Buzz
As we grew up, we were all taught about the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, which until recently included The Grand Canyon, The Great Barrier Reef, Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Aurora Borealis, Paricutin Volcano, and Victoria Falls. However, in 2001, a Swiss company called New7Wonders, in collaboration with UNESCO, launched a project to select new wonders through public voting. On 07/07/07, after over 100 million votes were cast, a fresh list of 7 man-made Wonders was announced. Later that same year, the 7 New Wonders of Nature initiative kicked off, with voting taking place on 11/11/11. The results were revealed, and the new 7 Natural Wonders of the world now include The Amazon River, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Table Mountain. While the 7 winners are sure to be discussed for years to come, my focus is on the 20 finalists that didn’t make the cut, as they may soon fade into obscurity. The list is in alphabetical order, as I cannot determine which one is superior.
3. Angel Falls Venezuela, 5°58′03″N 62°32′08″W
At a staggering height of 979 meters, Angel Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall in the world. Located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, the waterfall cascades from the edge of Mount Auyantepui and plunges nearly a kilometer into the Korep River below. This awe-inspiring natural wonder was named after Jimmie Angel, the first U.S. pilot to fly over it. Despite its remote location, Angel Falls remains one of Venezuela’s most popular tourist destinations. However, reaching it requires a long journey – visitors must first fly to the Canaima camp, then trek through the jungle and travel by boat up the river. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the river is high enough to allow boats to reach the base of the falls, revealing the true magic of this majestic waterfall.
2. Black Forest Germany, 48°N 8°E
Located in the southwestern part of Germany, the Black Forest was named by the Romans due to its dense, shadowy canopy that blocks out sunlight. The forest is predominantly made up of fir and pine trees, which were once heavily logged, with significant deforestation occurring in 1999, which reduced its size to a fraction of what it once was. This forest is also home to the unique species Lumbricus badensis, a giant earthworm found nowhere else in the world. The Black Forest is famed for its picturesque villages and towns, which are believed to be the origin of the famous Black Forest ham and the delicious Black Forest cake.
1. Bu Tinah Islands United Arab Emirates, 24°37′N, 53°05′E
Bu Tinah is situated in the waters near Abu Dhabi and is safeguarded as a private game reserve. This small group of islands lies amidst extensive coral reefs and seaweed beds. It is designated as a UNESCO marine biosphere reserve and remains inaccessible to the public. The islands are home to over 16 species of coral and play an essential role in climate change studies, as coral usually thrives in water temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C, but here it flourishes in waters that can soar up to 35°C. The islands also host a variety of wildlife, including the rare hawksbill turtles and dugongs.
4. Cliffs of Moher Ireland, 52°56′10″N 9°28′15″W
The Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare, Ireland, rise from 120 meters to 214 meters in height and drop dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean. Over a million visitors are drawn to these cliffs each year to take in the breathtaking vistas they offer. These cliffs are also home to approximately 30,000 birds. In addition to wildlife and tourists, the cliffs have appeared in numerous films, such as Leap Year, The Princess Bride, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and several episodes of Father Ted.
5. Dead Sea Israel, Jordan, Palestine, 31°20′N 35°30′E
The Dead Sea spans approximately 67km in length and 18km in width. As a hypersaline lake, it is 8.6 times saltier than the oceans, with a salt concentration of 33.7%. It holds the distinction of being the lowest point on Earth’s surface, lying 423 meters below sea level, and is the deepest hypersaline lake, reaching a depth of 377 meters. The Dead Sea earned its name because no marine life or animals can survive in its extreme conditions. The mud from its bottom is rich in minerals and nutrients, often used in spas and resorts, and is also an effective treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. However, the main attraction for visitors is the water’s high density (2.24kg/L), which allows people to effortlessly float on its surface.
6. El Yunque Puerto Rico, 18°19′00″N 65°47′00″W
El Yunque National Forest, located in the northeastern part of Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest within the United States National Forest System. It lies on the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, covering an area of 113.3km2. The forest boasts a diverse array of plant and animal life, including up to 23 species of plants that are endemic to the region. Because of its location just below the Tropic of Cancer, El Yunque has no distinct seasons, and it receives rainfall year-round, often accumulating over 6 meters (240 inches) of rain annually.
