By: Valentina Rodríguez Tamayo.
Diversity is possibly the most important feature of an ecosystem. The accelerated evolution of science, together with technology, raises a series of questions for the future. How to conserve ecosystems without affecting the economy? How to protect nature if technology involves us more every day? It must be recognized that to improve the environmental situation it is necessary to create new rules that help redefine development, whose objective is aligned with the protection of nature and natural heritage.
Natural heritage is defined as the manifestation of the wealth of countries. These natural areas have universal recognition by international organizations and are a gift from the earth to consolidate the identity of their populations, to value their roots and preserve biodiversity. , which is essential for the subsistence, well-being and health of human beings. These heritages bring great benefits to their inhabitants in the economic, cultural and spiritual sector in the sense that they identify with these ecosystems, seeing the reflection of their past, allowing them to value current wealth to build a better future, in addition to having important ecological principles. and significant natural environments.
When you have something of universal value, the interest lies in protecting and conserving it, not only material acquisitions, but also nature. We are in a period of time where the economy grows exponentially, and with it exploitation, pollution and environmental damage, this is why we see that the natural heritage has so much to offer, it is an area that contributes touristically and economically as it is protected and in Conservation areas are places that have great tourist attraction and capture the attention of people from anywhere in the world, becoming an economy of natural tourism. In total, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Latin America and the Caribbean currently has 136 properties declared as World Heritage and 8 of them are in danger.
In accordance with the above, a cultural change is necessary from man, his society and the higher forms of organization that allow the environment to be protected to continue preserving the 1,018 heritages of humanity and continue promoting the economic development of Latin America and the world. . Conserving the natural principles of human life is promoting sustainable development.