran Sabana, part of the Guiana Plateau, two-kilometer steep walls of which, absolutely flat at the top, rest against the clouds. These mountains, called tepui, are some of the oldest formations on Earth, dating back countless years when Africa and South America were one continent. Arthur Conan Doyle, inspired by the surreal landscape, settled tyrannosvars and pterodactyls on the tops of the plateau. Of course, there are no ancient lizards on Gran Saban, but the microcosm that lives at an altitude of two thousand meters above the rest of the surrounding world is truly unique.
Another attraction of Canaim is the waterfalls, the highest on the planet. Falling from the sheer ledges of the mesas, these waterfalls make for an impressive sight. The most famous of them - Angel Falls, overthrown from the top of one of the highest tepui - Auyantepui, which deservedly means "mountain of the devil".
6. Colombia
There are 2 sites on the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in Colombia:
· Los Katios National Park (1994)
· Malpelo Island (2006)
.1 Los Katios National Park
It was created in the north of Colombia, in the border zone with the state of Panama. On the other side of the border, another protected area has been created - the Darien National Park. On the territory of Colombia, Los Katios National Park appeared in 1976, today its area has grown to 72 thousand hectares. The nature of the park is represented by the following natural areas: tropical forests and floodplain swamps. The territory of Los Katios Park lies around the Atrato River. On its banks and among the nearby complexes of wet forests, a total of about 600 plant varieties were found. A rather remarkable local species is the cotton tree. This is a typical tropical species that belongs to the mallow family. The homeland of this species is considered to be Mexico, some countries of Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and the tropical region of West Africa.
.2 Malpelo Island
Malpelo is an island in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 500 km off the coast of Buenaventura Bay in South America. Belongs to Colombia, is part of the department of Valle del Cauca. Area 0.35 km².
On July 12, 2006, Malpelo, together with the adjacent water area of 857,150 hectares, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the largest no-fishing zone in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Geography. The island is a rock without abundant vegetation, maximum height- 376 m (Mount Mona, Spanish Cerro de la Mona). The length is about 1850 m, the width is up to 600 m. It is surrounded by small rocks. The Malpelo Natural Protected Area occupies a circle with a radius of 9.656 km around the point with coordinates 3°58?30? With. sh. 81°34?48? h. d. (G) (O).
Malpelo is home to populations of silky sharks, frilled sharks, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, as well as sand sharks, making the island a popular destination for divers.
The island is composed of effusive rocks, volcanogenic breccias, and Tertiary basalt dikes. Vegetation - algae, lichens, mosses, some types of shrubs, ferns.
Biodiversity. Malpelo Island is home to a range of rare marine life. A lot of sharks, giant groupers, marlins gather here. This is one of the few places on Earth where reliable encounters with deep-sea sand sharks have been recorded. In these depths, stable populations of large marine predators and pelagic species are maintained, in particular, these are accumulations of more than 200 hammerheads, over 1,000 frilled sharks, as well as whale sharks and tuna. 17 species of marine mammals, including humpback and blue whales, 5 terrestrial and 7 marine reptile species, 61 bird species, 394 fish species and 340 shellfish species have been recorded on Malpelo .
7. Peru
For 2012, the list includes 11 objects, 2 of which are natural and 2 are mixed:
Machu Picchu (1983)
· Huascaran National Park (1985)
Manu (1987)
· Rio Abiseo National Park (1992)
.1 Machu Picchu Historical Reserve
City ancient America, located on the territory of modern Peru, on top mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level, dominating the valley of the Urubamba River. In 2007 he was awarded the title of the New Wonder of the World.
In 2011, it was decided to limit the number of visitors. According to the new rules, only 2,500 tourists per day can visit Machu Picchu, of which no more than 400 people can climb Mount Wayna Picchu, which is part of the archaeological complex. In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands to reduce the number of tourists per day to 800.
Flora and fauna. On the territory of Machu Picchu you are constantly surrounded by landscapes of dazzling beauty. The splendor of the archaeological ruins is harmoniously combined with a huge variety of flora and fauna. On the entire area of the lost city, which is approximately 32,520 hectares, you will see exotic pisonai and kunyual trees, shield palms, alders - they amaze with their grandeur. About 400 species of begonias and orchids grow here, of which only 260 species are classified.
Animals living in Machu Picchu are also striking in their diversity. Approximately 375 species of birds live in the city, of which 200 species can always be seen during the tour. One of the brightest representatives of birds is the Rock Cockerel, it is he who is the symbol of Peru. The bird is easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, it is easy to meet on the banks of rivers.
