The most important natural sites in Brazil. World Heritage Sites in Latin America. What to see in Brazil

The Federative Republic of Brazil is a hospitable country that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Climatic conditions make it possible to come here all year round, but Brazil experiences a real tourism boom on the eve of Easter, when the famous carnival is held in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil is also famous for its bustling 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 Maranhenses and other national parks where you can see an anaconda or fish for piranhas.

Since Brazil was previously involved in the slave trade, in some of its cities, such as Diamontina, Olinda, Ouro Preto, Sao Luis and Goiás, colonial architecture has been preserved almost in its original form. Among all the variety of Brazilian cuisine, it is certainly worth highlighting the unusual assortment of feijoada, puree of meat and beans “tutu”, marinated sarapatel liver and dried meat carne do sol.

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What to see in Brazil?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief description.

1. Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu River waterfall complex is located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. To fully enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, tourists can take sightseeing tour not only on foot or by car, but also by helicopter or boat. The unique local ecosystem is protected by UNESCO.

2. Christ the Redeemer Statue

One of the seven "new wonders of the world", the monument to Christ the Savior, is located in Rio de Janeiro. This business card city ​​and also a popular tourist attraction. The monument was opened in 1931, and in 1965 Pope Paul VI rededicated the statue of Christ the Savior.

3. Ipanema Beach

Popular and safe - this is how Ipanema beach can be described. Small waves prevail here, which makes swimming quite calm. Beach cafes in Ipanema sell a variety of drinks, ice cream, sandwiches or fruit. The shops, hotels and houses surrounding the beach are considered the most expensive in Rio de Janeiro.

4. City of Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto is an old picturesque town founded in 1711. In the 17th-18th centuries, gold was mined here, which contributed to the rapid development of the city. IN late XIX centuries, gold mining ceased, and Ouro Preto fell into desolation. For its numerous well-preserved architectural examples of the colonial baroque, the city is included in the UNESCO list.

5. Serra da Capivara National Park

The northeast of the country is occupied by the Serra da Capivara National Park, protected by UNESCO, whose territory exceeds 120 thousand hectares. The park is valued primarily for its unique rock paintings dating back to the 14th century BC. There are 64 archaeological sites in the Serra da Capivara, with 14 hiking trails leading to them.

6. Teatro Amazonas

A bright representative of eclecticism, pompous opera house Amazonas was opened in 1896 in the city of Manaus. The building was erected with the money of the rich “rubber magnates”, but over time, when the city became poorer, the theater fell into disrepair. Restoration work in 1990 restored the building to its former beauty, and today the theater again gives performances.

7. Fernando de Noronha

The unique ecosystem of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2002. Thanks to their well-thought-out infrastructure, all 20 islands of the archipelago are considered a high-quality ecotourism center. You can also go diving or surfing here.

8. Historic center of Olinda

The foundations of the city of Olinda, located in the northeast of the country, were laid back in the 16th century. Portuguese colonialists. The buildings of the historical 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.

9. Beaches of El Salvador

Salvador is a colorful city and the birthplace of Brazilian martial art capoeira. El Salvador was once a slave port, but today it is a popular beach resort. El Salvador offers its tourists about 20 equipped beaches with a length of more than 40 km. Capoeira masters perform every evening in Pelourinho Square.

10. Pantanal

A wetland reserve home to giant butterflies, rare birds and animals. In the most visited city of the Pantanal, Cuiabé, you can book a tour. In addition to the usual entertainment, in the Pantanal you can fish for piranhas or take part in a night boat safari.

11. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Every year in February, Rio de Janeiro receives millions of tourists who strive to get to the famous Brazilian carnival. The highlight of the carnival is the parade of samba schools, for which the performers spend many months preparing. To attend the four-day carnival, tourists should make hotel reservations in advance.

12. Historic center of Salvador da Bahia

Thanks to perfectly preserved examples of colonial architecture, the historical areas of Salvador da Bahia were included in the UNESCO List in 1985. Tourists here should visit Pelourinho Square, a local cathedral and the Elevador-Lacerda elevator.

13. Amazon Rainforest

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 aborigines, swim in a canoe under the moon, or catch a couple of piranhas.

14. Karakol waterfall

The very popular Karakol waterfall, from which there is an extraordinary view beautiful view on the surrounding landscape, located 7 km from the city of Canela. An observation deck for tourists, equipped with an elevator, was built a short distance from the waterfall. There are also souvenir shops and cafes here.

15. Jesuit missions of the Guarani region

In 1983, five Jesuit missions from the 17th and 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.

16. Pedra Pintada

Pedra Pintada is a famous archaeological site in Brazil. Inside this 35 meter rock, caves with white and pink rock paintings were discovered. Experts date these drawings to the 10th millennium BC. Various household items of ancient people were also found here.

17. Portuguese Royal Library

Located in Rio de Janeiro, the Royal Portuguese Library was founded in 1837 and has been public since 1900. The library building, built in neo-Manueline style, combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. About 350 thousand books in Portuguese are stored here.

18. Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Located in the northeast of the country, National Park Lencois Maranhenses was founded in 1981. More than 1000 km2 of the park are occupied by amazing sand dunes, the height of which is about 40 m. After rains, the water forms lagoons suitable for swimming. Admission to the park is free, but there is a fee for renting bicycles and sandboards.

19. Sugarloaf Mountain

One of the symbols of Rio de Janeiro is Sugarloaf Mountain. Located near Guanabara Bay, this 396-meter-high mountain is an excellent viewing platform. You can get to the mountain on foot, by cable car or along one of the many climbing routes.

21. Ibirapuera Park

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, a museum contemporary art, Obelisk of Sao Paulo and Bandeiras Monument.

22. Capacabana Beach

The world famous Capacabana beach is located in Rio de Janeiro. This four-kilometer recreation area has been used more than once as concert venue. Rod Stewart, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Lenny Kravitz performed here. Many coastal hotels, cafes, discos and casinos make your holiday in Capacabana truly unforgettable.

23. Bom Jesus do Congonhas

This is an unusually beautiful church complex, which was built from 1773 to 1809. Bom Jesus do Congonhas consists of a church, seven chapels of the Way of the Cross of Christ, as well as sculptures of the prophets. Since 1985, this church complex has been protected by UNESCO.

