World heritage sites included in the special list of UNESCO are of great interest to the entire population of the planet. Unique natural and cultural objects make it possible to preserve those unique corners of nature and man-made monuments that demonstrate the richness of nature and the possibilities of the human mind.
As of July 6, 2012 in the List world heritage– 962 objects (including 745 cultural, 188 natural and 29 mixed) located in 148 countries of the world. Among the objects there are individual architectural structures and ensembles, for example - the Acropolis, the cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, the historical centers of the cities - Warsaw and St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square; and there are whole cities - Brasilia, Venice, along with the lagoon and others. There are also archaeological reserves - for example, Delphi; national parks - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Yellowstone (USA) and others. The states on whose territory the World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
In this photo selection you will see 29 objects from different parts of our planet that are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1) Tourists inspect the Buddhist sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes ("Dragon Gate") near the city of Luoyang in the Chinese province of Henan. There are more than 2,300 caves in this place; 110,000 Buddhist images, more than 80 dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) containing relics of the Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on the rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. For the first time Buddhism in China was introduced in these places during the reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty. (China Photos/Getty Images)
2) Bayon Temple in Cambodia is famous for its many giant stone faces. There are over 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, ranging from nondescript piles of brick and rubble scattered among rice fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat, considered the world's largest single religious monument. Many of the temples at Angkor have been restored. More than a million tourists visit them every year. (Voishmel/AFP - Getty Images)
3) One of the parts of the archaeological site of Al-Hijr - also known as Madain Salih. This complex, located in the northern regions Saudi Arabia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (I century BC - I century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures dedicated to the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, which was the center of caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Donabatean period. (Hassan Ammar/AFP - Getty Images)
4) The waterfalls "Garganta del Diablo" ("Devil's Throat") are located on the territory of the Iguazu National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones. Depending on the water level in the Iguazu River, the park has from 160 to 260 waterfalls, as well as over 2000 varieties of plants and 400 Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Christian Rizzi/AFP - Getty Images) #
5) The mysterious Stonehenge is a stone megalithic structure, consisting of 150 huge stones, and located on the Salisbury Plain in the English county of Wiltshire. This ancient monument is believed to have been built in 3000 BC. Stonehenge was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
6) Tourists stroll by the Bafang Pavilion in the Summer Palace, Beijing's famous classical imperial garden. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and rebuilt in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. (China Photos/Getty Images)
7) The Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was presented to the United States by France, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Seth Wenig/AP)
8) "Solitario George" (Lonely George), the last living giant tortoise of this species, born on Pinta Island, lives in the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. The Galapagos Islands were originally inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, but in 2007 they were marked as endangered. (Rodrigo Buendia/AFP - Getty Images)
9) People skate on the ice of the canals in the Kinderdijk Mills area, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk has the largest collection of historic windmills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decoration with balloons of the holidays passing here gives a certain flavor to this place. (Peter Dejong/AP)
10) View of the Perito Moreno Glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz. This place was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentinean part of Patagonia and the 3rd largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. (Daniel Garcia/AFP - Getty Images)
11) Terraced gardens in the northern Israeli city of Haifa surround the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, the founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center of the Baha'i religion, the number of professing which in the world is less than six million. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
12) Aerial photography of St. Peter's Square in. According to the World Heritage website, this small state contains a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Giulio Napolitano/AFP - Getty Images)
13) Colorful underwater scenes of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This thriving ecosystem hosts the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 coral species and 1,500 fish species. The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. (AFP - Getty Images)
14) Camels rest in the ancient city of Petra in front of Jordan's main monument, Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, believed to be the sandstone tomb of a Nabataean king. This city, located between Red and dead seas, is located at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, and Phoenicia. Petra was added to the World Heritage List in 1985. (Thomas Coex/AFP - Getty Images)
15) Sydney Opera House - one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, which is a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP - Getty Images)
16) Rock paintings made by the San people in the Dragon Mountains located in the east South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg area for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock paintings in the Dragon Mountains, which were inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. (Alexander Joe/AFP - Getty Images)
17) General view of the city of Shibam, located in the east in the province of Hadhramaut. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All houses here are built of clay bricks, about 500 houses can be considered multi-storey, as they have 5-11 floors. Shibam is often referred to as "the oldest city of skyscrapers in the world" or "Desert Manhattan", it is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. (Khaled Fazaa/AFP - Getty Images)
18) Gondolas near the Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice is a seaside resort, a center of international tourism of world importance, a venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. (AP)
19) Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues of compressed volcanic ash (moai in the Rapa Nui language) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3700 km from the coast of Chile. Rapa Nui National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995. (Martin Bernetti/AFP - Getty Images)