In terms of animals, the endangered Andean bear is of particular interest. In these parts, he is known as "Spectacled Bear". The animal is absolutely safe, eats only plant foods. Due to his shy disposition, he is rarely photographed. In Machu Picchu you can also see vicuñas, white-tailed deer, wild llamas and other representatives of exotic fauna.
Current state. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving the UNESCO World Heritage status, has become a center of mass tourism. In 2011, it was decided to limit the number of visitors. According to the new rules, only 2,500 tourists per day can visit Machu Picchu, of which no more than 400 people can climb Mount Wayna Picchu, which is part of the archaeological complex. In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands to reduce the number of tourists per day to 800. Machu Picchu is located in a remote region. To support tourism, a railway was built to neighboring city Aguas Calientes from Cusco via Ollantaytambo, from Ollantaytambo there are more than ten trains a day. From the Aguas Calientes railway station to Machu Picchu, there is a bus that overcomes eight kilometers of a steep serpentine climb. UNESCO opposed the construction of the cable car to limit the flow of tourists. As a result of the earthquake in 2004, the section of the railway was badly damaged, but was restored.
At the 35th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, it was decided that the ancient city from February 1, 2012 will be excluded from the list of World Heritage sites in danger.
7.2 Huascaran National Park
A national park located in the Ancash region of Peru, on the territory of the Cordillera Blanca.
The area of the park is 3400 km ². Declared a nature reserve on July 1, 1975. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The name of the park comes from the name of the high peak Peru - Huascaran, 6768 m high. Many rare and endemic plants and animals live in the park. For example, Puya raimondi is a plant of the bromeliad family up to 10 meters high, whose age can reach up to 100 years.
Climate. The climate in the national park, in addition to being characterized by altitudinal zonation typical of mountains, is divided into two seasons a year. One of them is humid, caused by strong warm winds blowing from the Amazonian jungle, and lasts from December to March. The other, which lasts from May to October, is dry, characterized by a large number of sunny days. The temperature at this time can rise to 25 degrees Celsius, but the nights are very cold, and often the thermometer drops below 0 degrees.
Flora and fauna. The fauna of the White and Black Cordillera is represented mainly by birds and mammals. Some species have not yet been described or our knowledge of them is extremely scarce. According to scientists, there are 112 species of birds in the Huascaran National Park, representing 33 different families. Among them are the Andean Condor, the Andean Spur Duck and the Andean Tinamou. Mammals are represented in the park by only ten species. However, among them are such amazing, rare and beautiful animals as the pampas cat, Andean cat, spectacled bear, vicuña and Peruvian deer.
The flora of the Huascaran National Park is more diverse in terms of species growing here. The park has seven climatic zones and a huge number of microclimates. All this contributes to the development unique plants, capturing literally every part of the mountain surface suitable for life and growth. In total, in Huascaran, scientists have described 779 plant species belonging to 340 genera and 104 families.
.3 Manu National Park
The park was organized in 1977 in the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco, and in 1987 was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Manu Square - 19,098 km ², of which the national park occupies 15,328 km ², the rest is a reserve zone. The main part of the territory is the Amazonian forests, but some part is located in the Andes at an altitude of up to 4200 m. A large number of species of flora and fauna live in Manu. More than 15 thousand species of plants and about a thousand species of birds have been found on its territory (more than a tenth of all bird species and about 1.5 times more than in Russia). On the territory of the park, the population of the Inca toad, endemic to Peru, is protected.
.4 Rio Abiseo National Park
Rio Abiseo National Park is a national park located in the San Martin region of Peru. Since 1990 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park is home to many species of flora and fauna, and there are more than 30 archaeological sites from the pre-Columbian period. Since 1986, certain parts of the park have been closed to tourists due to the fragility of both the natural and archaeological environments. The largest and most famous archaeological site in the park is the Gran Pajaten, located on a hilltop near the border of the region. Nearby are the ruins of Los Pinchudos (discovered in 1965), which are a series of stone graves. Most archeology research in the park is conducted by staff at the University of Colorado.
Geography and climate. The Rio Abiseo National Park is located on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes between the Marañón and Huallaga rivers, covering an area of 2,745.2 km ². In particular, the park covers about 70% of the Abiseo river basin. Altitudes in the park are from 350 m to 4200 m above sea level.
