Exploring France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region
Throughout history, many of the world's most beloved landmarks have faced threats from development, neglect, or environmental damage. Thanks to impassioned protests, legal battles, and grassroots movements, these global treasures have been saved from destruction. These stories demonstrate the power of collective action in protecting cultural, historical, and natural sites.
As new challenges emerge, the unwavering dedication of individuals and communities continues to safeguard these irreplaceable landmarks for generations to come. Here are 14 iconic sites whose survival we owe to the power of the people. Click through the gallery to reveal them.
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Situated on the ancestral homelands of 11 Tribal Communities, this mile-deep canyon offers unparalleled vistas from its majestic north and south rims, showcasing a rich tapestry of geological history and cultural significance.
In the early 1900s, mining interests threatened this natural wonder. Persistent lobbying by environmentalists like Teddy Roosevelt and later activists ensured its designation as a national park in 1919, preserving its breathtaking vistas for future generations.
The Taj Mahal, meaning "Crown of the Palace," is a stunning ivory-white marble mausoleum on the Yamuna River's right bank in Agra, India. Built in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it was created as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and later became his final resting place as well.
By the late 19th century, the Taj Mahal had fallen into disrepair, prompting British Viceroy Lord Curzon to order a restoration completed in 1908. Mid-20th-century pollution and industrial threats led to strict environmental regulations to preserve its beauty. In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated as "the jewel of Islamic art in India and a universally admired masterpiece."
Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, about two miles (three kilometers) west of Amesbury. The monument, now in ruins, aligns with the sunrise at the summer solstice, and sunset at the winter solstice.
In the 20th century, plans to build roads near the ancient site sparked outrage, leading to protections to preserve this symbol of Britain’s prehistoric heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, Stonehenge now faces potential inclusion on the World Heritage in Danger list due to concerns over a proposed tunnel near the A303.
Route 66 officially began in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads launched the nation's first federal highway system, promoting it as "the shortest, best, and most scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles." It quickly became one of the most iconic roads in the US, celebrated in books, songs, movies, and television shows.
Decommissioned in the 1980s, America’s "Main Street" faced neglect. Community-led preservation initiatives turned the historic highway into a cultural landmark, revitalizing local economies and tourism.
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The 20th-century architectural masterpiece is renowned for its unique design, groundbreaking engineering, and technological innovation.
During its construction, budget overruns and fierce public opposition led to calls to abandon the project. Thanks to relentless support from creatives and architects, it was completed in 1973 and is now recognized as an icon of modern architecture.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Once abandoned, it remains a sacred icon and sanctuary of the Inca people, renowned for its hidden location amidst the Peruvian mountains.
Increased tourism in the 1980s led to erosion and structural damage. Conservationists pushed for stricter visitor limits and infrastructure changes, saving this UNESCO World Heritage Site from potential ruin.
The Amazon rainforest, also known as the Amazon jungle or Amazonia, covers much of northwestern Brazil and extends into Colombia, Peru, and other South American countries. As the world’s largest tropical rainforest, it spans territory across nine nations and includes 3,344 indigenous territories.
Legal campaigns and global protests helped secure protected areas in the Amazon, reducing deforestation rates (though new threats emerge regularly). The forest remains a critical ecological and cultural resource, playing a vital role in regulating the planet’s climate, preserving biodiversity, and supporting indigenous communities.
The Colosseum, an elliptical amphitheater in the heart of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum, is the largest ancient amphitheater ever constructed. Built between 70 CE and 80 CE under emperors Vespasian and Titus, it remains the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite the passage of time.
Rome’s ancient amphitheater suffered from neglect and looting after the fall of the Roman Empire. Modern conservation movements began in the 19th century, turning it into one of the world’s most protected archaeological sites.
Mount Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Qomolangma in Tibet, is the world's highest mountain, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
The mountain's ecosystems were imperiled by unchecked tourism and waste. Local Sherpa communities and environmental activists lobbied for stricter regulations, leading to cleanup campaigns and sustainable trekking initiatives.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue depicting a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. Positioned facing east from west, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Egypt. The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre.
The Sphinx, over 4,500 years old, endured centuries of neglect, erosion, and damage, including the destruction of its nose. Buried by shifting sands, it was rediscovered in the 19th century, revealing salt damage to its foundation. Modern conservation efforts have strengthened the monument, ensuring its safety, at least for now.
Located off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's seven natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, including many unique and endangered species.
Ongoing threats from climate change, industrial development, and pollution have sparked global environmental activism. Efforts have resulted in stricter protections, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef continues to face significant challenges, with its long-term survival at risk due to the persistent environmental pressures it faces.
The Eiffel Tower is a towering iron structure in Paris, France, originally built for the 1889 World's Fair to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Standing over 300 meters (980 feet) tall, it was once the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Initially disliked and considered an eyesore, the tower was slated for dismantling after the 1889 World’s Fair. Protests by artists and engineers highlighted its innovative design, ensuring its survival. Today, it is an iconic symbol of Paris and one of the most visited landmarks in the world.
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the Australian Outback. It is not only a natural wonder, but also a place of ancestral connection. The Indigenous Anangu people believe their ancestors shaped the landscape, leaving behind sacred sites and stories that continue to guide their traditions and cultural practices.
The sacred site was returned to the Indigenous Anangu custodians in 1985. After years of advocacy, a 2019 ban on climbing was implemented to honor and respect its spiritual significance to the Anangu people.
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, is crucial for its biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and geothermal features. It serves as a model for conservation, protecting species like bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Yellowstone Lake, one of North America's largest high-elevation lakes, sits atop the Yellowstone Caldera, the continent's largest supervolcano.
Yellowstone National Park was saved through public advocacy and legal action, led by figures like William Henry Jackson, Ferdinand V. Hayden, and John Muir. Their efforts highlighted the park's natural beauty, leading to its protection and the creation of the National Park Service in 1916. This ensured Yellowstone's preservation as a national treasure.
Sources: (Explore) (Love Exploring) (Listverse)
See also: Famous sites to see before they disappear from the Earth
Saved by the people: 14 iconic landmarks that almost disappeared
Beloved sites rescued from the brink of extinction
TRAVEL Preservation
Throughout history, many of the world's most beloved landmarks have faced threats from development, neglect, or environmental damage. Thanks to impassioned protests, legal battles, and grassroots movements, these global treasures have been saved from destruction. These stories demonstrate the power of collective action in protecting cultural, historical, and natural sites.
As new challenges emerge, the unwavering dedication of individuals and communities continues to safeguard these irreplaceable landmarks for generations to come. Here are 14 iconic sites whose survival we owe to the power of the people. Click through the gallery to reveal them.