Why mont blanc can and must become a unesco world heritage site

Mont Blanc sits on the cross roads of Europe and it’s exceptional value and symbolism is in evidence to all. It’s rare qualities, its situation at the heart of Europe, and its position as Europe’s highest mountain give Mont Blanc a universal recognition. But, although Mont Blanc is the third most visited natural wonder on the world (behind the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls) it is the only one of the grand massifs of the seven continents which doesn’t benefit from UNESCO status. But why and what are these criteria?

The UNESCO convention for world heritage adopted in 1972 allowed for the designation of sites with an exceptional universal value: such as the pyramids in Egypt, the Galapagos Islands or Kilamanjaro. There are now 730 sites of which 144 are natural and 23 mixed (natural and cultural) in 125 different countries. 57 of these sites are mountains, or mountain ranges but Mont Blanc doesn’t feature.

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe with an altitude of 4807m. With new technologies the altitude of Mont Blanc can be accurately measured and its oscillations measured (between 4807m and 4811m). This constant fluctuation is due to the level of snow which accumulates on the rock summit (which is estimated to be 4780m) which is in turn dependant on precipitation and temperature. It is foreseeable that with global warming there will be an augmentation in precipitation and this will favour an elevation of Mont Blanc. The rise of the massif continues today at a rate of 1.5mm a year but is in competition with the forces of erosion.

Due to the fascination with which Mont Blanc captures the spirit and the imagination the massif has played a leading role in the birth and evolution of geology. Literature, natural history and the history of science converge when one talks about the rock structures of the massif. This interest in Mont Blanc started with Saussare in the 1700s who studied Mont Blanc as the key to understanding the formation of the Alps and all mountain chains. So the massif du Mont Blanc was and continues to be an object of scientific interest of the premier order, which has permitted the advancement of our knowledge of the Alps. A heritage which must be developed and conserved for the future.

The Mont Blanc Massif is also an important entity for flora and fauna. It is surrounded by deep valleys, has a very marked altitude range from 800-4807m and a large number of different and varied valleys. One can find all the animals symbolic of the Alps - royal eagles, marmottes, choucas, chamois - all of whom have developed and adapted very specifically to the alpine life and harsh winters. The region is also a botanical garden with a number of rare and protected plants with a richness in variety due as much from the variation in altitude as the various orientations of the massif, the chemical composition of the rock and the ancestral ways of man in the lower regions. The importance of several habitats: pine forests, rocks, meadows and moraines assure a good representation of species.

The glaciers of Mont Blanc cover a surface area of 170 square kilometres and is characterised by a great diversity of glacial forms - a nearly complete collection. The enormous accumulation zones at altitude form several currents of ice from the famous Mer de Glace (with over 5 million visitors per year the most visited glacier in the world) the second largest glacial complex in Europe after Aletsch, to hanging glaciers such as Le Tour or the long cascades of ice like Les Bossons - which starts practically at the top of Mont Blanc and culminates in the depths of the valley below (3400m of declivity, the largest in Europe). The aesthetic value and pedagogic quality of this range of glaciers merits them to be made a sanctuary for the benefit of all.

Mont Blanc’s 17000 hectares of snow and ice also make it a huge reserve and of water and humidity and a great barrier to global warming. Its deep glaciers and their steep angle enable them to be more resistant to global warming than others. The subtle interactions of orientation, slope, altitude, latitude, the amount of solar energy reflected and the rate of precipitation are the origin of a number of very different microclimates from one valley to another. This unique richness make Mont Blanc the ideal laboratory to study climate change. Indeed, one can see in just the last 50 years an elevation of 300m in the alpine ecosystems.

Mont Blanc represents both nature and culture and stands at the heart of an overpopulated Europe as a last great wilderness. With its full representation of habitats, its offers opportunities to study the adaptation of life at altitude - in different seasons and microclimates - to study the development of the Alps, and to learn the history of the Alps. One of the unique characteristics of the Mont Blanc massif is that while it represents a mountain wilderness it is very accessible. This is part of what gives it its charm and equally its vulnerability. And this is why it needs and merit’s the protection and recognition of UNESCO.

“Do we really need to save this type of condor? Not really…Apart from the fact that by saving the condor we will be able to save ourselves.” Conway MacMillan.