The park has seven climatic zones, ranging from alpine meadows and mountain forests to dry forests and tropical rainforests. Precipitation varies from 500 to 2000 mm per year. The humid mountain forest, which occupies most of the park, consists of low trees, mosses and lichens. This ecosystem exists at altitudes of about 2300 m. The humidity is constant here, and rain falls throughout the year, especially at high altitudes. Soils are acidic.
8. Suriname
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Suriname includes 2 items (for 2010), which is 0.2% of the total (981 for 2013). 1 object is included in the list according to cultural criteria, 1 object - according to natural criteria (Central Suriname Conservation Area).
.1 Central Suriname Conservation Area
The Central Suriname Conservation Area is a conservation area in Suriname. The territory of the reserve occupies 16 thousand km ², consists mainly of tropical forests of the Guiana highlands. The reserve is home to many species of animals, which are also under state protection.
On the territory of the reserve there is a unique granite monolith - Voltzberg, whose age is 1.8 - 2 billion years. It has two peaks separated by a crack: one of them has a height of 245 meters above sea level, the other 209 meters. The monolith itself is located at an altitude of 150 meters above the surroundings. This monolith is 1.1 km long in the north-south direction and up to 700 meters wide in the east-west direction. Only at the top of the monolith there is sparse vegetation.
9. Ecuador
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ecuador includes 4 items (for 2010), which is 0.4% of the total (981 for 2013). 2 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 2 objects - according to natural criteria:
· Galapagos Islands (1978)
· Sangai National Park (1983)
In addition, as of 2010, 7 objects on the territory of the state are among the candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The first site in Ecuador was listed in 1978 at the 2nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
.1 Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago in pacific ocean, 972 km west of Ecuador, consisting of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 small islands and 107 rocks and alluvial areas.
Climate . Despite the latitude, due to the cold current, the climate in the Galapagos is much cooler than other areas at the equator. The water temperature sometimes drops to 20 ° C, and the average annual is 23- 24°C.
Flora and fauna. The inability of large predators to develop on the islands has allowed many animal species to thrive on these islands. Therefore, the Galapagos are home to a large number endemic and unique animals such as sea lions, native penguins, Galapagos tortoises, dolphins, vampire finch, marine iguanas, lava lizards, whales, sharks, etc. There is also a large variety of seabirds such as frigatebirds, flamingos and albatrosses. Plants of the Galápagos also surprises with its diversity; a wide variety of endemic trees, tree ferns, other types of shrubs and flowers grow on the islands. The archipelago has some rare species of cotton, tomatoes, peppers, guava and orchids. The underwater life in the Galapagos Islands is also very beautiful. The surrounding waters are home to many species of fish, animals and aquatic plants, which is why the Galapagos Islands are considered one of the wonders of the underwater world.
Fortunately, due to the remoteness of the islands from the continent and active sea communications, the wildlife here is practically not affected and remains the same as Charles Darwin once found it. Tourists arrive in the Galapagos Islands mainly by plane. The Galapagos is probably the only place on earth where you can dive with a penguin or swim among the sea lions. The Galapagos Islands are one of the planet's most precious treasures and one of the last refuges wildlife in the world.
.2 Sangai National Park
The Sangay National Park is located in the highlands of Ecuador. The territory of the Andes, included in the national park, is full of volcanoes. The most important volcano in the park is named Sangai. The approaches to it in Ecuador have been protected since 1975, it was then that the Sangay National Park was formed. Until today, the territory of the park has grown to 500 thousand hectares. Mostly in the open spaces of the park there are areas of tropical rainforest, as well as foggy mountain forests.
Flora and fauna. As for the arrays of tropical rainforest, the following types of vegetation dominate among them: mulberry trees, palm trees, laurel trees, lianas. And in the alpine zone of foggy forests, the following species prevail: various orchids and ferns, thickets of bamboo and shrubs. The diversity of plant species in the park is quite a natural phenomenon, because there is a very wide range of altitudes, which ranges from 1000 to 5230 m above sea level. In total, as many as 8 altitudinal vegetation belts can be observed in Sangai Park; in general, about 1,000 species have been recorded in the region's fines.
The fauna of the Sangai volcano is represented by the following species: mountain tapir, vicuña, pygmy deer, the avifauna is dominated by the red bird, condor and other birds. As for the mountain inhabitants, such as the mountain tapir, we have enough information about them.
The red bird is one of the most amazing birds in Sangai park. The red bird is also often called the bird of paradise, it belongs to the order of passerines. The bird is medium in size, about 30 cm long, while the wing length is about 16 cm, and the tail is 12 cm long. It has a golden-green plumage, a small crest on the back of the head. The bird has a bright red chest and wings, as well as legs. The back has a gray-yellowish tint, the throat is dark green.
