The New 7 Foundation released 28 finalists for the 7 Wonders of Nature contest, voted on by the public. Below are brief descriptions and images of some of the best-known finalists.
The Amazon Rainforest-Located in South America, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest forest in the world, covering 1.7 billion acres….
Do these places make your list?
The New 7 Foundation released 28 finalists for the 7 Wonders of Nature contest, voted on by the public. Below are brief descriptions and images of some of the best-known wonders of the world.
The Amazon Rainforest-
Located in South America, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest forest in the world, covering 1.7 billion acres. It is home to over 500 mammal species, thousands of fish including many that are unique to the region, 300 types of reptiles, 30 million insect types, and one third of the world’s birds, not to mention the many other species that have not yet been discovered. This magnificent forest faces constant danger from the reality of deforestation brought on mostly by the need for more agricultural fields and cow pastures to feed Brazil’s growing population.
Angel Falls-
Seem similar to the waterfall featured in the Disney Pixar movie “Up”? Angel Falls or Salto Angel, is the tallest waterfall in the world, falling 3,212 feet to the Churun river below. You may also encounter one of the many species of wildlife, like anteaters or monkeys, living and hiding in the surrounding areas. With no access roads, visiting this wonder of the world requires a plane ride, but once you get there, the breathtaking views will be worth the wait, so long as clouds don’t interfere. Dead Sea- Dating back to Biblical times, this landlocked lake bordered by Jordan and Israel is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with salt levels 10 times higher than other oceans. The Dead Sea’s water supply, provided for by the Jordan River, constantly evaporates due to the hot climate, which causes it to become even saltier. The land surrounding the Dead Sea is the lowest elevation in the world. The Dead Sea gets its name from the absence of fish and other sea life, who would otherwise die if exposed to this salty environment. However, humans can relax and enjoy the uniqueness and beauty as they float in the Dead Sea. The Galapagos Islands- One of the more controversial nominees on the list, the Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean west of Ecuador, is the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Created from volcanoes that erupted out of the sea, the Galapagos Islands are home to a diverse population of wildlife that have adapted well to this once-secluded location, including the famous Galapagos Tortoises and Iguanas. However, this wonder of the world is in danger as overpopulation, overfishing, climate change, and tourism threaten the survival of the animals. The Grand Canyon- Magnificent, massive, awe-inspiring- there are no words or pictures that can capture the beauty or scale of the Grand Canyon. More than five million people visit the Grand Canyon every year. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon, split by the Colorado River, is 277 miles long, 4 to 8 miles wide, and up to one mile deep. According to National Park Service (NPS), The Canyon is home to 1,737 plant species, 167 species of fungi, 64 different mosses, and 195 lichen species. But before you think about taking flowers home from the canyon, a permit is required. The Great Barrier Reef- The Great Barrier Reef, located off the east coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world with over 3,000 reefs and 900 islands encompassed in an area stretching 1,616 miles. Thousands of species of sea life, including fish, coral, turtles, and birds call the Great Barrier Reef home. Unfortunately, they are being threatened by human activity. Over 2 million tourists visit the Reef every year, and while this generates over $2 billion for Australia’s tourism industry, it is having a negative impact on this natural wonder. Delicate corals are being damaged by passing boats, human contact, and water pollution. Sea animals’ habitats are being invaded, causing animal populations to decrease. Mt. Kilimanjaro- Situated in Tanzania, Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and, also, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, measuring 19,336 ft. Visitors from all over the world come to Kilimanjaro, not only for the great views, but also for the hike. Surprisingly, hikers don’t need climbing equipment to scale this inactive volcano, they just need to have endurance (and a lot of it). Once you reach the top of the summit, Gillman’s Point, you will be awarded a climbing certificate and breathtaking views. To cast your vote for these wonders of the world and see all the 28 finalists, go to New 7 Wonders of Nature.]]>
