Overtourism, climate, change, and war have not been kind to the wonders of the world. From iconic landmarks to entire countries in danger of disappearing, we live in a unique time and have an unprecedented level of responsibility to protect our history and planet.
When traveling, it is crucial to understand the impact you may have on the sites you visit. Here are some destinations that are in danger of collapse.
1. Mount Everest (And Its Nearby Villages), Nepal
Tourism has damaged Mount Everest. Visitors generate eight kilos of waste each, leaving oxygen canisters, tents, food containers, and human waste on the slopes. This historical site deserves better care. Meanwhile, earthquakes and landslides have wiped out nearby villages that climbers have previously stayed in before or after their journey.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Recently, the weather patterns in the area have been erratic, with prolonged droughts followed by heavy rains that now threaten the unique citadel. Besides, there has been a lot of damage caused by tourists through vandalism. The Incan city faces pressing issues with deforestation, the risk of landslides, uncontrolled urban development, and illegal access to the sanctuary.
3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Many historical sites have been ruined by tourism, but this one is particularly egregious. The area surrounding the pyramids differs from what visitors expect, with trash scattered everywhere and scammers looking to make a quick profit. Furthermore, there have been several instances of tourists being caught climbing the pyramids without permission.
4. Nazca Lines, Peru
The Nazca Lines are a collection of large designs that were etched into the ground’s surface between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. In 2018, a truck driver caused damage to the 2,000-year-old art when they ignored the warning signs and drove over the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Acropolis, Greece
Due to the massive influx of tourists arriving in Athens on cruise ships, strict new regulations have been implemented at the Acropolis, which is the most popular destination in the country. The number of daily visitors to the Acropolis has increased majorly since the outbreak of COVID-19, leading to chaotic scenes at the entrance of the historic site. As a result, the Greek government has taken measures to address the situation.
6. Iceland
Recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland have caused significant damage to trails, roads, and pipelines. The eruptions in 2023 and early 2024 have spewed bright orange molten rock from the Reykjanes peninsula, forcing the closure of Blue Lagoon, a luxury geothermal spa. To address sustainability and overtourism, Iceland has reinstated its tourism tax from 2024 and extended it to cruises.
7. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
The Leonardo DiCaprio-led film The Beach was filmed in Maya Bay, which has resulted in a surge of visitors and boats. Despite the positive impact on the local economy, this has significantly damaged the coral reef. To mitigate over-tourism, local legislators implemented restrictions to control the damage.
8. Palmyra, Syria
Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered significant damage to its cultural sites in 2015 when ISIS overran the city. The 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel was destroyed, and there is photo evidence that the Temple of Baalshamin was also destroyed. The 1,800-year-old Arch of Triumph was also demolished.
9. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, face pollution and habitat destruction due to waste and building construction. Many species have been forced to migrate, while some have even gone extinct. At the same time, trafficking of the islands’ unique species has severely threatened their existence.
10. Great Wall of China
As tourism continues to flourish, the Great Wall of China has become a popular destination for travelers worldwide. It has been observed that locals are in increasing competition for tourist dollars, which has led to overtourism and, thus, an alarming rise in graffiti.
11. Synagogue of Siena, Italy
The charming 18th-century synagogue, located in the picturesque city of Siena, Italy, suffered severe damage due to an earthquake in 2023. The historic building, which has been a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage for centuries, is now at risk of permanent loss.
12. Cycladic Islands, Greece
Three beautiful Cycladic islands, Sifnos, Serifos, and Folegandros, risk losing their unique character due to the uncontrolled development of tourist facilities. While tourism may drive economic growth, it also brings environmental, cultural, and social problems such as natural resource degradation, cultural and natural heritage damage, water scarcity, waste management issues, and socio-economic disparities.
13. Amberd Historical and Cultural Reserve, Armenia
Amberd is a historic reserve on Mount Aragats in Armenia. Weather conditions and vegetation have eroded the walls in such a way that it’s now a risk to visit. Additionally, the inward inclination of the walls puts immense pressure on them. Occasional tremors in the area put the reserve at a high risk for structural collapse.
14. Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya/Hatay Province, Turkey
The ancient Iron Gate of Antioch is situated amid Mount Starius and Mount Staurin and holds immense cultural significance. While there is no immediate danger of collapse, action is needed to safeguard and conserve the monument following an earthquake in February 2023.
15. The Tinmal Mosque, Morocco
In the previous year, Morocco faced a severe earthquake that resulted in over 5,500 injuries. According to UNESCO, several of the country’s World Heritage sites, including the Tinmal Mosque, were damaged. The historic structure, which dates back to the 12th century and is situated in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco, is famous for its Almohad architecture. Unfortunately, the earthquake reduced the mosque to ruins.
16. Lamanai, Belize
At Lamanai, an ancient Mayan city-state that dates back to 1500 B.C., researchers have identified over 700 Mayan structures. Nevertheless, the area and its environs, which are also renowned for their biodiversity, are threatened by deforestation. The World Monument Fund (WMF) contends that additional measures should be taken to ensure that tourism genuinely benefits local communities.
17. Abydos, Egypt
A significant historical site in Egypt that has been inhabited since approximately 3300 B.C., Abydos served as a burial ground for some of the earliest pharaohs of the country. Although there are priceless remnants of this ancient site, such as funerary monuments that are thousands of years old, there are growing concerns that urban and agricultural development in the surrounding region threatens the site’s preservation.
18. Hitis of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Intricately carved water fountains have been a part of the Kathmandu Valley’s physical and cultural landscape since the 6th century. These fountains, called “hitis,” are not just ornate cultural relics but essential survival tools, especially considering that approximately 20% of the region’s population lacks access to drinking water in their home. The WMF intends to restore a percentage of these traditional fountains to combat water scarcity in the Valley.
19. Nuri, Sudan
The pyramids that overlook the River Nile were constructed to serve the rulers of the ancient kingdom of Kush. Since the mid-7th century B.C., the area has been a final resting place for pharaohs. However, these valuable archaeological treasures are currently vulnerable to the elements. The wind-blown sand is gradually wearing away their exteriors, and a rising water table has encroached upon the underground burial chambers.
20. Teotihuacan, Mexico
At its peak, between 100 B.C. and A.D. 650, this ancient city was home to around 200,000 people. The city is distinguished by towering landmarks such as the Pyramid of the Moon, the intricate Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and the majestic Pyramid of the Sun. However, due to the encroachment of development on areas that could be of archaeological significance and increased tourism, the ancient structures have been slowly deteriorating.