Stonehenge joins list of 'Threatened Wonders'

Photo by dannysullivan on flickr

The iconic British monument of Stonehenge has joined seven other worldwide destinations on a list of 'Threatened Wonders'.

The other destinations on the 2010 ‘critical list’, which is published by Wanderlust magazine, 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.

Lyn Hughes, editor-in-chief Wanderlust commented: “The Threatened Wonders List aims to draw attention to destinations that could be all but destroyed for future generations if something doesn’t change soon.”

The magazine blames bad planning, poor security and too many tourists as the main reasons the destinations have been chosen for the list and suggests ways in which visitors can travel to these areas responsibly.

“Some people may be surprised that Stonehenge is on the list, alongside the likes of Wadi Rum in Jordan and Machu Picchu in Peru. However this globally renowned monument, set as it is near the busy A303 and A344 junction, is brutally divorced from its context. Seeing it without its surrounding landscape is to only experience a fraction of this historical wonder. The fact that the Government and various planning bodies cannot agree on implementing a radical solution to this problem is a national disgrace.”

“Tourism can be a double edged sword for destinations. At the same time as supporting local communities, if things aren’t managed properly the negatives can soon outweigh the positives creating major environmental and cultural issues. We urge people to travel with care and responsibility as they embark on their explorations in 2010,” added Hughes.

Wanderlust's 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.

And the ones to visit… Wanderlust’s experts urge people to think about visiting the following in 2010:

Zimbabwe
Why visit – Thanks to President Mugabe, tourism in this once roaring safari destination has all but disappeared. However, improved political stability and the 30th anniversary of independence mean that 2010 is the year to return. Come and reward the world class guides and lodges that have stuck it out through the wilderness years.

North-East Thailand
Why visit – The credit crunch, Swine Flu and political unrest made 2009 a tough year for tourism in Thailand. The good news for 2010 is that the country tops value for money polls and the little visited North-East region of Isaan is the perfect place to escape the backpacker trail.

Madagascar
Why visit – Political strife has meant a lack of tourists to this African island, which has had grim consequences for the endemic wildlife, including the poaching of endangered lemurs for food and the temporary closure of Marojejy NP. 2010 is the year to support eco-tourism in the area, put money in the pockets of locals living adjacent to the reserves and help protect the wildlife.

This is the second year of the Threatened Wonders List. In 2009 the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, Venice, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Ranthambore NP, India, Kashgar, China and Zanzibar made the list.

Read the full feature at www.wanderlust.co.uk