24. Historic center of Diamantina

In the Espinhaço mountains there is the town of Diamantina, where you can see well-preserved buildings from the 18th century. The city's visiting card deserves special attention - the Gloria complex, consisting of two buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Since 1999, the historical center of Diamantina has been included in the UNSCO list.

25. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

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 it was included in the UNESCO list. You can only move around the park on foot, but this is more than compensated by the beautiful scenery. There are several canyons and waterfalls here.

List world heritage UNESCO in Brazil (19)
Cultural

City of Brasilia (1987)

Brasília, the capital founded on a previously empty site in the heart of the country in 1956, became significant object in the history of urban planning. City planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer believed that every element, from the layout of residential and administrative areas 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.

Historical center city ​​of Salvador de Bahia (1985)

Historic center of Salvador di Bahia
Formerly the first capital of Brazil from 1549 to 1763, 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 slaves brought to work on sugar plantations. The city has preserved a large number of outstanding buildings in the Renaissance style. A special feature of the old part of the city are buildings of different colors with interesting stucco stucco.

Historic Downtown of San Luis (1997)

Historic center of San Luis
Founded by the French, then occupied by the Dutch and finally taken over by the Portuguese, the core of this historic city, which took shape in the 17th century, has retained its original rectangular layout. Due to economic stagnation at the beginning of the 20th century, most of the historical buildings have survived to this day, making São Luis an outstanding example of a colonial city of the Iberian type.

Historic center of Diamantina (1999)

Historic center of Diamantina
Diamantina, a colonial settlement surrounded by rugged, rugged mountains, recreates life during the 18th-century era of diamond explorers. The city is a symbol of the triumph of cultural and artistic activity of people living in unfavorable natural conditions.

Historic center of Goiás (2001)

The city of Goiás is a witness to the development and colonization of the central part of Brazil in the 18th-19th centuries. The town's layout is an example of the organic development of a mining settlement, well adapted to the conditions of the area. The city's public and private architecture is modest, but forms a harmonious whole through the use of local materials and traditional building techniques.

Historic center of Olinda (1982)

The history of this city, founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, is associated with the production of cane sugar. Urban development, restored after the sack of the city by the Dutch, refers mainly to XVIII century. The harmonious combination of buildings, gardens, 20 Baroque churches, monasteries and many small "passos" (chapels) contribute to Olinda's special charm.

Historical city Ouro Preto (1980)

Founded at the end of the 17th century, the city of Ouro Preto (“Black Gold”) became the main center 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 many churches, bridges and fountains remain proof of 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 Sao Miguel das Misões (Brazil) (1983)

The ruins of San Miguel das Misões in Brazil, as well as San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria la Mayor in Argentina, are located in the thick 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 varying degrees of preservation.

Rio de Janeiro (2012)

World Heritage sites include the coastline of Rio de Janeiro with Copacabana beach, Mt. Sugar Loaf and a statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Church complex of Bom Jesus do Congonhas (1985)

The ecclesiastical complex of Bom 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 prophets, and seven chapels dedicated to stops on the way to the place of Christ's crucifixion. Their multi-colored sculptures by Aleijadinho are prime examples of the original expressive forms of Baroque art.

Plaza San Francisco in the city of San Cristovao (2010)

Plaza San Francisco in the city of San Cristovao is a quadrangular open space surrounded by the monumental buildings of the San Francisco Temple and Convent, the Church and Santa Casa da Misericordia, a provincial-style palace and other buildings dating from various historical periods. This monumental ensemble and the surrounding eighteenth- and nineteenth-century houses create a cityscape that reflects the history of the city since its inception. It is an example of typical architecture of a religious nature that developed in northeastern Brazil.

Serra da Capivara National Park (1991)

Among the many rock shelters in the Serra da Capivara National Park, stand out caves decorated with paintings, in some cases more than 25 thousand years old. They are outstanding evidence of the existence of one of the most ancient human communities in the territory South America.

Natural
Southeast Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves (1999)

The forest reserves of the southeastern Atlantic coast are the largest and most preserved tracts of Atlantic forest in all of Brazil. The 25 forest reserves, covering an area of ​​470,000 hectares, along the ocean coasts of the states of Paraná and São Paulo, demonstrate rich biodiversity and illustrate the evolution of surviving primary forests. The territory includes a wide range of different ecosystems (mountains covered with dense thickets, wetlands, dune complexes, islands) and is particularly picturesque.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll (2001)

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago and Rocas Atoll, which are the peaks of the underwater South Atlantic Ridge exposed to the ocean surface, lie at eastern shores Brazil. These islands are among the largest in this area of ​​the Atlantic, and their coastal waters are highly bioproductive and play an exceptional role as habitats and breeding grounds for tuna, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals. The islands contain the largest concentrations of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic; There is also a large local dolphin population here. During low tides on Rokas Atoll you can see an impressive picture: shallow lagoons teeming with fish.

Central Amazon Reserve (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. The lakes and channels form a mosaic and constantly evolving aquatic system that supports 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.

National parks of the Campos Cerrado zone: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas (2001)

The flora and fauna of the two national parks that form this World Heritage Site are typical of the wooded savannah zone of 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 tropical zone in terms of its formation. For thousands of years, these places acted as refuges for different types animals and plants, especially during periods of sudden climate change. It is believed that in the future they will be able to act as centers for maintaining the biodiversity of the Campos Cerrado savannas.

East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves (1999)

Eight protected natural areas (including three national parks) with a total area of ​​112 thousand hectares are located in the states of Bahia and Espirito Santo and include Atlantic rainforests and bushland (“restinga”). In terms of biodiversity, this area is one of the richest on the planet. The reserves are home to a number of endemic species, which makes it possible to trace the evolutionary path of living organisms, and this, in turn, is of great importance from both a scientific and environmental point of view.

Iguazu National Park (1986)

On the territory of this park there is one of the most grandiose waterfalls in the world with a front of falling water of 2.7 kilometers. A number of rare and endangered species of plants and animals are noted here, incl. a giant otter and a giant anteater. In the area irrigated by the spray of the waterfall, lush vegetation grows.

Pantanal Nature Reserve (2000)

Four nature reserves have a total area of ​​187.8 thousand hectares. They are located in west-central Brazil, in the southwestern part of the state of Mato Grosso, and make up 1.3% of the entire area of ​​the Pantanal, one of the world's largest wetland tracts. Here are the origins of two largest rivers this region is Cuiaba and Paraguay, and the abundance and species diversity of plants and animals is exceptionally great.