20) Visitors walk along the Great Wall of China in the Simatai area, northeast of Beijing. This largest architectural monument was built as one of the four main strategic strongholds in order to defend against the invading tribes from the north. The 8,851.8 km long Great Wall is one of the largest ever completed. construction projects. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP - Getty Images)
21) Temple at Hampi, near the South Indian city of Hospet, north of Bangalore. Hampi is located in the middle of the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi and its monuments were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP - Getty Images)
22) A Tibetan pilgrim rotates prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. The Potala Palace is a royal palace and Buddhist temple complex, which was the main residence of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum actively visited by tourists, remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and continuing to be used in Buddhist rituals. Due to its enormous cultural, religious, artistic and historical significance, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. (Goh Chai Hin/AFP - Getty Images)
23) The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, has become a center of mass tourism. The city is visited by 2,000 tourists per day; In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands to reduce the number of tourists per day to 800. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP - Getty Images)
24) Buddhist pagoda Kompon-daito on Mount Koya, in the province of Wakayama, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, an offshoot of Japanese Buddhism, was the first to settle here. (Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA)
25) Tibetan women walk around the Bodhnath Stupa in Kathmandu - one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist shrines. On the sides of the tower crowning it, "Buddha's eyes" inlaid with ivory are depicted. Kathmandu valley with a height of about 1300 m is a mountain valley and a historical region of Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples from the Boudhanath stupa to tiny street altars in the walls of houses. Locals say that 10 million Gods live in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
26) A bird flies over the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum-mosque located in the Indian city of Agra. It was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The architectural marvel was also named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP - Getty Images)
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27) Located in northeast Wales, the 18km Pontcysillte Aqueduct is an Industrial Revolution civil engineering feat completed in the early years of the 19th century. More than 200 years after its opening, it is still in use and is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte aqueduct was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "a milestone in the history of civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution." This aqueduct is one of the unusual monuments to plumbers and plumbing. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
28) A herd of moose grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, on the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In the Yellowstone National Park, which occupies almost 900 thousand hectares, there are more than 10 thousand geysers and thermal springs. The park was included in the World Heritage program in 1978. (Kevork Djansezian/AP)
29) Cubans drive an old car along the Malecon in Havana. UNESCO inscribed Old Havana and its fortifications on the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded and has a population of over 2 million, its old center retains an interesting mixture of baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and patios. (Javier Galeano/AP)
Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that endowed man with untold riches and allowed him to use its benefits to create comfortable conditions life. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution has always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this is the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia
In the northern part of Saudi Arabia is unique complex Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 graves dating back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegr, an ancient city that became the center of caravan trade.
More than 50 inscriptions were found on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the Donabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.
Longmen Grottoes, China
"Dragon Gate" or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. The amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, until 494 was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty.
After moving the residence to the new city, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.
2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the full-flowing Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, which make up a single complex, were made to the UNESCO heritage list. 
Bayon Temple, Cambodia
Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, built in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman, has been preserved. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and way of life of the Khmers.
In addition to the Bayon Temple, over a thousand more unique temples are located in the Angkor region, representing different eras and levels of civilization development. Every year, millions of curious tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.
Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones, silently resting among the endless fields sown with rice.
Stonehend, UK
The overall stone structure - Stonehend is located among the luxurious nature of the Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones, placed in a certain sequence, are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at the amazing creation of man, created in 3000 BC.
Under the influence of time and natural phenomena, the unique monument of antiquity began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 they can only be looked at. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.
Stonehand was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
Lonely George, Ecuador
The only giant tortoise representing this species mammals, lives on the territory of the National Park, located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on the island of Pinta, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.
The most famous bachelor in the world is in the prime of his life, according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to breed. George has already found a female that has a genetic resemblance to the progenitors of the "groom", so there is every reason to believe that the genus of giant tortoises will continue.
Summer Palace, China
Among the fabulously beautiful landscapes of the Imperial Garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day keeps the memory of the royal people who lived within its walls.
In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.
In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of the UNESCO World Treasury.
Statue of Liberty, America
The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolitan areas of the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift given by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.
"Lady Liberty" personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the struggle of Americans for their rights.
