Through the years and the environmental changes that the planet earth has suffered, different natural structures have been formed in many parts of the world. Although in general, nature has an attraction that characterizes it, in some cases they tend to form in a way that They express great uniqueness.
Because of this, man has felt great admiration for these territories, naming them natural monuments. These have some characteristics that must be met, however, one of the most important is that highlight your rarity or beauty above other places.
In this way they become a site of great importance, both environmental and cultural, since sometimes it becomes an emblematic place for the population in general. This has caused them to be taken by different organizations to protect them and maintain a good state of it and its biodiversity, avoiding exploitation or damage to it if it is open to tourism.
Definition of natural monument
Its definition is a space, area or element with a limited surface that has specific peculiaritieswith a singular as landscape, historical, scientific, cultural, symbolic, among others.
Its characteristics are relevant, since they are usually born as geographical accidents considered rarities or beauties for the human being. A monument can be from a millennial tree to a forest, a waterfall, a cave, an island and so on. These are protected from any damage to which they may be exposed, just like the 7 wonders of the modern world, for example, since they have unique and unmatched characteristics.
What is a natural monument in ecology and environment?
Regarding the concept of ecology and the environment, a monument is a point with great rarity created through the passage of time where a large number of living beings inhabit. It is of great importance, since they are areas nature of great cultural value and for the ecosystem. That is why they enjoy protection and shelter from possible dangers.
These can be national or autonomous depending on the type and usually go to a list with information according to their territory to keep track and carry out maintenance procedures. with it is sought avoid exploitationunless it is a professional investigation with administrative authorization.
What are the characteristics of a natural monument?
Each monument has certain characteristics that must be met to be considered one of them, some are:
- They are spaces with singular traitsrare or shocking appearance.
- They may be geological formations.
- Some are considered paleontological sites.
- They are landscapes of great beauty.
- They must have an important culture impact.
What are the different types of natural monuments?
The natural monuments are great importance for all living things, including humans. In addition to conserving their own natural panoramic beauty, they provide a habitat for a large number of living species: animals and plants.
They contribute to mitigating environmental problems, provide energy, allow the regulation and recreation. They also function as support providing protection and a variety of ecosystem services, physical and spiritual well-being. Some different types are:
- Biotic Monuments
- Relief or topographic monuments
- geological monuments
- ecocultural monuments
- Mixed Monuments
Examples of natural monuments
- Northern Lights, in the Arctic Circle: They are a wonderful natural phenomenon that arises when the solar wind hits the earth’s magnetic field. This produces a trail of bright colors that cover the sky in a spectacular way that can be seen from different areas of the Arctic Circle.
- Stone Forest or Shilim, China: This is a set of Krast rock formations that appear to rise out of the ground. They are incredibly shaped like stalagmites and some are shaped like petrified trees.
- Iguazu Falls, in Argentina and Brazil: These falls are actually a set of certain cascades that cover the surroundings of a curved cliff. They are located in an area that is protected and characterized as a national park.
- Cotton Castle, Türkiye: Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) is located in this natural area in the southwest of Turkey, called Menderes River Valley, which is a Province of Denizli. It is a natural area that contains a number of white petrified waterfalls where natural pools are formed where the water maintains an average temperature of about 35 degrees.
- Chocolate Hills, Philippines: These hills are called by this name because their vegetation, which takes on a certain brown color just when it dries. It is located in Bohol, Island Province of the Philippines.
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia: It is the largest concentration of corals in the world, it is located in Queensland in the northwest of Australia. Among 2,500 kilometers of islands and islets, there are more than 400 coral species and about 1,500 species such as fish and crustaceans.
- Grand Canyon of Colorado, United States: It is located in the State of Arizona and is considered one of the most famous natural attractions in the United States. They are some of the most impressive cliffs, being one of the most attractive hiking routes in the world.
- Plitvitce Lakes, Croatia: these Lakes stand out for the beauty they contain, it is a set made up of 16 lakes, dozens of waterfalls that are connected to each other. Depending on the sunlight, the minerals and living beings that inhabit there, there is a change in the color of the water that varies between emerald and turquoise colors. These lakes are protected and listed as a national park.
- Mount Everest, Nepal and China: It is the highest mountain in the world, it has 8,848 meters and is located in the Himalayas, exactly between China and Nepal. To access it there are two main routes that are commonly more accessible during the months of April and May. Being more used by the southwestern part by the south col Nepal or taking the northeast route via the north col from Tibet.
- Paricutin Volcano, Mexico: This is the youngest volcano in the world, located in the Mexican state of Michoacan. It devastated two towns, these were Paricutin and San Juan Parancaricutiro, surviving the church of the latter that is now part of the impressive volcanic landscape.