We considered the eastern and southern parts of South America as part of two tourist mesoregions of the macroregion. One of them is the Brazilian tourist mesoregion, the second is the tourist mesoregion Temperate South America, which includes four states (Paraguay, Argentina and Chile). Brazil is famous for its recreational resources, diverse nature and cultural heritage from the colonial era. The countries of Temperate South America amaze, first of all, with the picturesqueness of their virgin nature and the uniqueness of cultural monuments.

The cultural specificity of Temperate South America is determined by the Catholic religion. In the interior regions of Brazil (in) local traditional beliefs have been preserved. The indigenous Indian peoples of Chile belong to the Andean family: Quechua, Aymara, Araucanians, etc. The Indians of Brazil and Paraguay belong to two language families: Equatorial-Tucanoan (Arawak, Tupi, Tucano, etc.) and Pano-Caribbean (Caribbean, pano, etc.). The majority of the population consists of peoples of the Romance group of the Indo-European family: Chileans, Argentines, Uruguayans, Paraguayans speaking the language, as well as Brazilians speaking the Portuguese language.

By its name Federative Republic of Brazil(8 million 547.4 thousand sq. km, 196.3 million people in 2008) is due to the brazil tree (from brasa - “heat, hot coals”). This is how the Portuguese named red sandalwood - a tree with dense yellow-red wood, used at that time in the dyeing business. Brazil was originally called the Land of the Holy Cross. But Brazil wood was the main export item from this country, for which the latter received the name Brazil (Russian form - Brazil). The consolidation of this name was facilitated by the fact that in Europe from the 14th century. the mythical island of Brazil was known, lying somewhere in and classified as “vagrant”, i.e. changing their location.

Name Republic of Paraguay(406.8 thousand sq. km, 6.8 million people in 2008) comes from the river of the same name, which means “big” or “river-river” in translation from local Indian languages.

The name came about similarly Uruguay- from the river of the same name, the name of which in the language of the Tupi Indians means “bird or chicken river.” The full name of the state, adopted in 1830, is the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (176.2 thousand sq. km, 3.5 million people in 2008), which is due to the location of the republic on the eastern bank of the Uruguay River. During colonial times, the country's territory was part of the Spanish General Government as the Province of the Eastern Bank, and since 1815 - the Eastern Province.

Argentine Republic occupies an area of ​​2 million 780 thousand square meters. km, the population in 2008 was 40.5 million people. The name Argentina appeared after the country's liberation from Spanish rule in 1826 and means “silver.” Prior to this, the territory of Argentina was called La Plata, after the common name of the river and bay, Rio de la Plata (“silver river”), adopted at that time.

Republic of Chile occupies an area of ​​756.6 thousand square meters. km, the population in 2008 was 16.5 million people. The name Chile in the language of the Arawak Indians means “cold, winter”, which is associated with their perception snowy peaks Andes.

In total, 31 sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in Brazil and Temperate South America, of which 20 are cultural monuments.

Introduction

Criteria and conditions for including natural sites on the World Heritage List

1 Terms

2 Natural criteria

South America. World Natural Heritage Sites

1 Argentina

2 Los Glaciares National Park

3 Iguazu National Park

4 Peninsula Valdez

5 Natural parks Ischigualasto and Talampaya

Bolivia

1 Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Brazil

1 Iguazu National Park

2 Serra da Capivara National Park

3 Forest reserves of the eastern Atlantic coast

4 Forest reserves of the southeast Atlantic coast

5 Complex of reserves of Central Amazonia

6 Pantanal Protected Area

7 Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll

8 National parks of the Campos Cerrado zone: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas

Venezuela

1 Canaima National Park

Colombia

1 Los Catios National Park

2 Malpelo Island

1 Machu Picchu Historical Reserve

2 Huascaran National Park

3 Manu National Park

4 Rio Abiseo National Park

Suriname

1 Central Suriname Conservation Area

Ecuador

1 Galapagos Islands

2 Sangai National Park

Conclusion

References and Internet resources

Introduction

UNESCO World Heritage - natural or man-made objects, the priority tasks in relation to which, in the opinion of UNESCO, are their conservation and popularization 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.

Every year the World Heritage Committee holds sessions at which "World Heritage Site Status" is awarded.

As of 2013, there are 981 sites on the World Heritage List, of which 759 are cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed.

There are 67 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America.

1. Criteria and conditions for including natural sites on the World Heritage List

.1 Conditions

As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention, natural heritage includes the following:

) natural monuments created by physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, having outstanding universal value from an aesthetic or scientific point of view;

) geological and physiographic formations and strictly limited areas representing the range of endangered animal and plant species of outstanding universal value from a scientific or conservation point of view;

) natural sites or strictly limited natural areas having outstanding universal value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty.

Outstanding Universal 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 humanity. The continued protection of this heritage is therefore of paramount importance to the international community as a whole. A natural heritage property meeting one of the above definitions that 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 satisfy itself that the property satisfies one or more of the criteria as well as the conditions of integrity.

1.2 Natural criteria

The main purpose of the World Heritage List is to make known and protect sites that are unique in their kind. For this purpose 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 points. Then, to restore some kind of balance between the various continents, natural objects and for them a list of four points. 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; - represent an outstanding example , reflecting major stages of Earth's history, including traces of ancient life, ongoing geological processes of development of important land forms, or significant geomorphological and physiographic phenomena; - represent an outstanding example of important and ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of land, river and lake , coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities; - include natural habitats that are most important and significant from the point of view of the conservation of biological diversity, including habitats of endangered species of outstanding global value from the point of view of science and conservation.

2. South America. World Natural Heritage Sites

South America - 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 Ocean, in the north it is limited by North America, the border between the Americas runs along the Isthmus of Panama and Caribbean Sea.

.1 Argentina

unesco monument landmark area

The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina includes 8 items (as of 2011), 4 sites are included according to natural criteria. Los Glaciares and Iguazu are recognized as natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. Among them:

· Los Glaciares National Park (1981)

· Iguazu National Park (1984)

· Peninsula Valdez (1999)

· Natural Parks of Ischigualasto and Talampaya (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 according to cultural, 1 - according to natural and 2 - according to mixed criteria.