In rather limited areas of the park, animals such as puma, Andean fox, spectacled bear, pudu deer, ocelots and jaguars, guinea pigs live. Of the birds, such unique species as cubillin and quilimas, vultures, giant hummingbirds, and so on, were ignored.
Conclusion
Thus, using the example of the region of South America, one could get acquainted with the UNESCO World Heritage program, which began its existence in 1975. Since 1977, the World Heritage Committee has held annual sessions at which the objects of the program are identified - natural or man-made objects, the priority tasks in relation to which are conservation and promotion due to their special cultural, historical or environmental significance.
The main purpose of the World Heritage List is to make known and protect properties that are unique in their own way. For this, and because of the desire for objectivity, evaluation criteria were drawn up. The first six criteria have been in force since 1978 and define cultural objects, natural objects have been included in the list since 2002, when four additional natural inclusion criteria appeared.
Also, in the course of the work done, it was possible to make sure that the "World Heritage Site Status" provides the following benefits (for natural heritage sites): it is an additional guarantee of the safety and integrity of unique natural complexes; enhances the prestige of territories and their governing institutions; contributes to the popularization of the objects included in the List and the development of alternative types of nature management (primarily, ecological tourism); ensures priority in attracting financial resources to support world cultural and natural heritage sites, primarily from the World Heritage Fund; contributes to the organization of monitoring and control over the state of conservation of natural objects.
The states on whose territory the World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
References and Internet resources
Drobot V.I. The concept of the World natural heritage: a textbook / Mar. state un-t; IN AND. Drobot. - Yoshkar-Ola, 2008. - 122 p.
2. Gebel P. Natural heritage of mankind: landscapes and treasures of nature under the protection of UNESCO. M.: Publishing house BMN AO. 1999. - 256 p.
Maksakovskiy N.V. World Natural Heritage. - M.: Education, 2005. - 396 p.
Cattaneo M. Treasures of mankind. UNESCO World Heritage. - AST; Astrel, 2005. - S. 512.
Official information site "UNESCO: World Heritage Sites" http://unesco.heritage.ru
Http://world heritage.rf
http://ru.wikipedia.org/
http://umeda.ru
http://7-chudes-sveta.ru
http://whc.unesco.org/
http://www.vokrugsveta.ru/encyclopedia/
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The Federative Republic of Brazil is a hospitable country that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Climatic conditions allow you to come here all year round, but Brazil experiences a real tourist boom on the eve of Easter, when the famous carnival is held in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is also famous for its noisy white sand beaches, picturesque nature and original local cuisine. In this country, it is worth visiting the amazing Amazon, the swampy Pantanal, the sandy Lencois Maranhensis and other national parks where you can see the anaconda or fish for piranhas.
Since Brazil used to be engaged in the slave trade, in some of its cities, such as Diamontina, Olinda, Ouro Preto, San Luis and Goiás, colonial architecture has been preserved almost in its original form. Among the variety of Brazilian cuisine, you should definitely highlight the unusual assortment of feijoada, mashed meat and tutu beans, marinated sarapatel liver and dried meat carne do sol.
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What to see in Brazil?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.
The Iguazu Falls complex is located on the border of Brazil with Argentina. To fully enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, tourists can take a sightseeing tour not only on foot or by car, but also by helicopter or boat. The unique local ecosystem is protected by UNESCO.
One of the seven "new wonders of the world", the monument to Christ the Savior, is located in Rio de Janeiro. It is a visiting card of the city, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The monument was opened in 1931, and in 1965 Pope Paul VI re-consecrated the statue of Christ the Savior.
Popular and safe - this is how Ipanema beach can be characterized. Small waves prevail here, which makes swimming quite calm. The beach cafes of Ipanema sell various drinks, ice cream, sandwiches or fruits. The shops, hotels and houses surrounding the beach are considered the most expensive in Rio de Janeiro.
Ouro Preto is an old picturesque town founded in 1711. In the XVII-XVIII centuries, gold was mined here, which contributed to the rapid development of the city. At the end of the 19th century, gold mining stopped, and Ouro Preto fell into disrepair. Numerous well-preserved examples of colonial baroque architecture have made the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The northeast of the country is occupied by the UNESCO-protected Serra da Capivara National Park, whose territory exceeds 120 thousand hectares. The park is valued primarily for its unique rock paintings dating back to the 14th century BC. 64 open in Serra da Capivara archaeological zones, to which 14 hiking trails lead.
