The world is full of beautiful places, but not all of them will stay that way.
This week, UNESCO released its annual state of conservation reports, which outline which of its famous designated World Heritage Sites are in danger of losing the historic, cultural or natural characteristics that made them World Heritage Sites in the first place.
Places on the “Danger List” face threats like soil erosion, lack of water and poor land management, to name a few. The World Heritage Committee prepares conservation reports for these places so it can discuss ways to better protect and conserve them if needed.
Tourism can harm the world’s wonders, but it can also help them when done responsibly. Below, find 19 places from UNESCO’s conservation reports that warrant a responsible visit. To compile this list, we pulled spots that appear on the Danger List, omitting any that come with travel warnings form the U.S. State Department. While such places are no less important, it’s not recommended that you visit them now, typically because of war, crime, or other dangers.
Peruse the options below, pack your bags, and check out UNESCO’s reports for more information on why these places are endangered and how you can help.
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ERIC LAFFORGUE via Getty Images
These wide-open plains are an
important migratory hangout for animals like zebra and wildebeest. They're also home to the world's largest
caldera.
Under threat due to: crop production; governance; ground transport infrastructure; social cohesion and
more
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The
second-largest reef system in the world is home to threatened species like marine turtles and manatees. Up on land, this reserve features lush mangrove forests.
Under threat due to: housing; invasive/alien marine species; land conversion; major visitor accommodation and associated infrastructure; oil and gas
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Remains of intricate palaces, temples, tombs and homes litter these 100-odd islets in the
western Pacific. Experts estimate the sites were built between 1200 and 1500 A.D.
Under threat due to: erosion and siltation/deposition; impacts of tourism/visitor/recreation; legal framework; management systems/management plan
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saiko3p via Getty Images
These historic buildings are
prime examples of medieval architecture, UNESCO says. Keep an eye out for exquisite mosaics and wall paintings in the monastery complex, some of whose structures date back to the 12th century.
Under threat due to: interpretative and visitation facilities; management activities
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romrodinka via Getty Images
These
subtropical wetlands came into being at the end of the last Ice Age. They're a wonderland of mangrove trees, and birds and reptiles hang out in the marshes and bays.
Under threat due to: housing; invasive/alien freshwater species; storms; surface water pollution; water infrastructure
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JTB Photo via Getty Images
This charming site comprises
two monasteries and two churches known for their paintings and frescoes, which are excellent examples of a uniquely Balkan style of art, UNESCO says.
Under threat due to: civil unrest; legal framework; management systems/management plan
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UNESCO calls this striking reserve a "veritable water tower" because
it's full of natural springs and rises up above the surrounding savanna. Watch for
chimps using stones as tools in the dense forests.
Under threat due to: financial resources; human resources; identity, social cohesion, changes in local population and community; illegal activities; land conversion; management systems/management plan; mining
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Madagascar split from other land masses
more than 60 million years ago, leaving rare plant and animal species to evolve here alone. These rainforests make up the eastern part of the island.
Under threat due to: fire; governance; illegal activities; land conversion; mining; society's valuing of heritage; subsistence hunting
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UNESCO calls the southeastern third of
Rennell Island "
a true natural laboratory for scientific study" due to its rare animal species, large lake, 65-foot-high forest canopy and frequent cyclones.
Under threat due to: changes to oceanic waters; commercial hunting; fishing/collecting aquatic resources; forestry/wood production and
more
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DEA / JACCOD via Getty Images
One of the largest protected areas in West Africa,
this wonderland of savannas and forests hosts a stunning array of plant life thanks to water from the
Komoé River.
Under threat due to: civil unrest; fire; illegal activities; land conversion; livestock farming/grazing of domesticated animals; management systems/management plan
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Pavel Gospodinov via Getty Images
This stop on the ancient
Silk Road was a
cultural hotspot in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, you can visit its vast burial complex and the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace.
Under threat due to: financial resources; housing; human resources; legal framework; management activities; management systems/management plan
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Ariadne Van Zandbergen via Getty Images
This
royal burial ground features a main building with four tombs, which UNESCO praises for "its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity."
Under threat due to: ground transport infrastructure; management activities; management systems/management plan; fire
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Bygone Spanish leaders designed this series of fortifications to
protect their trade systems around the Bay of Portobelo. Remains include a castle, fort and batteries.
Under threat due to: erosion and siltation/deposition; housing; impacts of tourism/visitor/recreation; land conversion; legal framework; management systems/management plan
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Olaf Protze via Getty Images
This
cluster of buildings and docks in
Liverpool was a massive trade center during the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to its innovative dock technology.
Under threat due to: commercial development; governance; high impact research/monitoring activities; housing; interpretative and visitation facilities and
more
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Wu Swee Ong via Getty Images
The
massive Peruvian city of Chan Chan is divided into nine individual "citadels" whose intricate remnants still stand. You can tour former temples, homes, storehouses, reservoirs and more.
Under threat due to: identity, social cohesion, changes in local population and community; illegal activities; management systems/management plan; water
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This
trio of national parks is home to some 10,000 plant species, 200 mammal species and 580 bird species. Oh, and there's also the highest volcano in Indonesia.
Under threat due to: governance; ground transport infrastructure; illegal activities; land conversion; management systems/management plan; renewable energy facilities
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