More than 800 of the greatest treasures on the planet have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and the Galapagos Islands to man-made wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, Macchu Pichu, Peru, and NYC’s Statue of Liberty.
Some, such as Stonehenge and Easter Island, retain their mystery even to the scientists who study them. But any and all these legendary places are fascinating, enlightening and glorious glimpses into our collective history, including such lesser-known and lesser-visited ones such as the Mud Mosque in Djenne, Mali.
These are places of national pride and beauty, and should be seen and appreciated as well as protected. Nearly 200 nations have signed on to preserve these fragile symbols of cultural identity by promoting responsible tourism to have the least environmental impact on a site at the same time it supports the local residents. It’s called sustainable tourism, or “geo-tourism”.
Here are tips on planning a vacation to a World Heritage Site, from Friends of World Heritage, www.friendsofworldheritage.com.
Respect the natural environment. Stay on footpaths, take only photos and memories, and leave only footprints. In other words, tread lightly.
Hire local guides. They know their home territory best, and you will be enriching your experience at the same time you are supporting the local economy.
Engage in the local culture. Support the local economy further by eating in the cafes and shopping in the markets. If there’s a community festival during your visit, go, for a great photo op and an even greater story to tell after you get back home.
Learn a few words of the local language. I never leave home without knowing how to say “hello” “goodbye” and “thank you” in the language of whatever country I’m visiting, and I cannot tell you how often that small effort has blossomed into wonderful exchanges and experiences.
You can find out more about World Heritage sites by visiting the UNESCO website, www.whc.unesco.org