In 1984, "Lady Liberty" added to the list of UNESCO heritage.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina
On the territory of the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique heritage by UNESCO.
In addition to the species diversity of birds and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for an incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of falling streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.
The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise corner of the earth, filled with outlandish aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see the riches of the Argentinean region with their own eyes.
Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
On the picturesque banks of the canals, located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills, built several decades ago, majestically rise.
More than a thousand historical structures, named in Kinderdijk after the village in which they are located, have added to the bottomless treasury of UNESCO.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
The decoration of the relief landscapes of the Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the amiable name of Perito Moreno. In size, it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.
An amazing masterpiece created by nature has become not only an adornment of the Argentinean Patagonia, it has replenished the UNESCO world treasury. The talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.
The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spreads to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant rise in the water level in the southern part of the lake.
Cubic meters of icy liquid put pressure on the walls of the glacier, breaking the shackling barrier. Such an action is a bewitching spectacle and takes place sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.
Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel
In the north of Israel, the picturesque town of Haifa is located, the territory of which is lined with unique terraced gardens created many years ago.
In the luxury of amazing vegetation, the beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the Baha'i religious trend that is popular today, is buried.
The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man in 2008 was included in the list of unique heritage of UNESCO.
Vatican
The Vatican is a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is world center Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 by the architect Bernini.
Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres join near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where the faithful gather to hear and see the pontiff.
The inhabitants of a small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of previous generations, part of which is the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art that are preserved behind the walls of the sacred basilica.
In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.
Petra, Israel
The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Hollowed out in the sandstones, residential quarters rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.
Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts, amazing temples, built many centuries ago, have been preserved.
The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list, in addition, since 2007 it has been called another "wonder of the world."
Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia
Great Barrier Reef - unique system, consisting of 3,000 isolated coral reefs and over 900 scenic islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and attracts millions of divers every year, eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.
With over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on a planet that is visible even from space.
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the treasury of UNESCO, and earlier it was given the status of "wonder of the world."
Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus
Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park in Belarus. In 1993, it received the status of a biosphere reserve, and a year earlier it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The picturesque nature protection object is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions, the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
On the picturesque landscapes of the amazing area created excellent conditions for the habitat of many species of animals, including those listed in the "Red Book" of Belarus.
In the dense thickets of relic forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - bison, which tourists from all over the world come to see.
Rock paintings in Alta, Norway
Another cultural and historical heritage of UNESCO is the rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who hunted here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of the people living in coastal areas and on the mainland, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.
More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.
For the first time, they started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, it was then that the first petroglyphs were found. In the course of further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum, open to tourists, was established.
Urnes Stave Church, Norway
Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outlines of the Urnes Stave Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, loom. An amazing masterpiece of wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.
The masters who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.
Durable wood, harvested for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been fortunate enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.
Arc Struve
A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground by means of stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.
The Struve Arc has been used to determine the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Sweden. The total length of the network, on which the triangulation points are located, is 2820 kilometers.
34 strongholds of the Duga, named after one of its founders, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO World Treasury.
Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today, a unique monument of ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.
The Caves Lavra got its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.
From the day of its foundation, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra became the spiritual and cultural stronghold of Kievan Rus, and its fame thundered far beyond the borders of the state.
Basilica of the Nativity and Pilgrims' Trails, Palestine
A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity, built in 339 AD. The place for the foundation of the basilica was not chosen by chance, it is believed that it was here that Jesus Christ was born.
In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original structure.
In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage trails, bell towers, magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of luxurious plains and picturesque plateaus, swampy terrain covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers that cut through the open spaces of the park filled with life.
On the territory of the park you can see hundreds of rare species of plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where the tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock art found during archaeological excavations. The drawings depict the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.
Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, in 1981 listed as a UNESCO site.
Rainforests of the east coast of Australia
In the eastern part of Australia, along the dizzying cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, there are mysterious rainforests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This unique area, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of great importance for modern science. Indeed, on its territory there are geologically important objects, such as, for example, craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rainforests have become home to endemic species representing the local fauna.
Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia
450 kilometers of tropical rain forests lie along the northeast coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and the rarest representatives of the richest Australian flora and no less diverse fauna.
In 1988, tropical rainforests added to the treasury of the world organization UNESCO.
Fraser Island
At over 120 kilometers long, Fraser Island is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with moist tall forests, and the golden bends of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed "hanging" lakes filled with fresh water.