7. Galapagos Ecuador, 00°30′S 91°04′W
The Galapagos Islands are a cluster of small volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 972km west of Ecuador. These islands form both a national park and a marine biological reserve in Ecuador. The Galapagos consists of 18 main islands, which are famous for their unique wildlife and their connection to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwin visited the islands, and much of his groundbreaking research was based on the discoveries he made there. In 1957, 97.5% of the Galapagos was designated as a national park, and in 1986, 70,000km2 of the surrounding ocean was made a marine reserve. By 2001, both the park and the marine reserve were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. Grand Canyon USA, 36°03′19″N 112°07′19″W
The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, USA, is believed to have been carved by the Colorado River 17 million years ago, a process that continues to shape it today. Stretching 446 kilometers in length, up to 29 kilometers in width, and reaching depths of about 1.8 kilometers, this geological marvel exposes nearly 2 billion years of Earth's history through its rock layers. Evidence of human presence dates back 3000 years, with the Pueblo Native Americans having called the canyon home for centuries. Today, the Grand Canyon attracts around 5 million visitors annually. Although it once made the list of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, it did not make the recent cut.
9. The Great Barrier Reef Australia, Papua New Guinea, 18°34′4″S 148°33′19″E
The Great Barrier Reef, which did not make it to the latest list of natural wonders, remains the world’s largest reef system, spanning 344,400 square kilometers. It consists of nearly 3000 reefs and 900 islands, making it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. A protected World Heritage site, the reef is the largest living structure visible from space. Home to over 30 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, 6 species of sea turtles, and an impressive 1500 species of fish, it continues to thrive in its marine environment.
10. Jeita Grotto Lebanon, 33°56’35″N 35°38’36″E
The Jeita Grotto consists of two vast interconnected cave systems stretching over 9 kilometers. Located just 18 kilometers from Beirut, the Lebanese capital, these awe-inspiring caves offer two distinct experiences. The lower cave, accessible only by boat via an underground river, supplies over a million people with fresh drinking water. The upper cave boasts vast chambers and is home to the world’s largest stalactite. Archaeological findings indicate that humans have utilized the caves as shelters for thousands of years, with artifacts such as pot shards, spear points, and bone fragments dating back to the Late Palaeolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods, long before the caves were rediscovered in 1836.
11. Mt Kilimanjaro Tanzania, 3°4′33″S 37°21′12″E
Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, stands proudly in the Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. This volcano consists of three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, with Kibo being the largest and home to the mountain's highest summit. Despite being situated near the equator and surrounded by tropical and subtropical forests, savannahs, and grasslands, Kilimanjaro remains capped with snow year-round due to its towering height of 5,895 meters. Snow samples taken from the summit have revealed that the base snow is over 11,000 years old. Since 1912, the snow cap has decreased by 80%, and it is anticipated that it will be completely snow-free by 2030. While the smaller cones are extinct, Kibo is only dormant and could potentially erupt again.
12. Islands of Maldives Maldives, 3 15 N, 73 00 E
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of the Maldives, consists of 26 natural atolls, which are rings of coral islands encircling a lagoon. Located approximately 400 kilometers southwest of India in the Indian Ocean, these atolls form a total of around 1,130 smaller islands, with only about 200 of them being inhabited. The Maldives is famous for its vibrant and diverse coral reefs, which are home to more than 300 species of tropical fish. Recently, seven new species of fish were discovered in the region. Unfortunately, in 1998, El Niño caused a significant rise in water temperatures, resulting in the death of two-thirds of the coral population. However, by 2004, a new technique was developed using electrified cones that attract coral larvae and accelerate growth, leading to the gradual rehabilitation of the reefs.
13. Masurian Lake District Poland, 53°46′N 21°45′E
The Masurian Lake District is located in the northeastern part of Poland and is home to over 2,000 lakes spread across an area of 52,000 km². The lakes are interconnected by rivers, forming an expansive and intricate network of waterways. Shaped by the Pleistocene Ice Age, this district has become a popular tourist hotspot, offering a wide range of activities such as boating, fishing, cycling, hiking, and canoeing, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. With 11 nature reserves, the region boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters, during which the lakes freeze over.
