Wednesday, 29 August 2018

1133 BE/CZ/DE/ES/HR/IT/UA - Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (2007)

Brief Description

"The Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathian, an outstanding example of undisturbed, complex temperate forests, constitute a transnational serial property of ten separate components along a 185 km axis from the Rakhiv Mountains and the Chornohirskyi Range in Ukraine, west along the Polonynian Ridge, to the Bukovské Vrchy and Vihorlat Mountains in Slovakia. They contain an invaluable genetic reservoir of beech and many species associated with, and dependent on, these forest habitats. They are also an outstanding example of the recolonization and development of terrestrial ecosystems and communities after the last Ice Age, a process which is still ongoing.

The Ancient Beech Forests of Germany, represent examples of on-going post-glacial biological and ecological evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and are indispensable to understanding the spread of the beech in the Northern Hemisphere across a variety of environments. The new inscription represents the addition of five forests totaling 4,391 hectares that are added to the 29,278 hectares of Slovakian and Ukranian beech forests inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007. The tri-national property is now to be known as the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany (Slovakia, Ukraine, Germany)."

喀尔巴阡山脉原始山毛榉林
" 喀尔巴阡山脉原始山毛榉林,由10个跨国的连续遗产组成,沿185公里的轴线,从乌克兰拉希夫山脉和 Chornohirskyi西沿Polonynian山脊,一直到斯洛伐克的Bukovské Vrchy和Vihorlat山脉。这10个遗址是原始的、多元的温带森林的突出例子,展示了最完整、最广泛的生态模式和纯粹的欧洲山毛榉群丛在各种环境 条件下的生长过程。它们包含着宝贵的山毛榉基因库和与这些森林栖息地相关并依赖其生存的许多生物。它们还是上一个冰河时代后陆地生态系统和群落再移植和发 展的突出例子。"

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133

2007 Ukraine
1133-001     Chornohora
1133-003     Kuziy-Trybushany
1133-004     Maramarosh
1133-007     Stuzhytsia – Uzhok
1133-008     Svydovets
1133-009     Uholka – Shyrikyi Luh
2007 Slovakia
1133-002     Havešová Primeval Forest
1133-005     Rožok
1133-006     Stužnica – Bukovské Vrchy
1133-010     Vihorlat
2011 Germany
1133bis-011     Jasmund
1133bis-012     Serrahn
1133bis-013     Grumsin
1133bis-014     Hainich
1133bis-015     Kellerwald
2017 Albania
2017 Austria
2017 Belgium
1133ter-024 to 027 Sonian Forest
2017 Bulgaria
2017 Croatia
1133-033 Hajdučki i Rožanski kukovi
1133-034 Paklenica National Park
2017 Italy
2017 Romania
2017 Slovenia
2017 Spain
1133quinquies-057 Hayedos de Ayllon – Tejera Negra
1133quinquies-058 Hayedos de Ayllon – Montejo
1133quinquies-059 Hayedos de Navarra – Lizardoia
1133quinquies-060 Hayedos de Navarra – Aztaparreta
1133quinquies-061 Hayedos de Picos de Europa – Cuesta Fria
1133quinquies-062 Hayedos de Picos de Europa – Canal de Asotin
2021 Czechia
1133-075 Jizera Mountains
2021 Slovakia
2021 North Macedonia
2021 Poland
2021 Bosnia and Herzegovina
2021 Switzerland
2021 France
Courtesy of Galina from Russia
 1133-001     Chornohora
 1133-004 Maramarosh
 1133-008 Svydovets (on the slope of Mount Stara)
1133-008 Svydovets (Mount Velyka Blyznytsia)

Courtesy of tsentaura from postcrossing forum



Courtesy of anjaaustel from postcrossing forum

1133-011 Jasmund - Germany
Courtesy of Eula from postcrossing forum
1133bis-013 Grumsin
Courtesy of Eula from postcrossing forum
1133bis-014 Hainich

 Courtesy of Javier Becerra from Spain
1133ter-024 to 027 Sonian Forest

Courtesy of Nikola2702 from postcrossing forum
1133-033 Hajdučki i Rožanski kukovi



Courtesy of Nikola2702 from postcrossing forum
1133-034 Paklenica National Park



Courtesy of  Jordi_65 from postcrossing forum
1133-057 Hayedos de Ayllon – Tejera Negra


 
Courtesy of Saint from postcrossing forum


Courtesy of hs87 from postcrossing forum
1133-075 Jizera Mountains



Monday, 27 August 2018

1540 CN - Qinghai Hoh Xil (2017)

Description

"Qinghai Hoh Xil, located in the northeastern extremity of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and highest plateau in the world. This extensive area of alpine mountains and steppe systems is situated more than 4,500 m above sea level, where sub-zero average temperatures prevail all year-round. The site’s geographical and climatic conditions have nurtured a unique biodiversity. More than one third of the plant species, and all the herbivorous mammals are endemic to the plateau. The property secures the complete migratory route of the Tibetan antelope, one of the endangered large mammals that are endemic to the plateau."