A bright representative of eclecticism, pompous Opera theatre Amazonas was discovered in 1896 in the city of Manaus. The building was erected with the money of the wealthy "rubber magnates", but over time, when the city became impoverished, the theater fell into disrepair. Restoration work in 1990 returned the building to its former beauty, and today the theater again gives performances.
The unique ecosystem of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2002. Thanks to a well-thought-out infrastructure, all 20 islands of the archipelago are considered a high-class center for ecotourism. You can also go diving or surfing here.
The foundations of the city of Olinda, located in the north-east of the country, were laid back in the 16th century. Portuguese colonizers. The buildings of the historic center date back to the 18th century and are considered the best preserved example of the first period of settlement. Since 1982, the historical center of Olinda has been included in the UNESCO List.
Salvador is a colorful city and the birthplace of the Brazilian martial art of capoeira. Once a slave port, Salvador is now a popular beach resort. Salvador offers its tourists about 20 equipped beaches with a length of more than 40 km. Capoeira performances are held every evening at Piazza Pelourinho.
Wetland reserve, which is home to giant butterflies, rare birds and animals. In the most visited city of the Pantanal, Cuiaba, you can book an excursion. In addition to the usual entertainment, in the Pantanal you can go fishing for piranhas or take part in a night boat safari.
Every year in February, Rio de Janeiro receives millions of tourists who aspire to get to the famous Brazilian carnival. The highlight of the carnival is the parade of samba schools, for which the performers have been preparing for many months. To visit the four-day carnival, tourists should book hotels in advance.
Thanks to the well-preserved examples of colonial architecture, the historical districts of Salvador da Bahia were inscribed on the UNESCO List in 1985. Tourists here should visit Pelourinho Square, the local cathedral and the Elevador Lacerda elevator.
The rainforests that surround the Amazon River are over 55 million years old. A huge number of animals, birds and insects live here. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the local natives, go canoeing under the moon or catch a couple of piranhas.
The very popular Karakol waterfall, which offers an unusually beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, is located 7 km from the city of Kanela. At a short distance from the waterfall, an observation deck for tourists was built, equipped with an elevator. There are also souvenir shops and cafes.
In 1983, five Jesuit missions of the 17th-18th centuries were inscribed on the UNESCO List. These reduction missions, which were mini-cities with all the accompanying infrastructure, were built to convert local tribes, in particular the Guarani Indians, to Catholicism.
Pedra Pintada is a famous archaeological site in Brazil. Inside this 35 meter cliff, caves with white and pink rock paintings were discovered. Experts date these drawings to the 10th millennium BC. Also, various household items of ancient people were found here.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, the Portuguese Royal Library was founded in 1837, and since 1900 it has become public. The library building, built in the Neo-Manueline style, combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. About 350,000 books in Portuguese are stored here.
Located in the northeast of the country, Lencois Maranhensis National Park was established in 1981. More than 1000 km2 of the park are occupied by amazing sand dunes, whose height is about 40 m. After the rains, the water forms lagoons suitable for swimming. Entrance to the park is free, but there is a charge for bike and sandboard rentals.
One of the symbols of Rio de Janeiro is Sugar Loaf Mountain. Located near Guanabara Bay, this 396-meter-high mountain is a beautiful observation deck. You can get to the mountain on foot, by cable car or by one of the many climbing routes.
Brazil's largest stadium, completed in 1965, is officially named Mario Filho, after the famous Brazilian sports journalist. The stadium was created as a result of the joint work of 7 best architects, and in 1980 John Paul II held a service here.
The city park of São Paulo Ibirapuera, whose buildings were designed by the famous Oscar Niemeyer, was opened in 1954. Due to its vast green area, this popular attraction is also called the lungs of the city. In Ibirapuera there is a planetarium, the Museum of Modern Art, the São Paulo obelisk and the Bandeiras monument.
The world-famous Capacabana beach is located in Rio de Janeiro. This four-kilometer recreation area has been used as a concert venue more than once. Rod Stewart, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Lenny Kravitz have performed here. A bunch of coastal hotels, cafes, discos and casinos make your holiday on Capacabana truly unforgettable.
This is an unusually beautiful church complex, which was built from 1773 to 1809. Bon Jesus do Congonhas consists of a church, seven chapels of the Way of the Cross of Christ, and sculptures of the prophets. Since 1985, this church complex has been under the protection of UNESCO.