Cheap hotels in uk

Cheap Hotels in UK: Classes of Accommodations

Hotels and Guest Houses

You will find a significant difference in both price and facilities between hotels and guest houses in the UK. Hotels usually offer breakfasts, lunches, teas, dinners, a licensed bar and a range of services and facilities to suit individuals, families and often business groups. Country house hotels will often add recreational facilities in their grounds such as golf, tennis, swimming, health spas, gyms and attended play areas for children. Top league international hotels in London and major cities offer comprehensive amenities and services for business and holiday guests, and a choice of first class and luxury accommodation. Guest houses may not have bars or offer lunch or teas, but will have television and sitting lounges.

In England and Wales, the AA, RAC (the largest UK motoring organisations) and the English Tourist Council have come together to provide an overall star for hotels and diamond rating for guest accommodations, including bed and breakfast. Hotels have between one and five stars; guest accommodations between one and five diamonds. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodations are also graded regularly to provide a clear indication of the level of facilities you can expect.

Bed and Breakfast

Bed and breakfast accommodation, advertised by the famous 'B&B vacancies' sign, is mostly in private homes and the emphasis is on bedrooms rather than on facilities such as a bar or restaurant. They are often the least expensive form of guest accommodation although prices vary between those in the most popular holiday locations and those offering stopovers 'en route'.

Thousands of bed and breakfasts have been visited anonymously by tourist officers to be inspected for a diamond rating of between one and five stars. This is intended as a guide to the quality of accommodation and food on offer.

As private homes, including farmhouses and working farms, B&Bs tend to offer a very personal welcome, and an insight into British ways of life in different parts of the country. Breakfast is intended to fill you and will often include bacon, eggs, fried bread, tomatoes, even fried potatoes and local additions such as black pudding. Or you can enjoy a 'continental' breakfast: cereal, bread, toast, tea, coffee and juice.

Hostels

There are many hostels located all over England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Hostels vary in style and amenities but they offer bedrooms with between two and six beds for young people, families and groups. They usually provide substantial breakfasts and dinners at low prices and have communal kitchen facilities if you prefer to cater for yourself.

The main hostel organisations are the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) and Hostelling International Northern Ireland (HINI). You do not have to be a 'youth' to stay because there is no upper age limit (in Scotland the lower age limit is 5). But you do have to be a member of the YHA or SYHA, which involves paying a small annual membership fee. There are also a variety of independent hostels offering accommodation. Staying in hostels is traditionally popular with people pursuing backpacking, walking, cycling or generally exploring outdoor pursuits. But there are also hostels in many towns and cities, which enable members to enjoy good basic accommodation on a low budget.

Guidelines for finding a san francisco hotel

San Francisco hotels are one great place to seek out luxury as well as economical lodging. Wherever in the city you are going to stay, the most important thing that you should know is what is the best way to find the right hotel to stay at? For this, it is necessary that you do your homework, as doing so will make you have no problems finding the right San Francisco hotel at the right price and with the amenities you desire.

Prepare your budget initially, as to what kind of San Francisco hotel you want to stay in. Are you more concerned with luxury lodging that offers swimming pools, room service, and a fancy restaurant? Or are you more interested in a clean and affordable hotel that will just offer you a spot to crash at night after long full days of site seeing and enjoying the city? Once you have an answer to all those questions, you can search more efficiently for the right hotel for you and your vacation.

Internet is perhaps one of the best places to look for your San Francisco hotel. Go through travel websites, which are available in plenty. Look for San Francisco hotels that are recommended by the users. Or San Francisco hotels that are offering getaway packages through the website? You will also be able to search by amenities and prices so that you can narrow things down to the two or three you think might best give you what you want out of your trip.

In the next step, narrow down your San Francisco hotel selection to one or two places. Call the hotel’s front desk and find out if they are running any offers that are not necessarily listed on the website. You can also find out what are the places of interest near to the hotel. Moreover you can find out what services are offered by the San Francisco hotel by speaking to their staffs who can give you inside tips and advice about the area. In addition, you get a feel for the people who work there, which is vital when you are looking for a place to stay in a city with which you are not familiar.

Going on a vacation to any city can be a lot of fun and a great way to get a little rest and do a little relaxing. But at the same time you must remember that a planned trip can be provide lot of pleasure while an unplanned trip can make things bad. It can spoil the entire mood of the vacation. In order to avoid so and to make your trip pleasurable and memorable for times to come, the most important thing to take into consideration while planning is to figure out where you are going to stay. Finding the right San Francisco hotel is your first step in planning that San Francisco vacation. Internet offers most instant and handy information and extremely helps you in your search for San Francisco hotels.