Argentina ratified the Convention Concerning 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 Argentina's second largest national park. The park owes its name to the huge ice cap in the Andes, which feeds 47 large glaciers, of which only 13 flow to the side Atlantic Ocean. This ice massif is the largest after the ice of Antarctica and Greenland. In other parts of the world, glaciation begins at least 2500 m above sea level, but in Los Glaciares Park, due to the size of the ice cap, glaciers begin at an altitude of 1500 m and slide down to 200 m, eroding the slopes of the mountains underlying them.

The territory of Los Glaciares, which is 30% covered with ice, can be divided into two parts, each of which has its own lake. Lake Argentino, the largest in Argentina (area 1466 km ²) is located in the southern part of the park, and Lake Viedma (area 1100 km ²) - in the north. Both lakes feed the St. Croix River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean. Between these two parts there 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. Regular boat tour includes exploration of the otherwise inaccessible glaciers Uppsala and Spegazzini. The Perito Moreno Glacier can be reached by land.

Los Glaciares Park is popular destination V international tourism. Tours begin in the village of El Calafate, located on Lake Argentino, and in the village of El Chaltén, located in the northern part of the park at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.

Climate . The entire natural appearance of the park and its originality are associated primarily with the climatic characteristics of the region. Nowhere on the globe are there such favorable conditions for the development of modern glaciation in such low sprats; the “Roaring Forties” westerly winds encounter on their way over the oceanic expanses of the World Ocean of the Southern Hemisphere only a single obstacle in the form of the Patagonian Andes. The winds hit their western (Chilean) slopes with terrible force and release almost all the moisture accumulated from the ocean.

Completely different climatic conditions characteristic of the eastern (Argentine) 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 park area receives much less rainfall - up to 900 mm on the mountain slopes 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 +7.5 °C, minimum +3.3 °C, maximum + 12 °C. Here, unlike the eastern slopes of the Patagonian Andes, the sun shines most of the year. Only from April to May the sky is overcast, it rains in the foothills, and snow falls in the mountains. In winter, which is June - August in the Southern Hemisphere, snowfalls are common. Early spring and in the summer, strong hurricane winds sweep over the territory of the park from the fuse and south - from Antarctica.

Flora. In addition to snow-capped peaks (of undoubted interest for climbers), huge glacial fields and amazingly beautiful lake surfaces, in Los Glaciares National Park you can also get acquainted with the unique flora of Patagonia.

The park contains two types of plant communities - subantarctic Patagonian forests (in the west) and Patagonian steppes, characteristic of the flat-platagonal part (in the east).

Fauna. Vertebrate fauna national park, with the exception of avifauna, has not yet been sufficiently studied. About 100 species of birds have been recorded here, the most notable of which are the Andean condor and the long-billed (Darwinian) rhea.

Among the birds, the Andean spur duck and 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 see llamas and guanacos.

The ichthyofauna of glacial lakes and small streams is very rich. Many tourists come to Los Glaciares National Park specifically for sport fishing. In lakes Viedma and Lago Argentino, two species of salmonid fish were 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 South America - Iguazu Falls, surrounded by subtropical jungle. On the other bank of the Iguazu River lies a Brazilian park with 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 (English), rarely found outside the park due to cutting down for edible fruits, one of the types of cabbage palm - Euterpe edulis (English. ), phoebe, holly, footcarp, recently increasingly rare cedrela, araucaria, palo rose. Trees of the burzer family and many vascular plants grow. Among the flowers there are bromeliads and various types of orchids.

Fauna. The park's fauna includes 70 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, several hundred species of butterflies, including endangered species. The most common fauna are: jaguar, jaguarundi, mazama deer, lowland tapir, capybara, water possum, ocelot, giant anteater, Brazilian otter, bush dog, puma, 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. Wine-breasted Amazon, American swift, Tirika, Brazilian merganser, bronze penelope (English) Russian, South American harpy, hummingbird, common to these places. Among the famous representatives bats The most common type of vampire is the common vampire.

Geography of waterfalls. The complex is 2.7 km wide and includes approximately 270 individual waterfalls. The height of the water fall reaches 82 meters, but at most waterfalls it is a little more than 60 meters. Largest waterfall- "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 towns 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 Paraguayan 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. Iguazu Falls is one of the most visited tourist destinations in South America. Every year there are 1.5-2 million visitors. Observation platforms are equipped especially for tourists. In the vicinity of the waterfall there are hiking and car routes. Tourists are also offered waterproof clothing, since the routes go to the very foot of the waterfalls. In the vicinity of Iguazu Falls is located international airport, dozens of hotels, campsites, access roads, and walking trails have been built. The local population is also involved in this industry; there are specially equipped areas for them where they show local dances and songs, while dressing in local costumes.

.4 Peninsula Valdez

Valdez is a peninsula on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. Area - 3625 km ². It is connected to the mainland by the Carlos Ameghino isthmus. The Bay of San Jose juts out from the north, and Golfo Nuevo from the south. Most of the peninsula is uninhabited. 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 Valdez Peninsula was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - primarily for its unique and rich fauna.

Physiographical 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 Jose and Nuevo.

The relief of the territory is a typical Patagonian plateau, which ends in the sea with steep banks. The coast is composed of marine sediments, which are subject to constant erosion. Part coastline represented by beaches, among which rocky ones stand out favorite place elephant seals.

The climate on the peninsula is transitional between the temperate climate of the central part of the country, with maximum precipitation in the hot months, and the cold climate with winter rains, which is more typical of Patagonia. Summers on the peninsula are hot but short, and winters are cold.

Diversity of flora and fauna. Main vegetation sea ​​shores- seaweed. They cover rocky shores with colorful blankets: blue-green, green, brown, red or yellow-green, depending on the pigment in the plant cells.

The Valdez Peninsula in Patagonia is of great importance for the conservation of marine mammals. The population of the endangered Australian subspecies of the southern right whale breeds here. The peninsula is famous all over the world for its excellent viewing opportunities for these giants. They arrive on shore in June and stay until December to give birth. The southern right whale reaches a length of approximately 14 meters and weighs up to 50 tons. Females carry their young for a whole year, and give birth to only one offspring at a time.

Southern elephant seals and southern sea lions also breed here, and resident killer whales use a unique hunting strategy adapted to the local coastline conditions.

The peninsula is also home to many species of birds and land animals, such as guanacos, foxes, rheas, pampas ptarmigan, and the Patagonian hare.