In the mountains of Espinhaço, there is the town of Diamantina, where you can see perfectly preserved buildings of the 18th century. The visiting card of the city deserves special attention - the Gloria complex, which consists of two buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries. Since 1999, the historic center of Diamantina has been listed by UNSCO.
The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is located in the center of the country, just a few kilometers from the capital. It was created in 1961, and in 2001 was included in the UNESCO list. You can only move around in the park on foot, but this is more than compensated. beautiful scenery. There are several canyons and waterfalls.
At the end of 2008, 120 Latin American sites were included in the UNESCO List, which are located in 30 countries of this region. Most of them are in Mexico (28), Brazil (16) and Peru (10).
Of the total number of objects, the vast majority (82) belong to the category of cultural heritage objects. Chronologically, they cover the period of time from the second millennium BC to the present day. But for the most part, they represent the periods of the Middle Ages and modern times. Accordingly, they can be divided into pre-Columbian and post-Columbian objects.
The objects of the pre-Columbian era mainly include the legacy of the three already mentioned Latin American civilizations. In Meso-America, these are such world-famous monuments of the Maya Indians as the ruins of the cities of Palenque, Chichen Itza, Uxmal in Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, Copan in Honduras, as well as monuments of the time of the Aztecs in Central Mexico (Teotihuacan). They are characterized by such monumental structures as step pyramids-teokalli, palaces of rulers, steles, ball courts. Most of them were discovered in the XIX century. and now attract many tourists. In the Andean region, many objects in Peru belong to the pre-Columbian era (including the famous mysterious geoglyphs of the Nazca desert, fragments of the ancient Inca capital city of Cusco), in Colombia ( archaeological parks San Agustin and Tierradentro), in Bolivia (the archaeological area of Tiwanaku near Lake Titicaca). With a certain degree of conventionality, another world-famous heritage site can be attributed to the Andean region - stone statues O. Easters in the Pacific described by Thor Heyerdahl and many other travelers and explorers.
The post-Columbian era, associated mainly with the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of Central and South America after the beginning of the Great geographical discoveries(Fig. 243). The objects of this era include mainly cities with a rectangular layout characteristic of the Spanish architecture of that time, central square(“plaza mayor”), numerous Catholic cathedrals and monasteries, palaces of the nobility. In the West Indies, this is, for example, the city of Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic, associated with the name of Columbus, the old part of Havana with its fortifications in Cuba, in Central America - the historical centers of the cities of Mexico City, Puebla and some others in Mexico, as well as cities and fortresses in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama. Of the Spanish heritage of this era in South America, the most famous are the monuments of Cartagena in Venezuela, Quito in Ecuador, Cusco in Peru, the mining city of Potosí in Bolivia. The legacy of the colonial empire of Portugal is widely represented in Brazil (the cities of Salvador, Olinda, Ouro Preto, etc.).
The objects of the newest time in the region include the already mentioned new capital of Brazil - the city of Brasilia, designed and built by Brazilian architects Luis Costa and Oscar Niemeyer and having the symbolic shape of an airplane with a "fuselage" and "wings" in plan. This is one of the most grandiose and organic in design and execution of urban planning projects of the 20th century.
There are 35 World Natural Heritage Sites in Latin America. These are mainly national parks and reserves. Among them there are such famous ones as Iguazu in Brazil and Argentina, Los Glaciares in Argentina, Manu in Peru, Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. And among the mixed cultural and natural objects here are the ruins of the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala, the Inca mountain fortresses of Machu Picchu and Rio Abysseo in Peru.
Brazil UNESCO World Heritage List (19)
Cultural
City of Brasilia (1987)
Brasilia, the capital, founded on a previously empty site in the heart of the country in 1956, has become a significant object in the history of urban planning. Urban planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer believed that every element, from the layout of residential and administrative districts to the symmetrical design of the buildings themselves, should be in harmony with the overall design concept of the city (with its layout, the city resembles a flying bird). The innovative architecture of the capital's official buildings is impressive.
Historic City Center of Salvador de Bahia (1985)
Historic center of Salvador de Bahia
From 1549-1763, the first capital of Brazil, Salvador de Bahia became a melting pot of European, African and American cultures. Beginning in 1558, the city was the first market in the New World to trade in slaves brought to work on the sugar plantations. The city has preserved a large number of outstanding buildings in the Renaissance style. A feature of the old part of the city are buildings of different colors, with interesting stucco moldings.
