Around the world there are many examples of natural heritage , distributed in an endless number of countries with a high tourist value.
Likewise, there are various types of natural heritage that have become an area of vital importance for each country.
Let’s see some of the most important monuments and what is the difference between natural and cultural heritage , two similar and different terms at the same time.
Types of natural heritage
A natural heritage is one that is formed by nature itself over time, and that constitutes a symbol of identity of a country before the world.
These heritages can be made up of mountains, caves, lakes, beaches, forests, deserts, jungles, islands, etc.; and are unique to a landscape.
Within its classification, we have the following types of natural heritage:
- Geological formations.
- Natural monuments.
- Biosphere reserves.
- Sanctuaries in nature.
- National Parks.
Likewise, in the same country there may be several examples of natural heritage; as there will be others who do not have any, but have cultural heritage.
Difference between natural heritage and culture
It can be said that between the two heritages there are 3 fundamental differences: creation, location and value.
On the one hand, the natural heritage, as we have indicated, belongs to nature; while the cultural heritage has been created by the hand of man.
In addition to this, the cultural is part of urbanism, which is why it is normally found in museums; and the natural will always be in some outdoor landscape.
Finally, the natural one has great value before the world, while the cultural one identifies an area or society.
Examples of natural heritage
Mentioning each existing natural heritage in the world would be a very long task, so we will talk about the most interesting examples. Let’s see some types of natural heritage:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Arizona, United States, it is one of the oldest parks in this country and has the well-known Grand Canyon of Colorado.
It has a large number of caverns, caves and caves that make up its most interesting attraction and visited by tourists.
2. Yellowstone National Park
It is a park that covers the states of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana in the United States, and is inside the largest volcano on the American continent.
It comprises a series of canyons, mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers; as well as a very wide and rich variety of species.
3. Los Katios National Park
It is located in the regions of Darién and Uraba in Colombia, and is in turn a Biosphere Reserve.
Its landscape has flat areas and hills, as well as mountains and mountains. In addition, it also contains several areas of swamps.
4. Canaima National Park
Located in the Bolívar State of Venezuela, with a wide extension towards Brazil and Guyana. It is ranked as the 15th largest national park in the world .
Inside the park you can see the highest waterfall in the world, known as El Salto Angel , as well as an endless number of tepuis.
5. Los Glaciares National Park
It is located in the province of Santa Cruz, in Argentina, and is the largest park in the country.
It contains various glaciological profiles, as well as a fauna that is in danger of extinction.
6. Iguazu National Park
Also known as Iguazu National Reserve, it is located in the Province of Misiones in Argentina.
Within the park are the Iguazu Falls, chosen in 2011 as one of the 7 wonders of our world.
7. Machu Picchu Historical Shrine
Belonging to the Cusco region, in the Peruvian Andes, it is a mixed heritage, since it has natural and cultural reserves.
This area was considered a World Heritage Site for the extensive flora and fauna it protects, as well as the Inca city built between its limits.
8. Sian Kano Reserve
Its translation is “Place where heaven begins” and it is located in the State of Quintana Roo, in Mexico.
It has various masses of trees that reach up to 30 meters high, thus constituting quite unique natural formations. In addition, it has archaeological sites.
9. Reserve of the Cordillera de Talamanca
It is located between the countries of Costa Rica and Panama, and is the largest natural elevation of both nations.
It contains cloud forests, oak, montane, tropical, and various paramos. It is known as La Amistad National Park.
10. Río Platano Reserve
It is located in La Mosquita, the Caribbean coast of Honduras. It has mountainous areas, like tropical jungle, with a very wide biodiversity.
It participated as one of the seven wonders of our world, and contains the most populated jungle on the continent.
11. Barrier Reef
It is a Reef Reserve located in Belize, belonging to the Mesoamerican Reef System.
It is an important tourist spot for the country, attracting many fishermen and coral researchers.
12. Malpelo Island
It belongs to the department of Valle del Cauca, in Colombia, and is the only Pacific island in the country. It is a natural heritage for the Conservation of Biodiversity.
Just like these, there are many more examples of natural heritage throughout our planet, including mixed ones.