Tourism is a double-edged sword. It makes an important contribution to the development of the global economy, while often damaging nature. Take, for example, Everest: the natural beauty and splendor of snow-capped peaks are slowly devoured by thousands of plastic and aluminum cans, mountains of paper, glass, clothes and even tents. And since the number of people who want to conquer Everest continues to grow, in the future only a huge pile of garbage can remain from the highest mountain in the world.
Fortunately, there are still places on Earth that can surprise you with their unspoiled beauty, fresh air and wildlife.
Here top 10 greenest and most environmentally friendly places in the worldselected according to various environmental ratings, including data from WHO and the Russian organization Green Patrol.
10. Ferradura Park, Brazil
It is worth driving a few kilometers from the center of Canela, and you will see 500 acres of pine forests in which there are many wild Capuchin monkeys, as well as azure jays, and funny coatis (they are ordinary noses).
The park is located on the top of the canyon, which stretches for 420 m, in the place where the Santa Cruz River is outlined in the form of a horseshoe. Because of this, Ferradura Park is also known as the “Horseshoe Park”.
The abundance of greenery, fresh air, and stunning views of the Arroyo Casador Falls are complemented by 4 tourist routes, 3 viewing platforms and infrastructure, including 8 barbecue grills, a playground and a snack bar.
9. Val d'Orcia, Italy
The next in the list of the most ecologically clean areas of the Earth is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greenest and most magnificent places in Europe. This beautiful valley is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region and boasts endless hills of perfect conical shape covered with sunflowers. Such charming landscapes have attracted the attention of countless artists (even since the Renaissance), as well as modern photographers who have made this valley famous throughout the world.
The best time to visit Val d'Orcia is from November to June, when there are not so many tourists and you can admire the vineyards for the famous Brunello wines, and groves of green olive trees adjacent to kilometers of golden wheat fields.
8. Goren region, Slovenia
The rural part of this region is without a doubt the greenest and cleanest part of the whole country. The Goren region is home to the stunning Julian Alps, which stretch from Italy to Slovenia.
The highest peak of the mountain range is Mount Triglav - it is also the Three-headed Mountain. She is depicted on the flag and coat of arms of Slovenia. According to legend, the goat Zlatorog lived on the top of the mountain, whose horns were made of pure gold.
The surroundings of Triglav, like the mountain itself, are part of the only one in the country
National park.
7. Shetland Islands, Scotland
Secluded and virgin beautiful Shetland Islands - perhaps the greenest part of the UK.
In total, the Shetland archipelago has about 300 islands, of which only 16 are inhabited. It is not surprising that the air there is clean and fresh, and nature is almost not spoiled by the human factor.
The preferred destination for ecotourism is the Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Anst Island. Beautiful coastal landscapes are complemented by the view of many birds nesting on the cliffs of the sea, and seals, which can easily be mistaken for stones until they begin to jump into the water. In total, more than one hundred thousand species of various birds live in the reserve.
And when you get tired of watching the bird world, you can visit the boat museum or the Muness Castle - one of the most fortified castles in Scotland.
If you want to visit one of the islands, keep in mind that even in summer it is not very hot - the temperature rarely rises above 21 degrees.
6. County Kerry, Ireland
Ireland is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world, and the county is its greenest place. Frequent precipitation and warm oceanic climate contribute to this.
Majestic mountain peaks covered with fog swamps, golden fields, moorlands, harsh sea cliffs and secluded coves - all this is in the county of Kerry. Visit this paradise of St. Patrick’s country and leprechauns if you want to enjoy all the charm of nature (and at the same time visit the famous Irish pubs), away from smog and city noise.
Here are the best National Parks of the country, including Killarney National Park, whose visitors admire the wild forest, where many foxes and deer live, green hills, lakes, a waterfall and convenient routes and paths.
5. Tambov region, Russia
In 2018, this region became the leader of the environmental rating compiled by the Green Patrol organization.
So if you miss the picturesque nature, fresh air and environmentally friendly products, then you can get all this without leaving the borders of Russia. For example, visiting the tourist complex “Russian Village”, which is located on the right bank of the Vorona River, where two zonal features are combined: steppes and northern forests. It offers horseback riding, fishing and hunting.
4. Altai, Russia
The most environmentally friendly region of Russia. The "green pharmacy" of the country, a place intended by Mother Nature herself for a relaxing holiday and escape from urbanization. And the second cleanest place in the Green Patrol ranking of 2018.
One of the most beautiful places in Altai is the Katunsky Reserve, which has the status of a biosphere. This is a specially protected area created to study and preserve the unique natural environment and ecosystems. On its territory there are a large number of lakes, glaciers, about 700 species of plants and 47 species of mammals. Getting to it is not very easy, which is an additional protection of the reserve from crowds of tourists.
3. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Clean air, high altitude and proximity to the driest desert in the world make this Chilean village one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. There are no noise pollution, or harmful industries that poison water and air.
Can not boast of San Pedro de Atacama and a lot of attractions. The main one is the white church of San Pedro, built in the 17th century. To the west of the village is the picturesque Moon Valley. And not far in the south is one of the oldest Chilean archaeological sites - the settlement of Tulor.
2. The Anau, New Zealand
Testing conducted by specialists of the World Health Organization showed that it is the most environmentally friendly city in the world.
The location of Te Anau at the entrance to the Fiordland National Park and the proximity to two of the country's most beautiful fjords (Milford Sound and Daubtfol Sound) makes it the base camp for backpackers.
The best time to visit one of the safest countries in the world is March or autumn, when the weather is mild and there are not as many tourists as in summer.
1. Lapland, Finland
The most environmentally friendly place in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The average content of dust microparticles in this region does not exceed 6 micrograms per cubic meter - this is the lowest indicator in the world.
And while you breathe fresh air, you can at the same time enjoy the magnificent view of the northern lights, or go skiing. Or combine all of these things at once.
Other places in Finland also do not suffer in terms of ecology. It is not for nothing that it is called the “country of a thousand lakes”, and the water in many lakes is so clean that it can be used for drinking and cooking, even without additional processing. For example, the huge Lake Pääyanne supplies Helsinki with water, entering the city through a 120-kilometer tunnel, punched in the granite rock mass. Drinking water straight from the tap is an object of national pride of the Finns and the envy of the inhabitants of other, less environmentally friendly countries.