2.5 Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks

Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks - Two contiguous parks covering an area of ​​over 275,300 hectares in the desert region along the western border of the Sierra Pampeanas mountains in Central Argentina. Here you can see the most complete fossil record, dating back to the Triassic period (245-208 million years ago). Six geological formations in the parks contain the fossilized remains of numerous living precursors to mammals, dinosaurs and plants, revealing the evolution of vertebrates and the nature of the paleographic environment during the Triassic period. Included in the UNESCO List in 2000.

Flora and fauna of Ischigualasto. The fauna and flora of Ischigualasto are unique. All inhabitants demonstrate amazing adaptation to the desert arid climate. Some of the most common species of animals that travelers can not only see, but also feed, are gray Argentine foxes, viscachas and rabbits. While traveling through the park, guests also come across peculiar animals - mara, 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 protect themselves with the help of the foul-smelling secretions of the anal glands, have a particular preference for open areas.

Among the canids, 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, and many songbirds. And even representatives of the parrot family, which in our minds are characteristic exclusively of tropical forests.

Surprisingly, these arid lands are even home to several species of frogs and toads.

The vegetation is represented mainly by cacti, rare thorny bushes and trees, such as retama, chanyar, algorobo and others. Many of the plants found here are used in medicine.

Attractions of Talampaya Park

· The dry bed of the Talampaya River, where dinosaurs lived several million years ago - as in Ischigualasto, fossils from that era can be found here.

· Talampaya Canyon - the height of the walls reaches 143 m, the minimum width is 80 m.

· Remains of indigenous settlements, such as the petroglyphs at Puerta del Canyon.

· Botanical Garden with native flora in the narrow part of the canyon.

· Fauna of the region: guanacos, hares, maras, foxes and condors.

3. Bolivia

Bolivia has only 1 World Natural Heritage Site - 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 according to cultural, 1 - according to natural and 2 - according to mixed criteria.

.1 Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is located in the province of José Miguel de Velasco, department of Santa Cruz 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 basin. 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 rainfall decreases. Average annual temperature 25-26 °C, but during the dry season the temperature can drop to 10 degrees for several days when cold, dry Patagonia air masses (surazos) reach the park.

Flora and fauna. The inaccessibility of these places serves as a good natural protection for the virginity of the park, which includes five ecosystems located at altitudes from 200 to 1000 m above sea level: montane evergreen forests, deciduous forests, dry savanna, wet savanna 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 palm trees, cedar, oak, vines and bromeliads, and many types of orchids. Captivating colors and smells, exotic passion fruit and mangabe fill these places.

The park is home to more than 630 species of birds, 139 species of mammals - this is more than in the entire 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-necked turtle and black caiman, 127 species of reptiles. Two species of anacondas are found here at the same time - the common green and the yellow Paraguayan. There are about 254 species of fish in the rivers.

Some of these fauna species are endangered in other areas of Bolivia.

4. Brazil

There are 8 natural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List 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 Coast Forest Reserves (1999)

· South East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves (1999)

· Complex of reserves of Central Amazonia (2000)

· Pantanal Protected Area (2000)

· Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll (2001)

· National parks of the Campos Cerrado zone: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas (2001)

.1 Iguazu National Park

Iguazu is a national park in Brazil and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Paraná. It is renowned for its waterfall (part of which is located in Argentina's Misiones province) and its spectacular wildlife (especially its wide variety of birds), which includes rare and endangered species. This a unique place in the world, since 5 forest species are concentrated on one piece of land.

4.2 Serra da Capivara National Park

Serra da Capivara National Park is a national park in the state of Piaui in northeastern Brazil. The park contains many sites of prehistoric rock art, which were discovered by archaeologist Niede Guidon. On her initiative, a park was created to preserve images. In 1991 it was listed as a World Heritage Site. The area of ​​the park is 1291.4 km².

As archaeological research shows, in ancient times the Serra da Capivara was very densely populated; here 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 shapes, more reminiscent of a candelabra. Despite the dry climate, which, it must be said, is not at all typical for Brazil, in these places it is not difficult to meet anteaters, armadillos, snakes, jaguars, pumas, and various parrots. Also in these places lives an interesting animal - a false vampire. This is a bat with a meter-long wingspan.

Park attractions. In the Brazilian Serra da Capivara National Park there are caves where distant human ancestors lived 50 thousand 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 state of Piaui).

Scientists have counted more than three hundred archaeological sites in this place. The main images are well preserved and date back to 22-25 thousand years before the Birth of Christ. Extinct animals that will never exist on planet Earth are painted on the rocks.

4.3 East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves

Eight protected natural areas (including three national parks) with a total area of ​​112 thousand hectares are located in the states of Bahia and Espirito Santo and include Atlantic rainforests and bushland (restinga). In terms of biodiversity, this area is one of the richest on the planet. The reserves are home to a number of endemic species, which makes it possible to trace the evolutionary path of living organisms, and this, in turn, is of great importance from both a scientific and environmental point of view.

Biodiversity. Although the ecoregion has suffered greatly from deforestation for agriculture and urbanization (out of a million square kilometers of virgin forest, about 7% remains), the flora and fauna here are very rich, with 450 species of trees growing on one hectare. There are many endemics, for example, 92% of local amphibians are found nowhere else. An example of a primate is the genus Leontopithecus. The collared sloth (Bradypus torquatus) is found only in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Birds include the blue-capped tanager (Tangara cyanocephala), red-billed crax (Crax blumenbachii), blue-bellied parrot (Triclaria malachitacea), three-toed jacamara (Jacamaralcyon tridactyla), etc.

.4 Forest reserves of the southeast Atlantic coast

The forest reserves of the southeast Atlantic coast contain the finest and most extensive examples of Atlantic forest in Brazil. 25 security zones The approximately 470,000 hectares that make up this monument demonstrate the biological richness and evolutionary history of the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest. The area is diverse and beautiful and is of great scientific importance.

Biodiversity. Partially isolated since the Ice Age, the Atlantic Forest has 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 well-preserved areas of highly 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 species of endangered primate, especially the muriqui and brown howler monkey. The avifauna is very diverse with 350 recorded species.