In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO Treasury.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Shark Bay and the islands adjacent to it are a fabulously beautiful place, known for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10,000 dugong individuals (the largest population of these animals in the world) live in the waters washing the coast.
Secondly, in the coastal waters you can see the huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.
Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations - stromatolites. They owe their appearance to algae colonies that are active underwater.
Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay into the natural treasure, in 1991, which added to the lists of UNESCO.
Macquarie Island
In the boundless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny island of Macquarie is lost. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate with the Indo-Australian.
As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks, stored at a depth of more than 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, fell on the relief surface. In 1997, Macquarie Island was added to the richest treasury of UNESCO.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, resembling a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. In the "shells" located on a solid foundation, a magnificently decorated hall and a fine restaurant were located.
Erected in 1973, the building took its place among the UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.
The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of an amazing project. Having changed the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.
Convict settlements, Australia
Of the thousands of camps established by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th century), eleven located on Norfolk Island, Tasmania, around Sydney, were listed as UNESCO sites in 2010.
The prisons were designed to hold hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. They were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-education of criminals.
This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion European states implemented through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals on the territory of the colonies.
Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua
The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. The design of the exterior and interior clearly shows the features of eclecticism, with a refined luxury characteristic of the style and an abundance of decorative details, harmoniously combined into a single ensemble.
Magnificent stained-glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Golgotha) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.
The monumental construction of the temple was created according to a project developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.
Since 2011, Leon Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO Treasury.
Island City Mozambique
The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.
A tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is immersed in luxury exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.
But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. Built in the same style, the buildings were built of makuchi stone and decorated in accordance with the building traditions laid down in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing city-island of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.
Prehispanic city of Teotihuacan
Teotiukan - the sacred city (formerly considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and completed only by the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and high level cultural development made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.
Remarkable architecture of Teotiucan, especially large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed according to the principles of geometry.
Since 1987, the pre-Spanish city of Teotiucan has graced the UNESCO Treasury.
Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve
The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is adorned with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name of Sian Kaan. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs that have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.
The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of strange birds enliven the dense thickets of forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions favor the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates typical of this region.
The picturesque biosphere reserve Sian Kaan in 1987 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.
Historic city of Meknes, Morocco
Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement flourished over time and turned into the picturesque city of Maknes. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a pronounced Spanish-Moorish flavor.
Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of the past centuries of prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historic city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
Bikini Atoll
Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could safely be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear clear waters Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence of the locals. In 1946, they were relocated from their native island, and the picturesque landscapes and water area became a test site for American nuclear weapons.
For 12 years, over 60 nuclear explosions have thundered on the atoll, the first hydrogen bomb, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such exposure.
Silent witnesses of the unfortunate events were the ships that sank during the ongoing tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb.
Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Lake Malawi National Park
The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, in the waters of which many the most interesting representatives underwater fauna.
The deep-water lake with the purest water has sheltered dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.
The unique lake in 1984 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.
Old quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a fortified city, which at different times was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing into possession from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.
So it was until 1867, after the fortification was destroyed. Today about the former power of architecture military era reminiscent of dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings.
The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 1994.
curonian spit
The Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different sections ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.
The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by man since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece, exposed to the winds and the sea. To negate the negative impact natural factors, work is underway to strengthen the forest plantation and sand dunes.
In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.
Los Catios National Park, Colombia
On 72,000 hectares of picturesque Colombian land, the Los Catios National Park is spread, which in 1994 replenished the UNESCO treasury.
The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The territory of the park has become home to a huge number of amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.
Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya
The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, which is home to an incredible variety of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can only survive if they are within the Great Rift Valley, which is safe for them.
The emerald expanse of lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes covered with emerald thickets of forests that have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).
The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in shallow water. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and the lake system, in 2011, listed as a UNESCO site.
There are many beautiful buildings, natural phenomena and other unique objects in the world that delight people. And the task of each generation is to preserve this wealth and pass it on to descendants. The most valuable sights fall into a special list.
About World Heritage Sites
It is terrible to think that the descendants will not see, for example, the Acropolis or, meanwhile, this can happen, if not in the near future, then in several generations. That is why one of the priority tasks of mankind is to preserve and increase the cultural and natural resources planets.
For this purpose, a special list was created, which includes World Heritage sites located on the territory of various countries and regions. There are many, they are diverse, and each is unique in its own way.
General information about the list
The idea of a list of the most valuable objects in the world was first implemented in 1978, after the UN Convention was adopted six years earlier, declaring a common responsibility for the preservation of the most significant cultural and natural monuments.
