Ogasawara Islands (Japan)

South of Tokyo, this archipelago of over 30 islands is often called the “Galapagos of the Orient” because of its diverse ecosystems, landscapes and native species. Since the islands have never been near a continent, the native flora and fauna have developed through unique evolutionary processes. Along with over 440 documented native plant taxa, the Ogasawara Islands are home to close to 200 endangered bird species, numerous types of fish and coral, and the Bonin Flying Fox, a bat that’s in danger of extinction. Only two of the islands are inhabited, with about 2,440 residents in total.

Set in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley region, the area around three inter-connected shallow lakes—Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita—is home to a stunning arena of bird and mammal life. Great Rift Valley is considered the most important foraging site in the world for the lesser flamingo (the smallest species of flamingo at 3 feet tall)—countless of which can be spotted there—and it’s also a top nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. Black rhino, lions, Rothschild’s giraffe, greater kudu and cheetahs quench their thirst at the lakes.

It’s easy to see why this lake, surrounded by hills on three sides, has been inspiring poets, artists and scholars since the 9th century. Peaceful and picturesque, the area is dotted with causeways and artificial islands, as well as man-made beauties like temples, pavilions and pagodas. Over the years, the West Lake cultural landscape has influenced garden design in China, Japan, and Korea.

It may not be the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but its influence has been no less notable. Comprised of nine gardens that date back to different periods since the 6th century BC, its sites are prime examples of the diversity of Persian garden designs, which traditionally paid homage to Eden and the four Zoroastrian elements (earth, water, sky, plants). Dotted with historic pavilions and walls, as well as sophisticated irrigation systems, the gardens have inspired garden design as far away as India and Spain.

Together making up over 1160 square miles of south-central France, the Causses and the Cévennes regions are notable examples of the working relationship between man and nature—places where agricultural activities, like non-intensive sheep farming, help contribute to the preservation of the land. Within the site you’ll find the beautiful Cévennes National Park, as well as villages and stone farmhouses on the terraces of the Causses. Mont Lozère, the highest point in Cévennes, is one of the last places in the world where they practice summer transhumance, during which shepherds move along with their stock to higher pastures for the whole season.

This 1,930 square mile delta shaped by the arms of three rivers gives us key insight into both natural and human history. Over 200 islets and islands dot the Saloum Delta, along with dry and mangrove forests and marine habitats for the rich fish and shellfish life. The area is also home to 218 human-made shellfish mounds, some several hundred meters long. Burial sites on 28 of the mounds have yielded important artifacts that speak of the history of human residence along this part of the West African coast.

Farmers throughout history came up with ingenious ways to work the land.

This landscape is located on the majestic mountain range that lies off of the northwestern coast of the Spanish island of Majorca. Because of the area’s sheer-sided peaks and scant resources, farmers throughout history have had to come up with ingenious ways to work the land. Now, after thousands of years of agriculture, the area has unique water management and transport networks, agricultural terraces, connected water mills and dry stone structures in its villages—making it both naturally and culturally notable.

Within Ethiopia’s Konso highlands you’ll find original living traditions that date back more than 400 years.

Within the stone walled terraces and fortified settlements of Ethiopia’s Konso highlands you’ll find original living traditions that date back to more than 400 years. Over 21 generations, inhabitants have adapted to the dry, hostile environment by creating special social systems, engineering techniques and craft works—including wooden statues grouped to represent noteworthy residents and heroic events. The statues are amazing standing remnants of funerary traditions that are in danger of disappearing.