.5 Complex of reserves of Central Amazonia

A huge zone (more than 6 million hectares) of unique world treasures of nature is a delightful complex of reserves in the Central Amazon. This region is distinguished by a wide variety of biological objects. For example, the reserves include such valuable protected areas as: Jau National Park, the Anavillanas Archipelago and the Amazon Forest. The diverse ecological systems of "Warzea" and "Igapo" make the reserves an invaluable world attraction. 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 the giant fish - arapaima. In the rivers and lakes that form a bizarre aquatic system, two species of dolphins can be found here.

Flora. The Igapo flora is relatively poor, most characteristic of it is the imbauba cecropia, which grows quickly but not high (usually about 10 m), with wide, palmate, almost white leaves and aerial roots that support it under water. Near the surface of the water, in backwaters covered with huge leaves of Victoria reggae, bushes of inconspicuous Ivoreiana stretch. During the retreat of floods, thickets of tall, tough grasses develop. These gloomy forests are decorated with climbing vines and epiphytes, including many orchids. The Amazon forests are the kingdom of vines. They spread along the ground in garlands, climb up onto trunks, are thrown from branch to branch, from one tree to another, hanging from trees.

Fauna. Numerous lakes and channels form a mosaic aquatic system on the territory of 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, the black caiman (the largest South American alligator, 5 m long), two species of river dolphins, as well as the giant arapaima fish.

There are many herbivores on the site, forest deer and antelope are especially common; There are anteaters, a sloth, a tapir, peccaries, an armadillo, and many rodents. Monkeys can be seen everywhere; they are very numerous and varied: capuchins, duruculas, uakari, howler monkeys. There are a lot of bats in the forests.

.6 Pantanal Protected Area

The Pantanal is a vast swampy tectonic basin in Brazil, small parts of which 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. Total area approximately between 150-195 thousand km ², it is one of the largest wetlands on the planet.

Geography and geology. The predominant 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 the wet summer season turn the Pantanal into a huge lake-swamp and alternate with winter droughts, forming a patchy landscape of never-drying semi-overgrown swamps, lakes, barely discernible wandering river beds, salt marshes, sandbanks and grassy areas.

Biodiversity. There is a huge variety of flora and fauna here. More than 3,500 plant species grow throughout the Pantanal. There are 650 species of birds, 230 species of fish and 50 species of reptiles, and 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 - the Pantanal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pantanal Nature Reserve is a unique and at the same time wonderful attraction in Brazil. Its borders touch Paraguay and Bolivia. The prevailing heights are within 50-70 meters. This amazing savanna is separated to 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, capybaras, guara wolves, many species of monkeys, deer, coatis, armadillos, anteater, sloth, more than 1000 species of butterflies, etc. Many of the endangered animals extinct in other areas of South America, they live specifically 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 gateway to the Pantanal. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this protected area all year round. natural park amazing beauty and diversity.

.7 Brazilian islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll

The Fernando de Noronha archipelago and Rocas Atoll, which are the exposed peaks of the underwater South Atlantic Ridge, lie off the eastern coast of Brazil. These islands are among the largest in this area of ​​the Atlantic, and their coastal waters are highly bioproductive and play an exceptional role as habitats and breeding grounds for tuna, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals. The islands contain the largest concentrations of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic; There is also a large local dolphin population here. During low tides on Rokas Atoll you can see 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, when a prison was opened on the island and the forest began to be cut down for the construction of escape rafts. The islands are now predominantly covered with bush, and some areas have recently been replanted with new forest.

The islands are home to 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 Long-eared Dove Noronha auriculata Zinaida, a rodent, Noronhomys vespuccii, mentioned by Amerigo Vespucci, which has now disappeared.

Geography of Rokas Atoll . Has volcanic origin, formed by corals. The only atoll in the South Atlantic, one of the smallest atolls in the world.

The atoll has an oval shape, its length is approximately 3.7 km, width - 2.5 km. The depth of the lagoon is 6 m, area - 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 this, Farol Cay accounts for approximately two-thirds of the area. The most high point - 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, except for a 200-meter wide channel on the northern side and a much narrower channel on the western side.

Both islands are overgrown with grass, shrubs, and several palm trees grow on them. The islands are inhabited by crabs, spiders, scorpions, sand fleas, beetles, and many species of birds. Turtles, sharks, and dolphins live near the atoll.

.8 National parks of the Campos Cerrado zone: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas

"Campos Cerrado" is one of the ecoregions of the tropical Brazilian savanna, which occupies about 20% of the country's territory. This area contains 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 reliable refuge for a wide variety of animals and plants.

Emas. Emas National Park is located in the central part of the Brazilian Highland savannah. The country's authorities, or rather President Juscelino, made this territory a reserve back in 1961, but Emas was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001. The park is rich in wooded savannah flora. It is here that you can find amazing palm trees typical of wooded savannas. In the park, tourists can see the round crowns of huge babasu palms, reaching 75 meters in height.

The Emasa Savanna has helped 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 and summers are hot. Curious tourists are offered such types of entertainment as fishing, horseback riding or boat trips.

Chapada dos Veadeiros. An equally interesting site 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 in the reserve. Animal world The region is also quite bright and colorful (swamp deer, armadillos, tapirs). On hot summer days, temperatures up to 40 degrees can be observed here, but in winter there is sometimes slight frost.

5. Venezuela

There are 3 names on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Venezuela (as of 2010), this is 0.3% of the total (981 as of 2013). 2 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 1 object - according to natural ones (Kanaima 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 on Venezuelan territory was inscribed in 1993 at the 17th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

.1 Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park is a park in southeastern Venezuela, on the border with Brazil and Guyana. The park area is about 30,000 km ². 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 Park. In 1994, Canaima was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction and value of the park are the tepuis (flat-topped mountains) located there.

Flora and fauna. The territory of Canaima is home to such representatives of the animal world as: tapir - a large herbivorous mammal (somewhat reminiscent in shape of a pig, 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 wide-faced caiman, etc. In the village The Pemon Indians live with many rabbits that children chase. The local jungle is famous for its special abundance of different 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, whose two-kilometer steep walls, absolutely flat at the top, rest against the clouds. These mountains, called tepuis, are among 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 tyrannosauruses and pterodactyls on the tops of the plateau. Of course, there are no ancient lizards on Gran Sabana, 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 Kanaim is the waterfalls, the highest on the planet. Falling from the sheer ledges of the mesas, these waterfalls are an impressive sight. The most famous of them, Angel Falls, falls from the top of one of the highest tepuis - Auyantepui, which deservedly means "devil's mountain".