Remember the steps to follow, first of all make sure you know the best two or three places for you. Then, make some phone calls and get more detailed information on the candidates you have found. Once you do that, you will be able to make the right decision on the best San Francisco hotel for your vacation getaway.

Cruising through a hurricane

Planning on a Caribbean destination in the late summer or autumn months? You are in luck! Cruise prices are at its lowest that time of the year. However, there is just one little problem: hurricane season!

Cruising all year long is becoming more popular in the Caribbean, so those brave souls who book during the height of hurricane season should be prepared for last minute changes or diversions in their cruise travel plans. Hurricane season is officially from June 1st to November 30th. However, Mother Nature’s fury is often erratic depending on where you are traveling. For instance, mid to late August on through late September tend to be top times for storms on the East Coast of the United States as well as the Eastern Caribbean territories. Other areas of the Caribbean are more storm active in the latter part of the autumn season.

Theoretically, your chances of encountering a hurricane on your cruise are small. But, the likelihood is there, so a traveler must keep that in mind when booking a cruise. Be advised that certain destination ports in your cruise may be skipped because of storm risks. So, if you have your heart set on a certain Caribbean stop, perhaps the best recourse is for you to plan your cruise for a different time of year.

Safety is of utmost importance to cruise lines. After all, they want your repeat business! Their policy is to steer clear of any storms. Because of years of experience sailing in all types of weather, all cruise lines have emergency plans of action in place in the probability of encountering a storm. They also have sophisticated equipment to continually monitor the weather for any possible changes in the forecast.

Since cruise lines make it a point to steer clear of storms, sometimes the cruise ships have to divert to alternate ports of call. This usually happens when their regularly scheduled stops are threatened or bombarded by storms or hurricanes. One problem cruise ships can encounter is that the calmer ports of call may be full with not only the regularly scheduled ships but also other cruises also looking for a temporary safe haven from the storm. In this instance, your cruise ship will just continue to sail, diverting to calmer seas, sometimes adding a few days to your journey.

Unfortunately no refunds are given for any deviations to the cruise itinerary. Cruise lines have the discretion to switch ports of call. Be sure to read the microscopic print in your cruise agreement and paperwork. If you feel that you don’t want anything left to chance, you can always buy an insurance policy for your travels that covers interruptions due to weather conditions. Find out what all the fine print means on that policy before you set sail though!

So what happens if a hurricane shifts suddenly? Your cruise ship can often elude the storm simply because of its speed. However, that does not mean you won’t experience any turbulent seas. You can bet that the ship’s infirmary will be bombarded with travelers seeking seasickness medications!

Basically, when traveling during hurricane season, you have to be flexible. Plan a few extra days of being gone, just in case. Keep track of the weather starting a week or two before you set sail. Pack your Dramamine or whatever seasickness remedies you prefer. Most of all have fun and go with the flow.

Memories of canada

Back in 2003, I had cause to make several visits to Canada, mainly to the eastern side, including Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec. Since the visits, I have a desire to make the move across the Atlantic and start a new life there.

As a boy, my memories of growing up in the UK are of hot summers and cold winters. Something that seems to have changed beyond all recognition now. Perhaps it is a distorted memory, or at least the memory of a child, but the thought of going back to seasons that you have been brought up with, seems really appealing.

Although the winters I remember as a child seemed cold, they are nothing compared to the winters experienced by the Canadians. The times I spent in Canada were mostly during the winter and it was incredibly cold. Living in the UK, especially England, brings the same old problem each and every year. One cold snap and the whole country grinds to a halt. Although the conditions in Canada seem inhospitable compared to that of the UK, they seem to cope far better than we do. It also is far more appealing than that of the UK, especially with the Christmas Card scenes that are around every corner, thanks to the snow.

In stark contrast to the winter, the summers in Canada seem really hot. Perhaps there is no middle ground. Just winter and summer? That is what appeals to me most about Canada. Well, that, the people and the ability to breathe. I am not talking about breathing in a literal manner, more a manner of space to breathe. The UK is not one of the biggest places on Earth and space is becoming more and more limited. Take London for example. There is less and less space to live and people are crammed into flats and apartments the size of shoe boxes, just for the luxury of living in London. Sure, London is a great city, but the thought of having the room to breathe seems truly appealing.