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1540











Friday, 17 August 2018

595 GR - Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos (1992)

Description
"Many civilizations have inhabited this small Aegean island, near Asia Minor, since the 3rd millennium B.C. The remains of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments and a spectacular tunnel-aqueduct, as well as the Heraion, temple of the Samian Hera, can still be seen."

萨莫斯岛的毕达哥利翁及赫拉神殿
"公元前3000年,这个靠近小亚细亚的爱琴海小岛上就有了文明。毕达哥利翁是一个古老的要塞,有着希腊和罗马建筑以及壮观的隧道和高架渠。赫拉神殿则是萨摩斯人赫拉的神庙。它们的遗址至今可见。"

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/595

595-001     Pythagoreion of Samos
595-002     Heraion of Samos  


Courtesy of Shelly from Ireland
Left shows 595-001 Heraion of Samos
Lower right shows Tunnel of Eupalinos in 595-002 Pythagoreion 

725 HU/SK - Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst (1995)

Brief Description

"The variety of formations and the fact that they are concentrated in a restricted area means that the 712 caves currently identified make up a typical temperate-zone karstic system. Because they display an extremely rare combination of tropical and glacial climatic effects, they make it possible to study geological history over tens of millions of years."

阿格泰列克洞穴和斯洛伐克喀斯特地貌

"变化多端的岩层结构以及顺序排列在有限空间内的712个洞穴,为我们描绘出一幅温带喀斯特的神奇景观。作为热带与冰河气候共同作用下的一种极其奇特的组合,该地貌使人们研究几千万年以来的地貌历史成为可能。"

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/725

725ter-001     Component including Aggtelek     Hungary        
725ter-002     Component of Szendrő-Rudabánya Hill     Hungary        
725ter-003     Component of Esztramos Hill     Hungary
725ter-004     Component neighbouring Silica and Jasov     Slovakia        
725ter-005     Component of Plešivec plateau     Hungary        
725ter-006     Component of Koniar plateau (including Ochtinscká Aragonite Cave)     Slovakia
725ter-007     Dobšinská Ice Cave     Slovakia  



Courtesy of Joanna from postcrossing forum
725-001 Aggtelek

Courtesy of sylwiail from postcrossing forum
725-001 Domica Cave (Slovak part of the Aggtelek complex)
725-004 Jasovská Cave

Courtesy of Laco from Slovakia
725ter-006     Ochtinscká Aragonite Cave

Courtesy of Laco from Slovakia
725ter-007     Dobšinská Ice Cave 

IT5006 - Volterra: Historical City and Cultural Landscape (2006)

Centre shows tentative site of Volterra

Thursday, 16 August 2018

UA670 - Cultural Landscape of Canyon in Kamenets-Podilsk (1989)

Castle and Historic centre of Kamenets -Podolsk 11th -18th centuries
 Courtesy of Alla from Ukraine
 The old castle

GH1396 Kakum National Park (Assin Attandanso Reserve) (2000)

CREATING KAKUM 
At one time the coastal zone of West A*ica was covered by 600,000 krn2 of continuous rainforest, but due to growing human populations, farming, and logging the forest have shrunk by 72%, to a series of isolated "islands" of forests. Kakum, named after the Kakum River whose headwaters lie within the park's boundaries, was originally set aside as a forest reserve in 1925. The Kakum River and its tributaries supply fresh water to Cape Coast and 133 other towns and villages. In 1992 Kakum Forest Reserve was reclassified as a National Park. and the adjacent Assin Attandanso as a Resource Reserve. The protected area covers 360 km2. Kakum is the first national park in Ghana created by local initiative as opposed to that created by the State Agency responsible for Wildlife. Fifty-two villages and an agricultural landscape consisting primarily of food crops and cocoa surround the park. 

THE FOREST 
The forest in Kakum ranges from true rain forest - Moist Evergreen Forest - to seasonally dry Semi-deciduous Forest. It contains hundreds of species of herbaceous and woody plants. The forest is home to many endangered and rare mammals such as the Diana Monkey, Bongo, Yellow-backed Duiker and elephant 

THE CANOPY WALKWAY 
In March of 1995, Kakum National Park became home to the only canopy walkway on the Africa continent. The walkway provides both tourists and researchers priviledged access to the rainforest's canopy. The 350 meter long bridge connects seven tree tops; it is constructed of wire rope, aluminium ladders, wooden planks and safety netting. In order to protect the trees, no nails or bolts pierce the bark. Up in the canopy you may see species of birds and insects that are almost impossible to find on the ground level. The canopy walkway is a joint effort between Ghana's Wildlife Department and Conservation International, a US-based international non governmental (NGO) organisation dedicated to conserving ecosystems and biodiversity, with funding from USAID. 