6. Colombia

There are 2 sites on the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites in Colombia:

· Los Catios National Park (1994)

· Malpelo Island (2006)

.1 Los Catios National Park

It was created in the north of Colombia, in the border area with the state of Panama. On the other side of the border, another environmental protection zone has been created - the Darien National Park. Los Catios National Park appeared on the territory of Colombia in 1976; today its area has grown to 72 thousand hectares. The nature of the park is represented by the following natural zones: tropical forests and floodplain swamps. The area of ​​Los Catios Park lies around the Atrato River. A total of about 600 plant species have been found on its banks and among nearby wet forest complexes. A rather remarkable local species is the cottonwood tree. This is a typical tropical species that belongs to the malvaceae family. The homeland of this species is considered to be Mexico, some countries of Central America, Caribbean Islands, tropical region West Africa.

.2 Malpelo Island

Malpelo is an island in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 500 km from the shores of Buenaventura Bay in South America. Belongs to Colombia, 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 much vegetation, the maximum height is 376 m (Mount Mona, Spanish: Cerro de la Mona). Length about 1850 m, width up to 600 m. Surrounded by small rocks. The Malpelo Natural Protected Area occupies a circle with a radius of 9.656 km around a point with coordinates 3°58?30? With. w. 81°34?48? h. d. (G) (O).

Around Malpelo there are populations of silky sharks, frilled sharks, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, and sand sharks are found, making the island popular place among divers.

The island is composed of effusive rocks, volcanic breccias and Tertiary basaltic dikes. Vegetation - algae, lichens, mosses, some types of shrubs, ferns.

Biodiversity. Malpelo Island is a haven for a range of rare marine species. Many sharks, giant groupers, and marlins gather here. This is one of the few places on Earth where reliable encounters with a deep-sea sand shark have been recorded. These depths support stable populations of large marine predators and pelagic species, in particular, aggregations of more than 200 hammerheads, over 1 thousand 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

The city of 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, it was awarded the title of New Wonder of the World.

In 2011, it was decided to limit the number of visitors. According to 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 that the number of tourists per day be reduced 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. Throughout the area lost city, which is approximately 32,520 hectares, you will see exotic pisonai and cunyual 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.

The animals that live in Machu Picchu are also amazing in their diversity. The city is home to approximately 375 species of birds, of which 200 species can always be seen during a tour. One of the brightest representatives of birds is the Cock of the Rock, which is the symbol of Peru. The bird is easily recognized by its colorful plumage and can be easily found on river banks.

In terms of animals, the endangered Andean bear is of particular interest. In these parts he is known as the "Spectacled Bear". The animal is absolutely safe, eats only plant foods. Due to his shy nature, it is not often possible to photograph him. 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 UNESCO World Heritage status, has become a center mass tourism. In 2011, it was decided to limit the number of visitors. According to 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 requires that the number of tourists per day be reduced to 800. Machu Picchu is located in a remote region. To support tourism, a railway was built to the neighboring city of Aguas Calientes from Cusco via Ollantaytambo, with more than ten trains a day running from Ollantaytambo. From railway station There is a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which covers eight kilometers of steep ascent along a serpentine road. UNESCO opposed the construction cable car to limit the flow of tourists. As a result of the 2004 earthquake, the area railway was badly damaged, but was restored.

At the 35th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, it was decided that ancient city will be removed from the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger from 1 February 2012.

7.2 Huascaran National Park

A national park located in the Ancash region of Peru, in the Cordillera Blanca.

The park area 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. The park is home to many rare and endemic plants and animals. 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 the typical altitude zone for mountains, is divided into two seasons a year. One of them is humid, caused by strong warm winds blowing from the Amazon jungle, and lasts from December to March. The other, lasting from May to October, is dry and 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 the thermometer often 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 about them is extremely poor. Scientists estimate that 112 species of birds representing 33 different families are found in Huascaran National Park. These include the Andean condor, the Andean spur-tailed duck and the Andean tinamous. 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, vicuna and Peruvian deer.

Flora Huascaran National Park is more diverse in terms of species growing here. The park has seven climate zones and a huge number of microclimates. All this contributes to the development of unique plants, occupying literally every area of ​​the mountain surface suitable for life and growth. In total, scientists described 779 plant species in Huascaran, belonging to 340 genera and 104 families.

.3 Manu National Park

The park was established in 1977 in the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco, and in 1987 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Manu Area - 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 Amazonian forest, but some part is in the Andes at an altitude of up to 4200 m. Manu is home to a large number of species of flora and fauna. More than 15 thousand plant species and about a thousand bird species were found on its territory (more than a tenth of all bird species and about 1.5 times more than in Russia). The population of the Inca toad, endemic to Peru, is protected within the park.

.4 Rio Abiseo National Park

Rio Abiseo National Park is a national park located in the Peruvian region of San Martin. Since 1990 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park is home to many species of flora and fauna and is home to more than 30 pre-Columbian archaeological sites. Since 1986, certain parts of the park have been closed to tourists due to the fragility of both the natural and archaeological environment. The largest and most famous archaeological site within the park is 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 archeological research in the park is carried out by staff from the University of Colorado.

Geography and climate. Rio Abiseo National Park is located on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes between the Marañon 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 range from 350 m to 4200 m above sea level.

The park has seven climate zones, ranging from alpine meadows and mountain forests to dry forests and tropical rainforests. Precipitation varies from 500 to 2000 mm per year. The moist montane 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 here is constant and rainfall occurs throughout the year, especially at higher altitudes. The soils are acidic.

8. Suriname

There are 2 names on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Suriname (as of 2010), this is 0.2% of the total (981 as of 2013). 1 object is included in the list according to cultural criteria, 1 object - according to natural ones (Conservation Area of ​​Central Suriname).

.1 Central Suriname Conservation Area

The Central Suriname Conservation Area is a protected area in Suriname. The territory of the reserve occupies 16 thousand km ², consists primarily 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 surrounding area. This monolith is 1.1 km long north-south direction and up to 700 meters wide in the east-west direction. Only at the top of the monolith is there sparse vegetation.

9. Ecuador

There are 4 names on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ecuador (as of 2010), this is 0.4% of the total (981 as of 2013). 2 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 2 objects - according to natural ones:

· Galapagos Islands (1978)

· Sangai National Park (1983)

In addition, as of 2010, 7 sites 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

Galapagos Islands - 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 its latitude, due to the cold current, the climate in the Galapagos is much cooler than other areas on the equator. The water temperature sometimes drops to 20 °C, and the annual average is 23- 24°C.

