8 Vulnerable Tourist Destinations to Protect Before It’s Too Late

Amazon Rainforest – South America

Located in the heart of South America, spanning eight different countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela), the Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. It is also considered the “green lung” of the planet, more than a third of plant and animal species can be found in the Amazon. The region is also home to some of the most isolated tribes on earth.

Sadly, about 40% of this vast ecosystem has been destroyed over the past four decades. Due to deforestation, illegal logging, and global warming, the Amazon could be gone in 50 years if we don’t take action to protect it now.

Read more: Sustainable Tourism in the Amazon Rainforest

Great Barrier Reef – Australia

In fact, this destination is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. With a length of more than 1,600 miles (nearly 2,600km), the Great Barrier Reef possesses about 3,000 large and small coral reefs and many tropical islands. It is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and other creatures, forming a colorful underwater world. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most vulnerable tourist destinations in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef and its species are in danger from rising sea temperatures, plastic waste, and other pollutants. Experts estimate the Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its surface area in the past 30 years. Therefore, if we don’t start changing our behavior, this place could be gone in less than a decade.

Mount Kilimanjaro Glaciers – Tanzania, East Africa

Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m above sea level, is the highest mountain in Africa. It’s also one of the most photographed mountains in the world. However, these glaciers are melting rapidly. Scientists have found that 85% of the ice that covered the mountain had disappeared by 1912. By 2050, the Mount Kilimanjaro glaciers could be completely gone.

Do you think of conquering this mountain before it disappeared?

Read more: All You Need to Know to Conquer Kilimanjaro – The Highest Mountain in Africa

Galápagos Islands – Ecuador

Currently, Galápagos Islands is one of the most vulnerable tourist destinations in the world. The flora and fauna that inhabit this archipelago of Ecuador are slowly disappearing into the vast Pacific Ocean, under the onslaught of tourism over the past few decades. Additionally, the constant landing of flights, countless illegal hunting ships, and the introduction of invasive species have had serious consequences.

The Ecuadorian government works to protect the species that inhabit the island. Besides that, we need green tourism actions, before they suffer further environmental damage.

Dead Sea – Israel, Jordan, and Palestine

The water levels of most of the world’s oceans are rising due to global warming and the shrinking of ice caps at the poles. Whereas, the opposite is happening with the Dead Sea, which is slowly dying away. Indeed, water levels are falling by almost a meter per year. A combination of human and geological factors caused the issue.

The Dead Sea isn’t going away in the next few years. However, its medium and long-term forecasts aren’t promising unless things change.

Rainforest – Congo

The Congo Rainforest, the second largest river basin in the world, second only to the Amazon, plays an important role in mitigating the impact of carbon dioxide levels on the earth. The forested area extends across several African countries. In fact, it is one of the most vulnerable wilderness areas on the planet. The rainforest is home to gorillas, elephants, buffalo, and many other species of savannahs, forests, and swamps.

Scientists predict that a significant number of plant and animal species will disappear by 2040. That resulted from deforestation, illegal logging, and wildlife trafficking.

Sundarbans Mangrove Forest – India and Bangladesh

Located along the border between India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans are home to a variety of endangered species, from the rare tree-climbing fish to the world’s last population of mangrove-dwelling tigers. Unhappily, this World Biosphere Heritage site is increasingly threatened by toxic wastewater, industrial pollution, and heavy logging in the area.

Glacier National Park – USA

The park is located in the state of Montana, USA, near the Canadian border with beautiful glaciers between mountain peaks, waterfalls, forests, and hundreds of lakes. It is also home to elk, bears, and mountain goats.

There were more than 150 glaciers in the 19th century. Nevertheless, only 25 remain today. According to scientists, if the planet continues to warm at the current rate, all of them will disappear in just over 20 years.

Let’s Save Our Earth Before It’s Too Late

The article highlights some of the world’s most beautiful but endangered travel destinations. Thus, I call upon travelers to act sustainably by preserving the natural environment, supporting local communities, and taking action to protect the earth. Moreover, travelers must be aware of the negative impact they could have on these vulnerable areas and should adopt responsible travel practices to preserve them for future generations. By traveling sustainably, tourists can help preserve the planet’s natural beauty and ensure that these destinations remain untouched by human harm.