Historic Downtown San Luis (1997)
Historic Downtown San Luis
The core of this historic city, founded in the 17th century, founded by the French, then occupied by the Dutch and finally passed to the Portuguese, has preserved the original rectangular layout intact. Due to economic stagnation at the beginning of the 20th century, most of historical buildings have survived to this day, making San Luis an outstanding example of an Iberian-type colonial city.
Diamantina Historic Center (1999)
Diamantina Historic Center
Diamantina, a colonial settlement surrounded by rugged rocky mountains, recreates the life of the era of diamond prospectors in the 18th century. The city is a symbol of the triumph of cultural and artistic activity of a person who lived in adverse natural conditions.
Historic City Center of Goiás (2001)
The city of Goias is a witness to the development and colonization of the central part of Brazil in the 18th-19th centuries. The layout of the city is an example of the organic development of a mining settlement, well adapted to the conditions of the area. The public and private architecture of the city is modest, but forms a harmonious whole through the use of local materials and traditional building techniques.
Olinda Historic Center (1982)
The history of this city, founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, is connected with the production of cane sugar. The urban development, restored after the sack of the city by the Dutch, belongs mainly to the 18th century. Harmonious combination buildings, gardens, 20 baroque churches, monasteries and many small "passos" (chapels) contribute to the special charm of Olinda.
Ouro Preto Historic City (1980)
Founded at the end of the 17th century, the city of Ouro Preto (“Black Gold”) became the main focus of the “gold rush” in the 18th century, which then led to the onset of the “golden age” of Brazil. After the depletion of the gold mines in the 19th century, the city's importance declined, but the many churches, bridges and fountains remain a testament to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.
Jesuit missions in the lands of the Guarani Indians: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria la Mayor (Argentina); ruins of San Miguel das Misoins (Brazil) (1983)
The ruins of San Miguel das Misoins in Brazil, as well as San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria la Mayor in Argentina, are in the midst of the rainforest. These are the impressive remains of five Jesuit missions built on the lands of the Guarani Indians during the 17th and 18th centuries. Each of them has a specific layout and a different degree of preservation.
Rio de Janeiro (2012)
The World Heritage Sites are coastline Rio de Janeiro with Copacabana beach, Sugarloaf mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue.
Church complex of Bon Jesus do Congonhas (1985)
The church complex of Bon Jesus do Congonhas, built in the second half of the 18th century in the state of Minas Gerais south of Belo Horizonte, consists of a church with a luxurious rococo interior, an external staircase decorated with statues of the prophets, and seven chapels dedicated to stops on the way to the place of the crucifixion of Christ. Their multicolored sculptures by Aleijadinho are vivid examples original expressive art forms of the Baroque.
Plaza San Francisco in the city of San Cristovao (2010)
Piazza San Francisco in the city of San Cristovao is a quadrangular open space surrounded by the monumental buildings of the Church of St. Francis and the monastery, the church and Santa Casa da Misericordia, a provincial-style palace and other buildings belonging to various historical periods. This monumental ensemble and the surrounding eighteenth and nineteenth century houses create an urban landscape that reflects the history of the city since its inception. It is an example of a typical architecture of a religious nature that has developed in northeastern Brazil.
Serra da Capivara National Park (1991)
Among the numerous rocky shelters in the Serra da Capivara National Park, caves stand out, decorated with murals, which in some cases are more than 25 thousand years old. They are outstanding proof of the existence of one of the most ancient human communities in South America.
Natural
South East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves (1999)
The forest reserves of the southeastern Atlantic coast are the largest and most preserved tracts of Atlantic forests in all of Brazil. 25 forest reserves with a total area of 470 thousand hectares, lying on the coast of the ocean in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, show a rich biodiversity and illustrate the evolution of the surviving virgin forests. The territory includes a wide range of different ecosystems (mountains covered with dense thickets, wetlands, dune complexes, islands) and stands out for its special picturesqueness.
Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll (2001)
Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago and the Rocas Atoll, which are the peaks of the underwater South Atlantic Ridge that come to the surface of the ocean, lie off the eastern coast of Brazil. These islands are among the largest in this part of the Atlantic, and their coastal waters are highly bio-productive and play an exceptional role as habitats and breeding grounds for tuna, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals. The largest concentrations of marine tropical birds in the Western Atlantic have been noted on the islands; there is also a large local population of dolphins. During low tides on Rocas Atoll, you can observe an impressive picture: shallow lagoons teeming with fish.