At the end of 2014, the list contains 1007 titles. In the top ten in terms of the number of World Heritage sites are Italy, China, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States. In total, there are 359 items included in the list on their territory.
There are a number of criteria according to which the list is expanded. They include the uniqueness or exclusivity of a particular place or building from different points of view: its inhabitants, structures, evidence of an important stage in the development of civilizations, etc. Therefore, sometimes in the list you can find objects that are quite unexpected for someone.
Categories and examples
All the diversity of the World Heritage is divided into three conditional groups: cultural, natural and cultural-natural. The first category is the most numerous, it includes 779 items, for example, the building of the Opera House in Sydney. The second group contains 197 objects, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha and the Grand Canyon. The last category is the smallest - only 31 monuments, but they combine both natural beauty and human intervention: Machu Picchu, Meteora monasteries, etc.
For some reason, people are used to first of all admiring buildings and creations of their own efforts, forgetting about natural beauties. And in vain, because in fact it is also a World Cultural Heritage.
In Russia
On the territory of the Russian Federation there are 26 monuments included in the UNESCO list. Of these, 15 are classified as cultural, and the remaining 11 are natural. They are located all over the country and include truly unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Russia.
For the first time, the Russian Federation added to the list of countries on whose territory there are monuments to human and natural genius, in 1990, when the list was replenished with the Kizhi churchyard and the historical center of St. Petersburg. In the future, the World Heritage of Russia has been regularly updated and still continues to expand. The list includes reserves, monasteries, geological monuments and many other objects. So, in 2014, the Bulgar historical and archaeological complex, which is located in Tatarstan, was included in the World Heritage List of Russia.
Full list
The World Heritage Sites of Russia are mostly known to many citizens. But someone will find for themselves unfamiliar points that they may want to visit, so it is better to give a complete list:
- the historical center and monuments of St. Petersburg;
- Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow;
- Kizhi churchyard;
- Veliky Novgorod and its environs;
- white monuments of Suzdal and Vladimir;
- Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye;
- Trinity-Sergius Lavra;
- Komi forests;
- lake Baikal;
- Kamchatka volcanoes;
- natural reserve Sikhote-Alin;
- golden Altai mountains;
- Ubsu-Nur lake basin;
- Western Caucasus;
- Kazan Kremlin;
- Ferapontov Monastery;
- Curonian Spit;
- the old city of Derbent;
- Wrangel Island;
- Novodevichy Convent;
- historical center of Yaroslavl;
- Struve arc;
- the Putorana plateau;
- Lena Pillars;
- complex "Bulgar".
Another point is related to the political events of 2014 - on the Crimean peninsula is located ancient city Chersonese, which is also included in the World Cultural Heritage. Russia actually has something to strive for, because there are many more unique objects on the territory of the country, and each of them can eventually enter the UNESCO list. In the meantime, it is still worth learning more about those monuments that are already on this list. After all, it’s not for nothing that they were included there?
Natural
Russia is a huge country, the largest on the planet in terms of territory. 9 time zones, 4 climatic and a huge number of different zones. It is not surprising that the World Natural Heritage of Russia is quite numerous and diverse - 11 objects. There are huge forests, clean and deep lakes, natural phenomena of amazing beauty.
- Virgin forests of Komi. They are considered the largest untouched forests in Europe. They were included in the World Heritage of Russia in 1995. Many species of rare representatives of flora and fauna grow and live on their territory.
- Lake Baikal. It is the deepest on the planet. Listed in 1996. Many species living in the lake are endemic.
- Volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula. They are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Included in the World Heritage Sites of Russia in 1996.
- Altai. Listed since 1998. Includes habitats of rare representatives of flora and fauna.
- Caucasian reserve. It is located in three constituent entities of the Russian Federation: the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia and Adygea. Listed since 1999.
- Central Sikhote-Alin. A natural reserve located in the Primorsky Territory. In its territory there are many rare species animals. Entered the UNESCO list in 2001.
- Curonian spit. This unique object is a sand body stretching across the Baltic Sea for almost 100 kilometers. On the territory of the spit there are a large number interesting places, for example the famous "Dancing Forest", also through it lies the seasonal migration route of many birds. Listed in 2000.
- Ubsu-Nur basin. Located on the border of the Russian Federation and Mongolia. The hollow was included in the list in 2003 according to the criteria of the international scientific value and conservation of biological and landscape diversity.
