Tourism is a double-edged sword. It makes an important contribution to the development of the world economy, while often damaging the environment. Take Everest, for example: the natural beauty and splendor of the snow-capped peaks is slowly being devoured by thousands of plastic and aluminum cans, mountains of paper, glass, clothing and even tents. And since the number of those wishing to conquer Everest continues to grow, in the future from the highest mountain in the world only a huge pile of rubbish may remain.
Fortunately, there are still places on Earth that are able to surprise with their untouched beauty, fresh air and wild nature.
Here top 10 greenest and cleanest places in the world, selected according to various environmental ratings, including data from WHO and the Russian organization "Green Patrol".
10. Ferradura Park, Brazil
Just drive a few kilometers from the center of Canela, and you will have 500 acres of pine forests, which are home to many wild Capuchin monkeys, as well as azure jays and funny coati (aka common noses).
The park is located at the top of a 420 m long canyon where the Santa Cruz River is shaped like a horseshoe. Because of this, Ferradura Park is also known as Horseshoe Park.
An abundance of greenery, fresh air, as well as a stunning view of the Arroyo Casador Falls complement 4 hiking trails, 3 observation decks and an infrastructure that includes 8 BBQ grills, a playground and a snack bar.
9. Val d'Orcia, Italy
Next on the list of the cleanest areas on Earth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greenest and most lush places in Europe. This beautiful valley is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region and boasts endless, perfectly conical hills covered with sunflowers. Such enchanting landscapes have attracted the attention of countless artists (since the Renaissance) as well as contemporary photographers who have made this valley famous all over the world.
The best time to visit Val d'Orcia is from November to June, when there are few tourists and you can admire alone the vineyards for the famous Brunello wines, and groves of green olive trees adjacent to kilometers of golden wheat fields.
8. Gorenj region, Slovenia
The rural part of this region is without doubt the greenest and cleanest part of the whole country. The Gorenj 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 Three-headed Mountain. She is depicted both on the flag and on the coat of arms of Slovenia. According to legend, the goat Zlatororn lived on the top of the mountain, its 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 pristine, the Shetland Islands are 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 human factors.
The preferred destination for ecotourism is the Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Anst Island. The beautiful coastal landscapes are complemented by the many birds nesting on the sea cliffs and seals that can easily be mistaken for rocks before jumping into the water. In total, the reserve is home to more than one hundred thousand species of various birds.
And when you get tired of watching the bird world, you can visit the boat museum or Moines 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 particularly hot there - the temperature rarely rises above 21 degrees.
6. County Kerry, Ireland
Ireland is one of the greenest countries in the world, and the county is its greenest place. This is facilitated by frequent precipitation and a warm oceanic climate.
Majestic mountain peaks, fog-covered swamps, fields of gold, moorlands, rugged sea cliffs and secluded coves are all found in County Kerry. Visit this piece of paradise in the country of St. Patrick and the leprechauns if you want to enjoy all the beauty of nature (and visit the famous Irish pubs at the same time), away from the smog and city noise.
It is home to some of the country's finest National Parks, including Killarney National Park, where visitors admire fox and deer wild forests, lush green hills, lakes, a waterfall, and convenient trails and paths.
5. Tambov region, Russia
In 2018, this area became the leader in 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 Russia. For example, visiting the tourist complex "Russian Village", stretched out on the right bank of the Vorona River, where two zonal features are combined: steppes and northern forests. To services of holidaymakers horseback riding, fishing and hunting.
4. Altai, Russia
The most ecologically clean region of Russia. The "green pharmacy" of the country, a place designed by Mother Nature herself for a relaxing holiday and escape from urbanization. And the second place for the purity of nature in the rating of the "Green Patrol" in 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. It is not very easy to get there, which is an additional protection of the reserve from the 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, no harmful industries that poison water and air.
San Pedro de Atacama cannot boast of a large number 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 Lunnaya Valley. And not far in the south is one of the oldest Chilean archaeological sites - the settlement of Tulor.
2. Te Anau, New Zealand
Testing by experts from the World Health Organization found it to be the cleanest city in the world.
Te Anau's location at the gateway to Fiordland National Park and close proximity to two of the country's most beautiful fjords (Milford Sound and Doubtfall Sound) makes it a base camp for backpackers.
The best time to visit one of the safest countries in the world - 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 data of the World Health Organization (WHO).The average content of micro dust particles in this region does not exceed 6 micrograms per cubic meter - the lowest in the world.
In the meantime, while you breathe in the fresh air, you can also enjoy the magnificent views of the northern lights, or go skiing. Or combine all these matters at once.
Other places in Finland are also not affected ecologically. 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 Päijänne supplies water to Helsinki, entering the city through a 120-kilometer tunnel cut through the granite rock mass. Drinking water straight from the tap is a matter of national pride for the Finns and the envy of residents of other, less ecologically safe countries.