Gabonese Sanctuary Joins List of World Heritage Sites

Every year, UNESCO meets to determine the next round of places that will be added to the organization’s coveted list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To qualify, a place or structure must have great cultural, historical, and/or natural significance. Situated on the equator in northern Gabon, the 740,000-acre Ivindo National Park is now Gabon’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site. (The other is Lope Park, inscribed in 2007.) The national park features waterfalls and rapids, rainforests and rivers, and a huge population of diverse animals: think crocodiles, elephants, leopards, and gorillas.

SOURCE: CN TRAVELER