This year I hope to go back to Canada and experience the openness of the country and of the people there. In all the visits I made there, I found the Canadians to be pleasant and very polite. That is such a nice thing to experience in today's "no time for anyone" society we live in. One thing that sticks in my mind about the Canadians, is the fact they are so proud to be Canadian. In my opinion it is justified and I can't wait to make the hop across the Atlantic and experience some more of that Canadian hospitality.

For any Canadians who visit this site, I would love to publish any thoughts you have about Canada and what is like to live there. Not only for me, but for anyone else who is looking at moving there.

For visitors kiev apartments provide an affordable alternative to hotels

If you're planning a trip to Kiev, consider going the nontraditional route and rent a Kiev apartment instead of a hotel accommodation. There are a number of advantages to Kiev apartments, including privacy, roominess, and kitchen facilities. In addition, by staying in Kiev apartments you have the opportunity to meet more of the city's citizens and experience more of the local culture, both of which can add to your vacation experience or business trip.

Why Kiev?

Kiev (also known as Kyiv), is the capital of Ukraine, and is situated on the Dnieper River. With close to three million residents, Kiev is the largest city in the Ukraine, and has all of the amenities of any major city. Although the winter months are quite cold, the summer months are mild, with an average temperature in the mid-70s.

Because the city of Kiev cultivates tourism, visitors are able to easily get around to see the wondrous sites of this cultural center. The Kiev Metro subway system allows tourists to easily get to and from major attractions, and the trolley buses and trams afford an above ground view of the city.

Kiev is steeped in history, and visitors can enjoy the architecture of the St. Michael's Cathedral, the St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Andrew's Church, the Zoloti Vorota, and, of course, the monument to Michael the Archangel in Independence Square. No visit to Kiev would be complete without a trip to St. Vladimir Hill to see the Prince Vladimir Monument, a huge bronze statue, or to the Monastery of the Kiev Caves, an underground monastery.

For those with a cultural bent, Kiev is home to a wide variety of theaters, orchestras, and museums. From the Kiev Opera House and the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater to the National Museum of Russian Art and the Kiev Circus, the city truly has something for everyone.

Kiev is also known for its trees and lush vegetation, so a trip to the Kiev Botanical Gardens should be on every visitor's itinerary. The Central Botanical Garden boasts 13,000 varieties of trees and plants, while the A. V. Fomin Botanical Gardens are home to many rare species of flora.

Finding Kiev Apartments

Kiev apartments offer a number of advantages over hotel accommodations, but how do you find them? There are online sources that allow you to search for apartments in Kiev on the basis of location, size, class, and price. You can even choose the amenities you desire, from basic air conditioning to a washing machine or Jacuzzi.

It's best to select Kiev apartments that are near the center of the city, so that you'll be in walking distance of theaters, shops, subway stations, restaurants, and historical sites. Be sure that the apartment you rent comes fully equipped with bedding, blankets, towels, soap, and so forth.

When selecting a company from which to rent an apartment, you should also consider the other services they offer. For example, it's helpful if the company can provide airport transportation, interpreter services, and tour guides or planned excursions.

Condotel investments in the philippines. lancaster suites blogs

Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director of PLC Global an internet based sales and marketing company and lead marketing partners with Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, recently announced the company has acquired by purchase an additional 27 units in its Lancaster Cebu Condotel adding another 75M pesos to its project inventory and expansion. This brings the number of properties held in the development to 75 suites with another 120 units to be added before year end for Condo Hotel rental operations.

Property is all about LOCATION said Collingz. Mactan, Cebu, provides one with both the laid back pace of provincial living, as well as prerequisites of the urban dweller. Schools, hospitals, restaurants, shopping malls, and leisure are all found on the island itself.

Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences, located a mere 3 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, provides you with easy access to all the essentials of urban living. This ideal location will complement the Condotel operation since Lancaster Cebu will function as a condominium hotel a preferred accommodation choice of businessmen and holiday travelers alike. Clients can either purchase Condotel Suites for investment purposes or lease the units on weekly, monthly or yearly basis. We have Fully Furnished Executive Studio Suite and Two-Bedroom Suites available at Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences at Pre-Increase Prices that will be Ready For Occupancy from September 2007 at the current price said Collingz.

