Trifter

1. Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
   

   

   As the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef is a significant habitat for several threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.  The main threat to the site is from illegal logging activities, mangrove cutting and excessive development on the islands as well as illegal fishing and hunting threatening the biodiversity of the reef system.

   It was placed on UNESCO’s danger list in June 2009.

2. The Galapagos Islands

   

   These 19 islands in the Pacific Ocean are a unique living museum, home to some of the world’s most unusual anumal life, including the land iguana and the giant tortoise.  It was the diversity of wildlife on these islands that inspired Charles Darwin following a visit in 1835.

   In 1978, the Galapagos islands were the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but now this diverse ecosystem is threatened by tourism (from passenger cruise ships), immigration, an increase in inter-island traffic and the introduction of non-native invasive species.

   The Islands were placed on UNESCO’s danger list in 2007.

3. Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, Georgia

   

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   One of the oldest cities in the country of Georgia, Mstkheta is the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and home to 6th century Jvari Monastery, and 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both of which are significant examples of medieval religious architecture.  Study of these two beautiful buildings has provided historians with much information about the development of medieval architecture in this region, and early inscriptions have enabled the study of the origins of the early Georgian alaphabet.

   Sadly, these important buildings are now considered endangered because of the serious deterioration of stonework and frescoes, and because of previous repairs carried out which damaged the authenticity of the buildings.

   They were placed on UNESCO’s danger list in 2009.

4. Samarra Archeological Site, Iraq

   

   Located on the banks of the River Tigris, 130km north of Baghdad, Samarra Archeological City is the site of an ancient and powerful city which ruled over the Abbasid Empire 1200 years ago.  Although 80% of the site has yet to be uncovered, it is thought to be the only Islamic capital that retains its original street plan, architecture and arts, including mosaics.  The Great Mosque with its spiral minaret are included among this site’s remarkable architectural treasures.

   The site is considered to be at risk because of the instability in the region following the commencement of war in 2003.  The area has been used by multi-national forces as a base of military operations, and inspection teams have been unable to verify that the monuments and buildings are being adequately preserved.  Prior to this time, the state authorities were following an agreed strategy of preservation, but this has been unenforced since 2003.

   The site was placed on UNESCO’s danger list in 2007.

5. Fort and Shalamar Gardens, Lahore, Pakistan

   

   The impressive fort containing marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics, and the elegant, terraced Shalimar gardens are unequalled masterpieces from the time of the Mughal civilization.  The 17th century gardens are built on three levels, irrigated by a canal which brought water over a distance of 161 kilometres.  Within the gardens, 410 fountains cascade water into wide marble pools.

   

   The origins of Lahore’s fort are obscure, but the basis of the current building was constructed during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar during the late 16th century.  Over the years, it was modified and upgraded by each successive ruler, so that now it encompasses the entire Mughal architectural tradition.

   In June 1999, 375 year old tanks that supplied water to the Garden’s fountains were destroyed in a road-widening scheme.  In view of this, and of the serious deterioration of the perimeter walls of the garden, the Pakistani government requested the help of the international community to help safeguard the site.

   It was added to UNESCO’s danger list in 2000.

So, there are five amazing places to visit before it’s too late.  Or, considering that some of these sites are being threatened by the very tourists that come to appreciate them, perhaps it might be better to stay away for now, and find out how to support UNESCO in its attempts to preserve some of the most beautiful and signifcant places in the world.

Other fascinating places you might like to know more about:

Romania’s Painted Monasteries – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Romania’s Merry Cemetery – gravestones like you’ve never seen them!

Fitzpatrick’s: England’s Last Temperance Bar – a bar that doesn’t serve beer?

Britain’s National Parks: The Cairngorms – some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery