conservation

1919What American landmark is widely regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?

The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona, stands as one of the planet’s Seven Natural Wonders, renowned for its immense size and incredible geological history carved by the Colorado River. Its striking landscape, stretching 277 miles long and over a mile deep, has fascinated visitors and scientists alike for generations. What makes the Grand Canyon truly unique is the discovery of marine fossils that are 1.2 billion years old within its walls—an astonishing clue to its ancient past. On February 26, 2026, the park commemorates 107 years as a protected national treasure, continuing to draw millions of awe-inspired visitors each year.

1982What is the International Day for Monuments and Sites?

The International Day for Monuments and Sites, first proposed by ICOMOS in Hammamet, Tunisia, and officially adopted by UNESCO in Paris, marks an annual celebration of global cultural heritage every 18 April. Highlighting the importance of preserving historical sites and appreciating the diverse stories they tell, the day encourages reflection on our shared past and the need to protect monuments for future generations. In 2021, Canada joined the observance with a weeklong national conversation exploring heritage, diversity, and inclusion, echoing the day's theme of “Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures.” Among the monuments honored are the Grand Canyon, Old Town Lunenburg, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum—four of the 1,121 treasures on the UNESCO World Heritage List.