14. The Matterhorn Italy, Switzerland, 45°58′35″N 7°39′30″E
The Matterhorn stands proudly in the Pennine Alps, straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy. This imposing mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Alps, featuring four steep, pyramid-like sides that point to the cardinal directions. The peak towers over Zermatt on the Swiss side and Breuil-Cervinia on the Italian side. Known for inspiring awe and fear among climbers, it was one of the last alpine mountains to be scaled. In July 1865, seven climbers succeeded in reaching the summit from the Swiss side, though two tragically died on the descent. Only three days later, Jean-Antoine Carrel and Jean Baptiste Bich reached the summit from the Italian side, marking a historic feat.
15. Milford Sound New Zealand, 44°40′30″S 167°55′46″E
Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord located on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. As a world-renowned marine reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts visitors from around the globe. Stretching 15 kilometers inland from Dale Point, Milford Sound is surrounded by towering rock cliffs, with many of its peaks named for their unique shapes. One such peak, known as 'The Elephant,' rises 1517 meters and resembles the head of an elephant. The fjord is also the wettest inhabited location in New Zealand, fostering lush forests that cover the steep cliffs. Beneath the waters, dolphins, penguins, seals, and even the occasional whale can be found. Permanent waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, and during rainfall, hundreds of temporary waterfalls emerge, adding to the area’s awe-inspiring beauty.
16. Mud Volcanoes Azerbaijan, 40°06′20″N 49°23′20″E
Mud volcanoes occur when underground mud is pushed to the surface, accompanied by the release of gas and a mixture of muddy liquids. Of the approximately 700 mud volcanoes around the world, over 400 are located in Azerbaijan, along its Caspian Sea coast. These volcanoes are all fed by a vast underground mud lake, with methane making up 86% of the gas released. In 2001, one of the volcanoes became famous when it erupted flames up to 15 meters in the air. It is estimated that each mud volcano has a major eruption at least once every 20 years, while in between, the mud volcanoes provide nutrient-rich mud baths that attract tourists from all over.
17. Sandarbans Bangladesh, India, 11°00′N 122°40′E
The Sundarbans represent the world’s largest area of saline mangrove forest. The name 'Sundarbans' translates to 'beautiful jungle' or 'beautiful forest.' This remarkable mangrove ecosystem is shaped by three significant rivers: the Padma, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. Covering approximately 10,000 square kilometers, the Sundarbans are a mix of freshwater forests further inland and saline-tolerant mangroves closer to the coast. The complex network of rivers and waterways makes the entire mangrove accessible by boat. This unique habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, deer, snakes, numerous bird species, and endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, Ganges river dolphin, olive ridley turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, and the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros.
20. Yushan Taiwan, 23°28′12″N 120°57′26.16″E
Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, is the tallest peak in the Yushan mountain range and holds the distinction of being the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. The summit rises to 3952 meters above sea level and extends approximately 4000 meters below sea level to the ocean floor. In winter, the mountain is enveloped in frost, giving it the appearance of smooth, uncut jade, hence the name. During the summer, the lower slopes are covered with dense coniferous forests. Due to the region’s diverse climate, the area supports an impressive range of wildlife, including around 140 bird species, 28 mammal species, 17 reptile species, and over 186 types of butterflies, all thriving within the surrounding Yushan National Park.
19. Vesuvius Italy, 40°49′N 14°26′E
Mount Vesuvius is a famous volcano located in Italy, approximately 9 kilometers from Naples. The mountain features a single cone, encircled by the remnants of a caldera formed from the collapse of an older, larger mountain known as Monta Somma. Vesuvius has erupted roughly 30 times over the past 2000 years, with its most famous eruption occurring in 79 AD. This eruption led to the destruction of Pompeii, a town near Naples, burying it under 4-6 meters of ash and pumice. After its rediscovery and excavation in 1794, Pompeii became one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most recent eruption occurred in 1944, though no subsequent eruptions have been as destructive as the one in 79 AD. The surrounding area is now a national park, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to view the crater.
18. Uluru Australia, 25°20′42″S 131°02′10″E
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith located just south of central Australia. It holds deep spiritual significance for the Aboriginal Australians, with ancient rock art found in the caves nestled within its vast sandstone base. Uluru rises 348 meters above the surrounding land and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometers, although much of its structure lies beneath the earth's surface. It is believed that Uluru is a remnant of once-mighty mountain ranges that dominated the area. The site also features several springs, streams, and waterholes, and remains a popular tourist destination. Climbing Uluru, which takes about an hour, offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and significance of the landmark.