HIDDEN CONNECTIONS 
Kakum is a unique rainforest filled with opportunities to learn about the hidden connections that keep the forest, and those who use it, alive. Walking along the Kuntan trail, you can learn about the medicinal plants which are used locally to cure ailments. It is possible to make special arrangements for visits to Mesomagor village which features traditional music and dancing: early morning and evening hikes; as well as forest elephant tracking. Searching for elephants, you may follow a path of footprints past their dung piles, or see mud lines on any ebony tree (locally known as "elephant comb") that was used as a scratching post. Amazingly, some plants can germinate only atter passing through a elephant's gut! Some vital connections can be seen, such as a butterfly pollinating a flower, while others are invisible like the stable climate created within and around the park by the forest.
Courtesy of Bonsei from Ghana

GH1394 Nzulezu Stilt Settlement (2000)

Description

"The spectacular scenery of stilt propped water settlement of Nzulezu built on lake Tadane located in the Jomoro District in the Western Region of Ghana stands out as a magnificent interplay between man and his environment. Nzulezu is an Nzema word meaning "surface of water." The inhabitants of the village are said to have migrated from Walata, a city in ancient Ghana Empire' the earliest of the Western Sudanese States. According to tradition, ancestors of the village were brought to their present place under the guide of a snail. The serene ambience of the surrounding landscape coupled with the general activities of life point to a dynamic relationship between man and nature. Traditional village life is adapted to the watery conditions to the amazement of the visitor. All activities pertaining to normal life chores such as pounding of fufu (a traditional meal) schooling, worship and burial are done on the lake. New born babies are baptized in the lake. The lake it is said, averts possible disasters like outbreak of fire, killing of natives of the village on or around it. The sacred day of the lake is Thursday, a day set aside on which no activity is supposed to take place signifying a strict adherence to traditional norms and taboos. Nzulezu stilt settlement is a unique lacustrine habitation achieved by a harmony of forces of nature to meet man's needs resulting in a settlement of outstanding value."

Courtesy of Bonsei from Ghana

34 GH - Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions (1979)

Brief Description 
"The remains of fortified trading-posts, erected between 1482 and 1786, can still be seen along the coast of Ghana between Keta and Beyin. They were links in the trade routes established by the Portuguese in many areas of the world during their era of great maritime exploration."

沃尔特大阿克拉中西部地区的要塞和城堡
"这些贸易要塞建于1482年至1786年间,位于凯塔(Keta)和贝因(Beyin)之间的加纳海岸,其遗迹至今仍清晰可见。葡萄牙人在其大航海探险时期,在世界许多地方建立了贸易路线,这些要塞正是这些贸易路线的连接点。"

34-001     Fort Good Hope (Fort Goedehoop)
34-002     Cape Coast Castle
34-003     Fort Patience (Fort Leysaemhyt)
34-004     Fort Amsterdam
34-005     Fort St. Jago (Fort Conraadsburg)
34-006     Fort Batenstein
34-007     Fort San Sebastian
34-008     Fort Metal Cross
34-009     English Fort (Fort Vrendenburg)
34-010     Fort Saint Antony
34-011     Elmina Castle (St. George's Castle/ Fort St. Jorge)

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/34


Courtesy of Bonsei from Ghana
 34-002     Cape Coast Castle
 34-05 Fort St. Jago (Upper left corner)  
34-11 Elmina Castle(Upper right and lower left)
34-08 Fort Metal Cross (Upper left shows the fort lighthouse)
(Upper right shows the court view of the fort)
 34-011     Elmina Castle (St. George's Castle/ Fort St. Jorge)

Tuesday, 14 August 2018

1527 DE - Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura (2017)

Description

"Modern humans first arrived in Europe 43,000 years ago during the last ice age. One of the areas where they took up residence was the Swabian Jura in southern Germany. Excavated from the 1860s, six caves have revealed items dating from 43,000 to 33,000 years ago. Among them are carved figurines of animals (including cave lions, mammoths, horses and bovids), musical instruments and items of personal adornment. Other figurines depict creatures that are half animal, half human and there is one statuette of a woman. These archaeological sites feature some of the oldest figurative art worldwide and help shed light on the origins of human artistic development."

Source UNESCO WH website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1527

1527-001 Ach Valley
Geissenklösterle
Hohle Fels
Sirgenstein Cave
1527-002 Lone Valley
Hohlenstein-Stadel
Vogelherd
Bocksteinhöhle

Courtesy of Gabi from postcrossing forum
Vogelherd in Lone Valley