- Wrangel Island. It is divided into almost equal halves between the Western and Eastern hemispheres. Most of its territory is occupied by mountains. Rare plants grow here, which, among other things, was the reason for the inclusion of the object in the UNESCO list in 2004 under the number 1023.
- It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2010. Here are the migration routes of large populations of reindeer, as well as a unique combination of ecosystems.
- Lena pillars. At the moment, the last World Natural Heritage site in Russia. Was listed in 2012. In addition to its aesthetic importance, this object is valuable for the uniqueness of the geological processes taking place here.
man-made
Objects of the World cultural heritage Russia, of course, includes not only natural monuments, but the results of human labor.
- Historical center of St. Petersburg. Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow. The hearts of both capitals entered the list at the same time - in 1990 - and immediately according to four criteria.
- Kizhi. This unique ensemble wooden buildings was included in the UNESCO list also in 1990. This real wonder of the world not only demonstrates the genius of mankind, but also surprisingly harmonizes with the surrounding nature.
- In 1992, UNESCO added 3 more sights to its list: the monuments of Novgorod, Suzdal and Vladimir, as well as
- The Trinity-Sergius Lavra and the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye, listed in 1993 and 1994 respectively, are known for their beauty to everyone - many residents of Moscow and the Moscow region regularly visit there.
- entered the list in 2000, as well as
- Monuments of the city of Derbent in Dagestan - 2003.
- in Moscow - 2004.
- The historical center of Yaroslavl - 2005.
- (2 points), which helped to establish the shape, size and some other parameters of the planet - 2005.
- Architectural and historical complex Bulgar - 2014.
As can be seen, the objects of the World Cultural Heritage of Russia are mostly concentrated in the European part, which is due to the peculiarities of the development of the territory.
Applicants
Russia's World Heritage List may expand significantly in the coming years. The Government of the Russian Federation regularly offers the UN new applicants, unique and beautiful in their own way. Now there are 24 more objects that can be included in the main list of UNESCO.
Endangered
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to preserve the World Heritage. Fortunately, this does not threaten Russia yet, all of its monuments included in the list are in relative safety. UNESCO regularly edits and publishes a special list of unique sites in danger. Now it consists of 38 items. Natural and cultural monuments are on this “alarming” list for various reasons: poaching, deforestation, construction and reconstruction projects that violate the historical appearance, climate change, etc. In addition, the worst enemy of World Heritage is time, which is impossible win. And yet, from time to time, monuments are removed from this list, most often due to an improvement in the situation. But there are also sad examples when the situation has deteriorated so much that the objects simply ceased to be included in the World Heritage. Russia has nothing to fear yet, although the ecological situation in some parts of the country may affect many natural monuments. And then, perhaps, for the Russian Federation, the “alarming” list will become relevant.
UNESCO action
Inclusion in the list is not only and not so much prestige, but first of all, increased attention to the safety and condition of certain objects on the part of a larger number of organizations. UNESCO also stimulates the development of eco-tourism and increases people's awareness of the uniqueness of monuments. Among other things, there is a special fund that finances the maintenance of facilities.
UNESCO sites in Russia are cultural, architectural, historical and natural attractions that are world heritage. First of all, of course, it is worth mentioning the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. These are the central places where the most important cultural and political events of modern Russia take place. In addition, unique architectural monuments are concentrated here. This is St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Church of the Annunciation, and the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, and other iconic objects. Tens of thousands of tourists come to Moscow every year to visit the Kremlin.
One of the most famous sights of our country - the architectural ensemble of Kizhi - is also a UNESCO heritage in Russia. This is a masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture, located in Karelia. The complex includes several objects built in the 18th century. These are two churches - the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Intercession Church. They are completely made of wood. The bell tower next to them was completed in the 19th century. The uniqueness of these objects lies in the monumentality of the entire ensemble and amazing ornaments, which were made by the masters of traditional architecture.
The sights under the protection of UNESCO in Russia include unique natural objects. One of them, of course, is Lake Baikal. It is the largest freshwater reservoir on the planet. In addition, it is famous for its unique ecosystem, which is home to rare living organisms. Baikal is surrounded on all sides by mountains. In particular, the Barguzinsky and Primorsky ridges are located here. The maximum depth of the lake exceeds one and a half kilometers. Due to its exceptional importance for the ecology of our planet, Baikal was included in the World Heritage Site.