Reserve of the Central Amazon (2000)
The Central Amazon Reserve is the largest complex of protected natural areas in the entire Amazon basin (6 million hectares) in terms of biodiversity - one of the richest regions on the planet. Lakes and streams form a mosaic and constantly evolving aquatic system that is home to the world's largest population of electric eels. Rare and endangered species include the Amazonian manatee, black caiman, two species of river dolphins, and the giant arapaima fish.
Campos Cerrado National Parks: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas (2001)
The flora and fauna of the two national parks that make up this World Heritage Site are typical of the forested savannah area, the "campos cerrado". This special type of savanna is recognized as one of the richest in biodiversity and one of the oldest ecosystems in the time of its formation in the tropical belt. For thousands of years, these places have acted as a refuge for various species of animals and plants, especially during periods of sharp climatic changes. It is believed that in the future they will also be able to act as centers for maintaining the biodiversity of the Campos-Cerrado savannahs.
East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves (1999)
Eight protected natural areas (including three national parks) with a total area of 112,000 hectares are located in the states of Bahia and Espirito Santo and include Atlantic rainforests and bushes (“restinga”). In terms of biodiversity, this area is one of the richest on the planet. A number of endemic species live in the reserves, which makes it possible to trace the evolutionary path of living organisms, and this, in turn, is of great importance both from a scientific and environmental point of view.
Iguazu National Park (1986)
This park contains one of the most grandiose waterfalls world with a falling water front of 2.7 kilometers. A number of rare and endangered species of plants and animals have been noted here, incl. giant otter and giant anteater. In the area irrigated by the spray of the waterfall, lush vegetation grows.
Pantanal Reserve (2000)
Four nature reserves have total area 187.8 thousand hectares. They are located in the west Central Brazil, in the southwestern part of the state of Mato Grosso, and account for 1.3% of the entire area of the Pantanal, one of the world's largest arrays of wetlands. Here are the origins of two largest rivers this region - Cuiaba and Paraguay, and the abundance and species diversity of plants and animals are exceptionally high.
At the end of 2002, 104 sites were inscribed on the UNESCO List, located in 23 countries of the region. Most of them
In Mexico (22),
In Brazil (16) and
To Peru (10)
Of these, 71 objects cultural heritage
Chronologically, they cover the period of time from the second millennium BC to the present day. But mostly they represent the periods of the Middle Ages and modern times. Accordingly, they can be divided into pre-Columbian and post-Columbian objects.
TO pre-Columbian era
The objects of the heritage of the three already mentioned Latin American civilizations are included.
In Mesoamerica, these are world famous
Monuments of the Mayan Indians - the ruins of the cities of Palenque,
Chichen Itza,
Uxmal in Mexico
on the Yukotan peninsula,
Copan in Honduras
Monuments of the time of the Aztecs in Central Mexico (Teotihuacan).
they are characterized by such monumental structures,
like step pyramids, teokalli,
rulers' palaces
playgrounds for ball games.
In the Andean region, many objects belong to this era
in Peru - the famous mysterious geoglyphs of the Nazca desert,
Fragments of the ancient Inca capital city of Cusco
in Colombia - the archaeological parks of San Agustin and Tierradentro
in Bolivia - the archaeological area of Tiwanaku near Lake. Titicaca
With a certain degree of conventionality, the world-famous stone statues of Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, described by Thor Heyerdahl and other travelers, can be attributed to the Andean region.
Post-Columbian era
It is connected mainly with the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of Central and South America after the beginning of the Great geographical discoveries.
From Spanish heritage objects of this era include
Cities with a rectangular layout typical of Spanish architecture of that time, a central square (“Plaza Mayor”), numerous Catholic cathedrals and monasteries, palaces of the nobility.
In the West Indies, for example,
G. Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic associated with
in the name of Columbus
The old part of Havana with its fortifications in Cuba
In Central America
Historic city centers of Mexico City, Puebla - in Mexico
Cities and fortresses in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama
Monuments of Cartagena in Venezuela,
Quito in Ecuador
Cusco in Peru
Mining town of Potosi in Bolivia
Legacy of colonial Portugal widely represented in Brazil (the cities of Salvador, Olinda, Ouro Preto, etc.)
Go to objects modern times relate
The new capital of Brazil is the city of Brasilia, designed and built by Brazilian architects Luis Costa and Oscar Niemeyer and having the symbolic shape of an airplane with a "fuselage" and "wings". This is one of the most grandiose and organic in design and execution of town-planning objects of the 20th century.
Objects natural heritage in region 30.
These are national parks and reserves. The most famous
Iguazu in Brazil and Argentina
Los Glaciares in Argentina
Manu in Peru
Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