Fully furnished Studio Suites are priced at - Pph-2,753,924.06 and may be purchased with initial Reservation Fee - Pph-100,000.00 Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of - Pph-110,580.17 [Tax Inclusive]. Alternatively Save - Pph-106,156.96 by making Reservation [-Pph-100,000.00] then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of - Pph-955,412.70 with resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments - Pph-66,348.10. Another option, Pay Cash and take 10% discount [Save - Pph-275,392.40] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and the Cash Balance within 30 days [-Pph-2,378,531.66] for an Effective Total Cash Price of - Pph-2,478,531.66. This Suite many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance with 15% Down Payment.

Whilst, fully furnished 2 BR Loft Type Suites are priced at - Pph-5,467,004.14 and may also be purchased with an initial Reservation Fee of only - Pph-100,000.00 with the Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of - Pph-223,625.18 Tax Inclusive. Alternatively Save - Pph-214,680.16 by making the Reservation - Pph-100,000.00 then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of - Pph-1,932,121.50 and resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments Pph-134,175.10. Another option, Pay Cash take 10% discount [Save - Pph-546,700.41] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and Balance within 30 days [-Pph-4,820,303.73] for an Effective Total Cash Price of - Pph-4,920,303.73. These Two Bedroom Fully Furnished Suites many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance Available with 15% Down Payment.

Collingz said Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences is also offering Studio and 2-Bedroom Fully Furnished Ready for Occupancy Suites on daily, weekly, monthly or yearly lease rental terms. Whilst some renovation works are still ongoing within the complex, unit rentals are now available to guests at ‘Special Promo Rates’.

Cebu City is the acknowledged gateway and Queen City of the South. Cebu is the most important trading and commercial hub outside of Metro Manila. Mactan Cebu International Airport assures the arrival of a steady stream of international flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There are also chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, Kansai, Nagoya and Kiaoshung that arrive on a weekly basis. Cebu is identified by Asiaweek and Conde Nast Traveller as one of Asia’s Best Cities.

Las vegas how to ensure your vacation is full of adventure and kicks

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Las Vegas was for a long time the adults playground. Las Vegas was and is the gambling and drinking capitol of the world, and it was just about as Wild West as you could get in the twentieth century. But in the last 20 years Las Vegas has changed into a large amusement park for the whole family. There is such a wide variety of things to do inside and outside of Las Vegas apart from gambling, that it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to see some of the beautiful sites around the area.

1) Think location. A hotel that is located directly on the strip will end up being much higher in price than a hotel just off the strip. Really, glamour is nice, but saving a couple of extra hundred dollars in the long run will allow you the opportunity to do some great things that had not been originally accounted for.

2) Outside of Las Vegas are some very nice deserts and mountains. Easy to get to and very close, it is nice to take a break from the gambling and partying to get out and visit a bit of nature. Finding a hotel that is close to the Strip but also close to all the nature reserves is a big bonus when you are not having a good time at the casino tables.

3) Las Vegas is huge, and continues to grow, so trying to visit an amusement park on the outskirts from the Strip, may tend to be a bit difficult, so try to aim to be a little farther from all the traffic if you are not just gambling and are doing other fun things.

4) When searching for a place to stay in Las Vegas, you will find that in just about any direction there will be hotels in which to stay, offering a drive of less than 10 minutes to the Strip plus there is free parking at most casinos on the Strip for when you are going to gamble.

5) Think Entertainment! Check out the available shows during the time you are in Vegas. If you are lucky, you might get to see some of the greatest entertainers such as Jay Leno, Edwin Murphy, Sting, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Jeniffer Lopez, Shakira, Madonna and many many more for just a few dollars. Sometimes, you might get a ticket dirt-cheap if you only look around and ask. Since Vegas is relatively small, its worth your while to check out not just the shows that your hotel (however grand it is!) is planning for its customers, but also to check out those offered by the rest of the hotels in Las Vegas.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Las Vegas. If you are traveling with the family, you will want to remember that Las Vegas and Nevada offer excellent hotels and casinos as well as some of the most undisturbed wildlife and nature reserves and fantastic camping in the area.

If you wish to find out more about the casinos in Las Vegas or the entertainment and different adventures you could take part in, go to gambling-portal. com for detailed reviews, explanations and hot tips.