Stonehenge
Wanderlust has just released its annual Threatened Wonders in which the iconic British monument of Stonehenge joins seven other worldwide destinations in need of some urgent TLC.
The other destinations on the 2010 ‘critical list’ are Wadi Rum in Jordan, Tulum in Mexico, Yangshuo in China, Timbuktu in Mali, Bay of Fires in Tasmania, Macchu Picchu in Peru and Jaisalmer in India.
Three destinations are also highlighted, namely Zimbabwe, North-East Thailand and Madagascar, as places in desperate need of more visitors over the coming year.
Threatened Wonders List 2010
Stonehenge, UK
Problem - Thundering road destroys context of this national treasure.
Action – A proposal for a tunnel to take the A303 underground is under debate. It’s time to put a stop to bureaucracy and take action.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Problem – A huge increase in tourist numbers, limited infrastructure and competing Bedouin tribes have led to a lack of environmental protection.
Action - Avoid buying tours through cheap hotels in Petra and Aqaba and make sure your money stays in Rum by booking with local guides.
Tulum, Mexico
Why – Cancun developments have stretched into the Maya heartland and have now arrived in Tulum – an international airport is also planned.
Action - Plan your trip with care and stay in locally owned and run smaller bungalow resorts avoiding the large chain hotels.
Macchu Picchu, Peru
Why - The World Heritage Site is trampled by 2,500 tourists everyday and this is taking its toll. The site is now on the Watch List of the World Monument Fund.
Action – Choose a responsible tour operator if you do visit or consider one of the other Inca sites such as Vilcabamba and Choquequirao.
Jaisalmer, India
Why – Triple the number of tourists in the last 10 years with increasing numbers staying in the fort itself. Increased pressure on an aged infrastructure is dissolving the sandstone foundations.
Action - If you do choose to stay in the fort, use water sparingly. A project is underway to upgrade the drainage system and restore buildings but it will take time.
Yangshuo, China
Why – A rapidly expanding domestic market has changed the face of this once quiet little town and caused heavy pollution to the Li River.
Action – Get out of town, hire a bike and visit the nearby hamlets or take off on a hiking trail
Timbuktu, Mali
Why – Kidnapping and terrorism have put this iconic Saharan city on the Foreign Office’s ‘Don’t Go’ list and tourist numbers have dwindled but locals believe poverty is the real threat.
How to help - If you do visit, make sure you have specialist insurance or consider the riverside capital of Bamako and the Festival of Niger at Segou as alternatives.
Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia
Why – Not only is this 30km stretch of beach paradise at the centre of a heated dispute between the state and local Aborigines, the Binalong Bay area is completely overrun in the summer, spoiling much of its natural calm and beauty.
Action - Choose to explore the Mount William’s unspoilt coastline by foot on a Bay of Fires guided walk.