New7Wonders of Nature revealed
14th November 2011
The provisional New7Wonders of Nature were unveiled last week, ranging from the expansive Amazonian Rainforest to Table Mountain in South Africa
The New7Wonders Foundation announced the winning wonders last week. However, the results must be checked, validated and independently verified before the list is officially confirmed. The Switzerland-based foundation dubs itself as a 'global movement' to highlight the best, most beautiful and unmissable sites around the world. Future campaigns are planned and will highlight, among other things, the world's best cities.
But for now, here are the New7Wonders of Nature in alphabetical order as chosen by voters around the globe:
1. Amazon, South America
Encompassing over five million square kilometres, it is no wonder the Amazon made it onto the list. Spread across nine countries, the diverse and rich Amazon Rain Forest represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforest, and is thought to have the densest variety of species in the world, from sharp-toothed piranhas to colourful birds and buzzing insects.
2. Halong Bay, Vietnam
This unique bay in Quang Ninh province in Vietnam features thousands of limestone karsts and islands of various shapes and sizes. With an expansive 120km coastline and 1,969 islets, there is plenty to explore. Some of the islands feature enormous hollow caves, while others support floating villages. The blue waters surrounding the islands are home to 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks.
3. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
The magnificent, thrashing Iguazu Falls extend over 2,700m and are one of the world's largest waterfalls and are located on the border between the Brazillian state of Parana and the Argentine province of Misiones. Two subtropical National Parks surround the falls and are home to hundreds of rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
4. Jejudo Island, South Korea
This unique and picturesque volcanic island is located 130km from the southern coast of Korea. Its claims to fame are Hallsan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, and a dormant volcano rising 1950m above sea level.
5. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
This National Park is home to the legendary and somewhat frightening Komodo Dragon. It is composed of numerous volcanic islands, including Komodo, Rinca and Padar and covers 1,817 square kilometres. Founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo Dragon, its conservation efforts now include several marine animals.
6. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
This navigable subterranean river is located about 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines features major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as several large chambers. Winding over eight kilometres this underground river is reputed to be the longest in the world, and runs directly into the South China Sea.
7. Table Mountain, South Africa
A natural phenomenon, and a prominent landmark in Cape Town, South Africa. Its unique flat-topped peaks reach 1,086km above sea level and exert a powerful and charismatic pull. It has even warranted its own constellation of stars, named Mensa, meaning “the table”.
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