Another iconic city of our country is St. Petersburg. Its sights and architectural monuments are also of global importance. This city is called the "Venice of the North" for a reason. There really is a special atmosphere here. It is due to its uniqueness and a large number of cultural and architectural monuments that St. Petersburg was included in the World Heritage Site.
Work is underway to submit to the List of the following natural objects: Volga Delta, Lena Delta, Green Belt of Fennoscandia, Kurile Islands, Valdai - Great Watershed, Western Sayan, Beringia and the Solovetsky Islands.
Natural sites inscribed on the World Heritage List |
||
| Area | State | |
| Virgin forests of Komi | 3.279 million ha | Inscribed on the World Heritage List (1995) Criteria - N ii, iii |
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Pechora-Ilychsky" | 721 322 | |
| 2. National Park "Yugyd Va" | 1 891 701 | |
| 3. Reserve zone | 666 000 | |
| Lake Baikal | 8.8 million hectares | Listed (1996) Criteria - N i, ii, iii, iv |
| 1. Baikalsky State Biosphere Reserve | 165 724 | |
| 2. State Biosphere Reserve "Barguzinsky" | 374 322 | |
| 3. State Nature Reserve "Baikal-Lensky" | 660 000 | |
| 4. National Park "Pribaikalsky" | 418 000 | |
| 5. Zabaikalsky National Park | 246 000 | |
| 6. Reserve "Frolikhinsky" | 910 200 | |
| 7. Reserve "Kabansky" | 18 000 | |
| 8. Tunkinsky National Park (partially) | ||
| Volcanoes of Kamchatka | 3.996 million ha | Included in the List (1996). Expanded in 2001 Criteria - N i, ii, iii, iv |
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Kronotsky" | 1 147 619,37 | |
| 2. Nature Park"Bystrinsky" | 1 368 592 | |
| 3. Natural park "Nalychevskiy" | 286 025 | |
| 4. Natural park "South Kamchatsky" | 500 511 | |
| 5. Reserve of federal importance "South Kamchatsky" | 322 000 | |
| 6. Natural park "Klyuchevskoy" | 371 022 | |
| Golden Mountains of Altai | 1.509 million ha | Listed (1998) Criterion - N iv |
| 1. Altai State Biosphere Reserve | 881 238 | |
| 2. State Biosphere Reserve "Katunsky" | 150 079 | |
| 3. Belukha Mountain Natural Park | 131 337 | |
| 4. Natural park "Ukok" | 252 904 | |
| 5. Buffer zone "Teletskoe Lake" | 93 753 | |
| Western Caucasus | 0.301 million ha | Listed (1999) Criteria - N ii, iv |
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Kavkazsky" with a buffer zone | 288 200 | |
| 2. Natural park "Big Thach" | 3 700 | |
| 3. Monument of nature "Upper reaches of the rivers Pshekha and Pshekhashkha" | 5 776 | |
| 4. Monument of nature "Upper reaches of the river Tsitsa" | 1 913 | |
| 5. Monument of nature "Ridge Buiny" | 1 480 | |
| Curonian Spit(jointly with Lithuania) | 0.031 million ha | Listed (2000) Criterion - Cv |
| 1. Curonian Spit National Park (Russia) | 6 600 | |
| 2. National Park "Kursiu Nerijos" (Lithuania) | 24 600 | |
| 1.567 million ha | Included in the List (2001). Expanded in 2018 Criterion - N iv |
|
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Sikhote-Alinsky" | 401 600 | |
| 2. Bikin National Park | 1 160 469 | |
| 3. Reserve "Goralovy" | 4 749 | |
| Ubsunur Hollow(shared with Mongolia) | 0.883 million ha | Listed (2003) Criteria - N ii, iv |
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina" (Russia) | 73 529 | |
| 2. Biosphere Reserve "Uvs Nuur" (Mongolia) | 810 233,5 | |
| Wrangel Island | 2.226 mln ha | Listed (2004) Criteria - N ii, iv |
| State Nature Reserve "Wrangel Island" | ||
| Putorana Plateau | 1.887 million ha | Listed (2010) Criteria - vii, ix |
| State Nature Reserve "Putoransky" | ||
| Lena Pillars | 1.387 million ha | Listed (2012) Criteria - viii |
| Natural Park of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) "Lena Pillars" | ||
| Landscapes of Dauria(shared with Mongolia) | 0.913 million ha | Included in the List (2017) Criteria - (ix), (x) |
| 1. State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Daursky" | 49 765 | |
| 2. Protected zone of the State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Daursky" | 117 690 | |
| 3. Reserve of federal significance "Valley of Dzeren" | 111 568 | |