Flora and fauna. The inability of large predators to evolve on the islands has allowed many species of wildlife to thrive on these islands. Therefore, the Galapagos is home to large quantity 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. The Galapagos plants are also surprising in their diversity; the islands are home to a wide variety of endemic trees, tree ferns, and other types of shrubs and flowers. The archipelago has some rare species of cotton, tomatoes, peppers, guavas 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, making the Galapagos Islands 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 has been virtually unaffected and remains the same as Charles Darwin once found it. Tourists arrive to 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 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

Sangai National Park is located in mountainous area Ecuador. The territory of the Andes, included in the national park, is full of volcanoes. The most important volcano in the park is named Sangay. The approaches to it in Ecuador have been protected since 1975, when the Sangay National Park was created. To this day, the territory of the park has grown to 500 thousand hectares. Basically, the park's expanses include areas of tropical rainforest, as well as cloudy mountain forests.

Flora and fauna. As for the massifs of tropical rainforest, the following types of vegetation dominate among them: mulberry trees, palm trees, laurel trees, lianas. And in the high mountain zone of cloud forests the following species prevail: various orchids and ferns, thickets of bamboo and shrubs. The diversity of plant species in the park is a completely natural phenomenon, because there is a very large range of altitudes, which ranges from 1000 to 5230 m above sea level. In total, as many as 8 altitudinal vegetation zones can be observed in Sangay Park; in general, about 1,000 species have been recorded in the region.

The fauna of the Sangay volcano is represented by the following species: mountain tapir, vicuña, dwarf deer; the avifauna is dominated by the red bird, condor and other birds. As for 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 and belongs to the passerine order. The bird is medium in size, about 30 cm in length, with a wing length of about 16 cm and a tail - 12 cm. It has golden-green plumage, a small crest on the back of the head. The bird's chest and wings, as well as its legs, are bright red. The back has a gray-yellowish tint, the throat is dark green.

Quite limited areas of the park are home to animals such as puma, Andean fox, spectacled bear, pudú deer, ocelots and jaguars, and guinea pigs. Of the birds, such unique species as cubillin and quilimas, vultures, giant hummingbirds, etc. were left out.

Conclusion

Thus, using the example of the South American region, one could get acquainted with the UNESCO World Heritage Program, which began its existence in 1975. Since 1977, every year the World Heritage Committee has held sessions at which the program objects are determined - natural or man-made objects, the priority tasks in relation to which are conservation and popularization due to their special cultural, historical or environmental significance.

The main purpose of the World Heritage List is to make known and protect sites that are unique in their kind. For this purpose and because of the desire for objectivity, evaluation criteria were drawn up. The first six criteria have been in force since 1978 and determine cultural sites, 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 verify that the “World Heritage Site Status” provides the following advantages (for natural heritage sites): it is an additional guarantee of the safety and integrity of unique natural complexes; increases the prestige of the territories and the institutions that manage them; promotes the popularization of objects included in the List and the development of alternative types of environmental management (primarily eco-tourism); ensures priority in attracting financial resources to support world cultural and natural heritage sites, primarily from the World Heritage Fund; promotes the organization of monitoring and control over the state of conservation of natural objects.

The states on whose territory World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.

References and Internet resources

Drobot V.I. World Natural Heritage Concept: training manual/ Mar. state University; V.I. Drobot. - Yoshkar-Ola, 2008. - 122 p.

2. Gebel P. Natural heritage of humanity: landscapes and natural treasures under UNESCO protection. M.: Publishing house BMN AO. 1999. - 256 p.

Maksakovsky N.V. World Natural Heritage. - M.: Education, 2005. - 396 p.

Cattaneo M. Treasures of Humanity. UNESCO World Heritage Site. - AST; Astrel, 2005. - P. 512.

Official information website "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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First of all, with detailed planning, and according to the “don’t pass by” principle. But sometimes I organize targeted expeditions to one or more places that deserve special attention from this competent organization. And there is no need to regret it; what you see always lives up to your expectations. In total, there are now more than a thousand such objects on the planet that are classified as natural or cultural-historical. The list is moving, new lines are being added to it, but some, unfortunately, are being deleted; not all of the heritage can be preserved.

Brazilian part on at the moment consists of 18 elements, I give them according to the chronology of inclusion, and indicating the number by which you can find detailed description on the UNESCO website (link above):

(1) Historic City of Ouru Preto, 1980, number 124.

(2) Historical Center of Olinda, 1982, number 189.

(3) Ruins of the Jesuit mission-redoubts of San Miguel das Missois, 1984, number 275.

(4) Historic Center of Salvador di Bahia, 1985, number 309.

(5) Church complex of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, 1985, number 334.

(6) Iguazu National Park, 1986, number 355.

(7) City of Brasilia, 1987, number 445.

(8) Serra da Capivara National Park, 1991, number 606.

(9) Historic Center of San Luis, pc. Maranhão, 1997, number 821.

(10) Forest reserves of the south-eastern Atlantic coast (State of Sao Paulo - State of Parana, 1999, number 893.

(11) East Atlantic Coast Forest Reserves ("The Shore of Discovery"), 1999, number 892.

(12) Historic center of the city of Diamantina, 1999, number 890.

(13) Complex of Central Amazon Reserves, 2000, number 998.

(14) Pantanal Protected Area and Adjacent Protected Areas, 2000, number 999.

(15) Brazilian Islands in the Atlantic: Fernando de Noronha, 2001, number 1000.

(16) National parks zones"campos cerrado": Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas, 2001, number 1035.

(17) Historic Center of Goiás, 2001, number 993.

(18) San Francisco Square in the city of San Cristovao, pc. Sergipe, 2010, number 1272.

Despite its varied natural resources, including vast expanses of equatorial and tropical jungle and thousands of kilometers of stunning coastline, as well as its partly deserved reputation as the "land of the wild little monkeys", nature reserves here in the minority, there are only 7 of them against 11 cultural and historical monuments. This looks even more strange if we consider that the colonial history of Brazil is quite short, and no traces of developed pre-Columbian civilizations have yet been found on its territory. But such is the systematic work of this UNESCO committee, the criteria for inclusion in the list in these two categories are completely different, and these proportions are quite consistent with the general trend.

Continuation: .