| Total area in the Russian Federation: | 279 023 | |
| 4. Strictly protected area "Mongol Daguur" | 110 377 | |
| 5. Buffer zone of the Mongol Daguur Strictly Protected Area | 477 064 | |
| 6. Nature reserve "Ugtam" | 46 160 | |
| Total area in Mongolia: | 633 601 | |
Natural properties included in the Tentative List |
||
| Objects and their territories | Area | State |
| Valaam archipelago | 0.026 million ha | Included in the Tentative List of the Russian Federation on May 15, 1996. |
| Natural Park "Valaam Archipelago" | ||
| Magadan Reserve | 0.884 million ha | Nomination prepared |
| State natural reserve "Magadansky" | ||
| Commander Islands | 3.649 million ha | Included in the Tentative List of the Russian Federation on February 7, 2005. Nomination prepared |
| State Natural Reserve "Komandorsky" | ||
| Big Vasyugan swamp | 0.4 million ha | |
| State complex reserve of the Tyumen region "Vasyugansky" | ||
| Krasnoyarsk pillars | 0.047 million ha | Included in the Tentative List of the Russian Federation on March 6, 2007. |
| State Nature Reserve "Stolby" | ||
| Ilmensky mountains | 0.034 million ha |
Included in the Tentative List of the Russian Federation on August 11, 2008. Nomination prepared |
| State Natural Reserve of the Russian Academy of Sciences "Ilmensky" | ||
| Bashkir Ural | 0.045 million ha | Included in the Tentative List of the Russian Federation on January 30, 2012. |
Natural properties promising for inclusion on the Tentative List |
||
| Objects and their territories | Area | State |
| Beringia | 2.911 million ha | Recommended by the IUCN for inclusion in the List |
| 1. Beringia National Park (RF) | 1,819,154 ha | |
| 2. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve (USA) | 1,091,595 ha | |
| Volga Delta | 0.068 million ha | criterion N iv. Nomination prepared |
| State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Astrakhansky" | ||
| Lena Delta | 1.433 million ha | Recommended by the IUCN for inclusion in the List in accordance with criterion N iv. Nomination prepared |
| State Nature Reserve "Ust-Lensky" | ||
| Kurile Islands | 0.295 million ha | Nomination prepared |
| 1. Kurilsky State Nature Reserve and its buffer zone | 65 365 and 41 475 | |
| 2. Biological reserve "Small Kuriles" | 45 000 | |
| 3. Reserve of regional significance "Urup Island" | 143 000 | |
| Green Belt of Fennoscandia(shared with Finland and Norway) | 0.541 million ha | The Russian part of the nomination is ready |
| 1. State Biosphere Reserve "Laplandsky" | 278 436 | |
| 2. State Nature Reserve "Kostomukshsky" | 47 457 | |
| 3. State Nature Reserve "Pasvik" | 14 727 | |
| 4. Paanajärvi National Park | 104 354 | |
| 5. Kalevalsky National Park | 95 886 | |
| Valdai - Great Watershed | 0.183 million ha | Nomination prepared |
| 1. Valdaisky National Park | 158 500 | |
| 2. State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Central Forest" | 24 447 | |
Natural objects not included in the List |
||
| Objects and their territories | Area | State |
| Vodlozersky National Park | 0.58 million ha | |
| 1. National Park "Vodlozersky" | 404 700 | |
| 2. Reserve "Kozhozersky" | 178 600 | |
| Bashkir Ural | 0.2 million ha | Not included in the List (1998) |
| 1. Shulgan-Tash State Biosphere Reserve | 22 531 | |
| 2. State natural reserve "Bashkir" | 49 609 | |
| 3. National Park "Bashkiria" (strictly protected area) | 32 740 | |
| 4. Reserve "Altyn Solok" | 93 580 | |
| Teberdinsky Reserve(expansion of the object "Western Caucasus") | 0.085 million ha | Not included in the List (2004) |
| State Biosphere Reserve "Teberdinsky" | ||
Russia, of course, is rich in unique and, what is very important, unaffected economic activity natural complexes. According to rough estimates of scientists, there are about 20 territories in our country worthy of the status of a World Natural Heritage Site. The list of the most promising territories was determined in the course of a joint project of UNESCO and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and natural resources(IUCN) on boreal forests.